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Group works together to stay on road to a healthy lifestyle

  • Published
  • By Kimberly Woodruff
  • Staff Writer
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  In the basement of the 72nd Medical Group, there is a group of IT professionals working hard to stay healthy.

Their leader, Chief Information Officer Nanci Alexander, gives the credit to Glenn Lawson, a network specialist. Mr. Lawson wanted to get fit and Ms. Alexander partnered with him to help keep him motivated.

"I saw a number on the scale and decided I had to make some changes," said Mr. Lawson.

They started out going for walks along the Urban Greenway trail, then doing the Air Force Materiel Command challenges and office competitions. At first there were just a few people walking, finally everyone joined in.

"We have a great support system," said Ms. Alexander. "The time goes by quick when we're walking. We talk and get to learn about one another."

After losing 50 pounds a year and a half ago, Ms. Alexander now works to maintain her weight. Walking three times a week, she hasn't gained any back.

Ms. Alexander said attending classes such as the Better Body. Better Life. class at the Health and Wellness Center made a big difference for her.

Wendi Knowles, the nutrition program manager with 72nd Medical Group's Health Promotion, teaches the nutritional portion of BBBL. She has the students participate in one particular exercise that helped both Ms. Alexander and Mr. Lawson. 

"Most people have to work with 1,200 to 1,800 calories a day for weight loss and one full class is dedicated to eating out and meal planning," said Ms. Knowles. She gives each participant a calorie sheet from local fast food restaurants and they are required in class to put together a meal they would actually eat for under 500 calories (so they have some left in the day for breakfast, dinner and a snack), and they must include a drink.

Ms. Knowles said most people start out with the meal they usually get and are overwhelmed by the calories. Then they start to really look at the menus and come up with something much better, she said. 

"I encourage people to look at the calories and plan a meal for their top three restaurants so they always have something in mind when they go," said Ms. Knowles.

"I also stress the importance of looking things up before they go or at least in line so they don't overindulge without knowing it."

Ms. Knowles said most fast food places have the calorie information available and all the students use a fitness app to track calories and almost all of the fast food places are in the app. 

"It's all about accountability," said Ms. Alexander. "Wendi had us track what we ate and our exercise. She watches you and gives you tips."

Since the change in her diet, Ms. Alexander has gotten off blood pressure medication and hasn't been sick. She said she used to get sick with a cold at least a few times a year.

So, how did she do it?

"When I first started, I didn't want to bring my lunch every day," said Ms. Alexander. She did, though, and even bought a small scale to measure portions. She also started eating more salad. "I'm a believer in salad with everything because it helps fill you up," she said.

The office keeps healthier snacks available, and they only have donuts on special occasions. Also, Ms. Alexander said she doesn't drink soda at all. Instead, they brew iced tea in the office or drink water.

Mr. Lawson, who lost 28 pounds, said he's slacked off a bit, but he's getting back into the swing of things with Ms. Alexander's help.

"It just helps having a group," said Mr. Lawson. "At one point, we talked so much that everyone in the office was on a diet. Then during a health and wellness contest, the Airmen in the office formed a group to compete with us."

Mr. Lawson and Ms. Alexander are proof that having a workout buddy really does help -- they ranked really high in the contest.

Ms. Alexander said there are so many opportunities to get help.

"If you're fit and healthy, you're more productive," she said.