ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The Air Force provides Airmen with numerous programs and resources as a way of helping them maintain and improve their physical fitness.

One of those programs is "Better Body, Better Life," which is designed to assist participants in achieving a variety of fitness and nutritional goals.

"My job is to establish a healthy lifestyle for our Airmen," said Abby Olson, 28th Medical Group Health and Wellness Center dietitian. "Many health problems today can be easily prevented with a proper diet and nutrition plan."

During BBBL, Olson works with students to establish healthy eating habits conducive to their individual needs.

"I help Airmen learn the truth about nutrition and diet myths," said Olson. "I try to get people back to the science of it all - how the food breaks down in our bodies and how our body uses different foods as nutrients and energy."

Olson explained that there are many misconceptions about certain types of food. For example, she said many people believe carbohydrates are bad and that eating healthy is expensive.

"Portions have exploded, our eyes are bigger than our stomachs these days," said Olson. "The average burger, fries and soda meal has increased in size by nearly 110 percent since the 1950s."

One of the ways Olson suggests Airmen take control of their eating habits is with the use of MyPlate, an online program designed to help individuals adopt healthy eating habits.

"I encourage every Airman, no matter what physical state they are in, to attend Better Body Better Life," said Capt. Thomas Foley, 28th Bomb Wing chaplain. "I recently attended the class, and the knowledge I gained really helped me overcome some of my bad habits."

In addition to BBBL, the HAWC offers a wide variety of courses including the Balanced Nutrition, Be Well and Healthy Heart and Diabetes classes.

For more information about classes or to schedule a one-on-one consultation with a dietitian, call the HAWC at (605) 385-2349.