Page 7 - mch0218_Magazine

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Base Dietitian ‘Slims Down’ Squadron Snack Bars

Although any base snack bar provides them, and that helps them to perform,”
countless benefits to those who use it, the Robinson said. “Just telling them to
Luke AFB, Ariz., squadron snack bars eat more fruits and vegetables or make
are ready to be “slimmed down” by the healthier food choices without support-
base dietitian. ing that type of environment doesn’t
Deborah Robinson, 56th Medical make those choices easier.”
Group dietician who is known around While finding healthier foods is not
the base as “Diet Deb,” knows the snack a difficult task, making sure they’re up
bars can be improved. “The Department to the taste standards of the people who
of Defense has a check sheet called the are eating them is a bit more challenging.
Military Nutrition Environmental Assess- Robinson has cooked up a solution by
ment Tool, which helps us to pinpoint hosting taste tests for various possible
nutritional challenges,” Robinson said. snack replacements at units who are
“One of the things we’ve identified that can considering the changes.
be improved is our squadron snack bars.” “We’ve done a survey with members
Robinson has been a constant resource to find out what their eating habits are,
at Luke AFB for servicemembers, fami- Deb Robinson, 56th Medical Group dietitian, at the how they use their snack bar and what
lies, and retirees seeking to gain important front of the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit’s snack things they are interested in having,”
dietary health consultation and advice. bar, Luke AFB, Ariz. Robinson, known on base Robinson said. “Then we did a taste
Now, her mission is to change the snack as “Diet Deb,” is running an initiative to change test incorporating healthier versions of
snack bars for units throughout the 56th Fighter
bars for major units at the installation Wing to be healthier without sacrificing taste. some of the items the Airmen asked for.”
to meet two goals: give Airmen more PHOTOS: SENIOR AIRMAN RIDGE SHAN, USAF One unit tested in January was the
nutritious foods and keep things tasty. 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit, whose
Airmen prepare and maintain F-35 Lightning II fighter jets.
CHANGING THE FOOD ENVIRONMENT “I think it’s a good idea,” said Staff Sgt. Joyce Casem,
“If we change the food environment, then people have the 62nd AMU weapons crew chief. “We had another taste test
convenience to select food that tastes good, that is good for the previous month, which gave us new snack foods, and now

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