WBAMC offering health-conscious commissary tours

Article by: Capt. Michelle Stone, Executive Wellness Program, Department of Preventive Medicine; William Beaumont Army Medical Center

Beneficiaries have opportunities to tour the Fort Bliss Commissary with a registered dietitian.

William Beaumont Army Medical Center's Departments of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Care have collaborated to educate the military community on how to shop like nutrition experts. The monthly commissary tour is available to beneficiaries by appointment to groups of three or more.

The tour educates participants on healthy food choices, food budgeting, nutrition label reading, and weight management. Also provided are food recommendations for specific medical diagnoses or food allergies.

Participants are provided information that reviews a typical grocery store layout and provides examples of healthy grocery lists.

Experts recommend shoppers to spend most of their time shopping on the store perimeter. The perimeter contains most of the perishable, non-processed food items that aids in filling a plate with proper nutrition. Most aisles in grocery stores are typically stocked with processed foods that are high in added sugars, sodium or trans-fat.

The tour aligns with the Performance Triad nutrition goals of focusing on eating good-quality foods and whole foods to achieve optimal readiness and performance.

Eating healthy does not translate to a higher food cost. Skills and knowledge obtained from tours can help the military family eat healthier while remaining on budget.

"I didn't realize how much I didn't know until (WBAMC dietitians) taught me," said Lt. Col. Cynthia McLean, director, Executive Wellness Program, WBAMC. "The tour was truly an eye-opening experience and I recommend that everyone walk the aisles with (WBAMC dietitians)."

Dietitians are health promoters aiming to prevent chronic diseases through diet. Creating a healthy eating environment starts at the commissary.

"It's probably the most beneficial thing you can do for yourself and your family," said Capt. Thomas O'Neal, chief clinical dietetics, Nutrition Care Division, WBAMC. "You can see the foods on shelves and ask questions pertaining to your personal situation."

For more information contact the Nutrition Care Division at 915-742-3521.