National Nutrition Month promoted at Bandit Inn

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  As she spoons a dollop of lite whipped cream on a tiny caramel rice cake, and tops the treat off with a sliced strawberry, Kathi Murray, 28th Medical Operations Group health and wellness dietician, encourages every Airman passing her table to try one of her healthy snacks March 7 in the Bandit Inn.

"It's my goal to show healthy eating that's affordable and edible to the Airmen," Ms. Murray said, who has been a dietician for the past nine- and-a-half-years.

As the only dietician available at Ellsworth, Ms. Murray sees a great number of clients. Most of her clients are Airmen who are just now learning proper eating habits in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle while in the military. Ms. Murray sees National Nutrition Month as an opportunity to emphasize healthy eating among Airmen.

National Nutrition Month is observed in March by the Air Force, and is sponsored by the American Dietetic Association. It is geared toward all Americans as a reminder of the benefits that can come from adopting a healthier lifestyle, said Ms. Murray.

However, Ms. Murray believes the importance of healthy eating among Airmen is even more important.

"[Airmen] signed up for a lifestyle that, by definition, is extremely active," Ms. Murray said. "They need to uphold that standard with a proper diet."

Ms. Murray feels that displaying convenient, "affordable and delicious snacks" at the Bandit Inn is an excellent way for Airmen to observe that healthy eating is possible with their schedules and budgets.

Along with the caramel rice cakes with lite whipped cream, Ms. Murray's healthy snack display includes a fruit salad made with fresh red grapes, fresh red and green apples, canned mandarin oranges and a little bit of fruit punch served in a paper cup. Ms. Murray also showcased mini chocolate rice cake cookies, organic black bean tortilla chips with red pepper and garlic humus to dip the chips in. All items displayed are available at the local commissary.

Her display table also included pamphlets containing information on healthy eating habits that have been approved by the ADA.

"There's a lot of misinformation out about food and dieting, especially on the internet," Ms. Murray said. "It's important for Airmen to know that no food can make you lose weight; only diet and exercise can make you lose weight."

Among the Airmen dining at the Bandit Inn for lunch during the hours of her display was Airman 1st Class Alex Washburn, Air Force Financial Services Center technician.
"I try to eat healthily all the time but it's so hard," Airman Washburn said while reaching for cup of fruit salad.

The goal to portray easy, affordable and delicious healthy snacks is embodied in the snacks presented on the display table, said Ms. Murray.

Though the healthy snack display table in the Bandit Inn only lasted for two hours March 7, Ms. Murray will also have a similar display 1-3:00 p.m. March 15 in the commissary.