Since 2012, the Navy has designated March as Navy Nutrition Month in conjunction with the 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative. This month is a time to reflect on refocusing efforts to increase awareness about food nutrition, healthy eating habits and considering better food options.

According to the establishing NAVADMIN, the goal of Navy Nutrition Month is to increase awareness and transform food environments Navywide to facilitate and maintain better food and beverage options. Also better food choices enhance physical performance, and contribute to the Navy's efforts to achieve a fit and ready force.

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay's own Chris Schuff, a registered dietician, and Joanne Rex, a registered nurse, want to help Kings Bay service members make healthier changes to their diets and promote overall wellness.

"Without your health, you do not have anything," Rex said. "The goal is to help guide people to try and achieve the healthiest lifestyle that they can."

Both Rex and Schuff are located in the Health Promotions department at Kings Bay Fitness Center, and are there to help promote wellness. Schuff meets with patients referred by doctors to discuss dietary changes and goals, while Rex is there to promote overall health.

In accordance with Navy Nutrition Month, Rex says they plan to set up a booth at the commissary with diagrams, charts and examples of a nutritious lifestyle.

She also recommends participating in the program "Crews into Shape," a program designated by the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center.

"It usually lasts the whole month of March," Rex said. "The idea behind it is to get people to become a crew, which is a minimum of two people, and keep track of how many fruits and vegetables they eat. It also tracks how often they exercise."

Rex said she also recommends setting an appointment up for the Bodpod.

"The Bodpod tells people exactly what their body fat percentages are," Rex said. "It will also give them a resting metabolic rate."

For those who are seeking a lifestyle change for a healthier diet, Schuff gave this advice:

"Avoid the all-or-nothing and the fad diets," he said. "I encourage small steps to nutrition and health success. How can you improve what you're doing with what you have? Also, really know why you're making the change."

For any questions about nutrition or how you can better your dietary lifestyle, call the Kings Bay Fitness Center's Health Promotions department at 912-573-4237 or 912-573-8626.


For more news from Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga., visit www.navy.mil/.