Be healthy and have your chocolate too

  • Published
  • By Ann Wilkins
  • Health and Wellness Center
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Imagine that you are just waking up after a restful night's sleep. Your first thought is to roll over and go back to sleep; you want to, but you know that you should get up, have breakfast and get moving.

Your life is the only one you have and there is no better time than now to make the changes that will put you on the road to a better you. Making gradual changes over time will drastically improve both quality of life and how long you live. So why not choose to commit yourself to a healthier lifestyle?

Nutrition is only one aspect of a healthy lifestyle, but committing to a diet of nutritious foods and appropriate portions to meet your caloric needs is a first step to a healthy life. By using moderation in food intake and exercising regularly you can achieve your fitness and weight goals.

The key to success is understanding what your body really needs. For most of us, it is the consistent consumption of delicious, nutritious and balanced meals and snacks frequently throughout the day to keep our metabolism going. That means at least three meals along with three snacks.

To maintain long-term results, it is important to enjoy and appreciate the changes that have been made by occasionally indulging in your favorite dessert. An occasional piece of chocolate or scoop of ice cream can keep you motivated and on track.

Of course, long-term lifestyle change requires dedication and commitment that only you can put forth. But you are not alone, there are people available to provide the support you need to become a healthier you.

To commemorate May as Women's Health Month May 20 at the Main Clinic, a health fair will be will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Health representatives from around the base will be there to help you with things including weight loss goals, techniques to building muscle definition, as well as medical representatives to answer any health questions you may have about annual tests such as mammograms, pap smears, and cholesterol checks.

Make the time for yourself and create an opportunity for change to live a longer and healthier life.

For more information about the Health Fair, call 275-2736.