The best approach to a healthful lifestyle is the “total diet”

  • Published
  • By the Health and Wellness Center
  • 14th Medical Operations Squadron
COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. --  March is National Nutrition Month, the perfect time to take a fresh look at the big picture.
The theme for National Nutrition Month 2008 is Nutrition: It's a Matter of Fact. The American Dietetic Association reminds consumers to focus on the total balance of foods they consume, rather than any one food or meal. 

"There are no good foods or bad foods and no magic bullet for maintaining a healthy weight," says Trudy Glusenkamp, the registered dietitian at the Health and Wellness Center. "The fact is it's the total diet that matters in living a healthy lifestyle." 

"No single food or meal makes or breaks a healthy diet. Your overall pattern of eating is the most important focus. A wide variety of foods can fit within this pattern, if consumed in moderation, in appropriate portions and combined with regular physical activity," says Glusenkamp. "No one food or type of food guarantees good health, just as no single food or type of food is necessarily detrimental to health," 

A registered dietitian can help someone look at their total diet and learn the balance and moderation needed for success, and can dispel the myths and legends that get in the way of healthful eating. 

"Splurging on cake and ice cream during a party isn't going to ruin a healthful eating plan," says Glusenkamp. "Pay attention to the portion of your treat and enjoy it in moderation, exercise a little longer the next day or plan ahead to save calories, like skipping your morning latte." 

The National Nutrition Month campaign reminds Americans of these "Top Ten Facts about Nutrition" from the Experts at the American Dietetic Association: 

1. Eating right doesn't have to be complicated. Use Mypyramid.gov to develop a personalized plan for lifelong health. 

2. The best nutrition advice is based on science. Before adopting any changes to your diet, be sure the information is based in scientific fact. 

3. Get your food and nutrition facts from the expert: a registered dietitian. RDs are uniquely qualified to translate the science of nutrition into reliable advice you can use every day. 

4. Balancing physical activity and a healthful diet is your best recipe for managing weight and promoting overall health and fitness. 

5. Think nutrient-rich rather than "good" or "bad" foods. The majority of your food choices should be packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients - and lower in calories. 

6. Look at the big picture: No single food or meal makes or breaks a healthful diet. Your total diet is the most important focus for healthful eating. 

7. Prepare, handle and store food properly to keep you and your family safe from food-borne illness. 

8. Don't fall prey to food myths and misinformation that may harm rather than benefit your health. 

9. Read food labels to get nutrition facts that help you make smart food choices quickly and easily. 

10. Find the healthy fats when making food choices. By choosing polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats, you can keep your saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol low. 

For more information, call Mrs. Glusenkamp at 434-2477.