We’ve all heard it said that one good decision leads to another. This is especially true when it comes to fostering healthy habits. When we take care of our bodies with good nutrition and physical fitness, it creates energy for our body, promotes endorphins, and produces a positive chain reaction of other healthy choices that follow.
Our Special Operations community is generally a health and fitness-conscious community, especially on the service member side. Physical fitness is expected and valued, and service members seek nutrition that helps their bodies perform to the best of its ability. Healthy living habits help families perform at their peak, as well.
By putting good, nutritious food into our bodies, we take care of ourselves in the most basic way. Eating quality food is a way to honor our bodies for what they do every day – getting us from one place to another, performing at work or school, taking care of our family, and allowing us to do the things we love to do. Without real, whole foods and balanced diets, our bodies cannot perform to their highest potential.
A shift to healthy eating can feel overwhelming if you aren’t used to eating that way, if you’ve fallen off the wagon, or if you have young children who love to eat convenient snacks. Preparing healthy meals is especially challenging during a deployment or training. Those convenient snacks and fast meals easily become a staple, but take a step toward a healthier direction by making one small change each week.
Start small – for example, scramble eggs and make whole wheat toast for breakfast instead of bowls of cereal or choose a big salad loaded with veggies, nuts, and protein for lunch. Possibly explore crockpot, instapot, or other slow-cooker meals that are simple to prepare but often fast and healthy options. If eating healthy alone or with small children is your struggle, establish a healthy pot-luck night with friends. One small, positive food-choice will contribute to a healthy foundation, and that accomplishment can propel you toward any goal you set for yourself.
For an easy starting place for ideas, tools, recipes, or information, visit: ChooseMyPlate.gov
For more Family and Kid-focused ideas, visit:
Mary Duffy
Mary Duffy is from Georgia. She has been an educator for over ten years, with classroom teaching in GA, NC, CO, and FL. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in English Education. In 2018, she received her Masters in Education from the University of Kansas. Mary and her husband have two children and have been part of the Special Operations community for ten
years.