Better Body, Better Life Published Dec. 3, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The Health and Wellness Center has teamed up with the McAdoo Sports and Fitness Center here to create the Better Body, Better Life program. This free, Air Force recommended weight loss program is available to Minot Airmen and their dependents. Composed of five modules, the five-week course educates participants on subjects like portion control, label reading, ordering food at restaurants, and grocery shopping. Each class is split between nutritional information and physical training with an exercise physiologist, targeting different parts of the body to compliment a healthy diet. "There is also a behavioral component, exploring the psychological side of why people eat what they do," said Kristy Hokenson, 5th Medical Group's HAWC registered dietician. Understanding what and why people eat what they do is the beginning of the battle for people trying to lose weight, she explained. The first component of the class is better nutrition, basic information regarding nutrient-dense food versus nutrient-empty. This section is followed by better choices - how much fat is in a given meal, and how to break it down into nutritional components, followed by discussion on carbohydrates, the good and the bad. "Carbs have a really bad rap," explained Hokensen. "In general, carbs are really important. They provide your body with energy, but we have a tendency to overeat." The tendency for people to overeat can be addressed in the fourth module, which is better planning. This section helps people create grocery shopping lists by applying information they've learned about nutrition. It also helps participants create better meal plans. Hokenson continued to explain how the final component of the program is the most important, which helps people continue to work towards better nutrition after they begin to plateau. "The final step teaches how to keep going," said Hokenson. "It explains how people can find the support they need to keep working and moving toward a better, healthier lifestyle." Diet and good nutrition are the key elements to weight loss, Hokenson said. She has seen the progress made throughout the five-week program, including improved energy and moods. "I've had people make incredible progress from week one to week five," Hokenson said. "In the end though, it really comes down to commitment." Educating Airmen and their families on the different ways and techniques to achieve healthier lifestyles is the ultimate goal of the Better Body, Better Life program. Armed with the tools to succeed, those who complete the class will be able to use the information in the future. "This is a lifestyle change," said Hokenson. "We want people to take this information and apply for years to come. We want to help people lose weight, but do it at a healthy rate and in a healthy way." To sign-up for the Better Body, Better Life program, visit the Fitness Center on base or call 723-2145.