Healthy diet key to healthier life Published Sept. 8, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Mareshah Haynes 16 SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla -- Working in a garage does not make you a car. Simply working-out in the gym does not make you fit. We've all heard the term 'fit to fight', we often forget we also need to eat to be fit as well. Luckily for Team Hurlburt, the staff at the health and wellness center is willing and able to provide the tools and information leading in the direction of a healthy life style. One of the first steps people can take toward bettering their eating habits is eating breakfast, said Sandra DeMezzo, a registered dietician at the HAWC. "Breakfast should be eaten within one - two hours of waking up to energize the body. It impacts brain functions and how you feel," said DeMezzo. "People who skip breakfast have a higher risk of eating unhealthy food in between meals." Maintaining a healthy weight and abdominal circumference is not just a requirement for the Air Force, but vital for healthy living. A large abdominal circumference can increase risk for heart disease, diabetes and back problems. Ms. DeMezzo recommends fully assessing eating habits and then changing one habit at a time so changes do not become overwhelming. As an example, eat fruit instead of junk foods at snack time. "Fruits can be eaten during the day instead of sweets and can act as a bridge between meals to prevent overeating," Ms. DeMezzo said. "Fruits and vegetables are also helpful in managing blood pressure, preventing cancer, weight management and energizing muscles." Below are a few tips to help incorporate fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet: - Add vegetables to omelets for a serving of vegetables first thing in the morning - Drink vegetable and fruit juices - Top sandwiches with vegetables - Prepare meals in advance to avoid making poor food choices - Buy vegetables that are ready to eat like bagged salads - Buy low-fat frozen meals and add more vegetables and a serving of fruit for a more complete meal For more information on healthful eating and exercise visit www.nhlbi.-nih.gov, www.mypyramidtracker-.gov or call the HAWC at 884-4292.