New dietician provides healthy eating plans

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Moody's Health and Wellness Center is now offering the free services of a professional whose goal is to help Airmen make healthy food choices.

Kayla Scherf, Moody's new dietician, spent much of her childhood struggling with weight, but is now in shape and hopes to pass on her knowledge about proper nutrition to those wanting to improve their body.

"Physical fitness just can't happen without healthy eating habits," said Ms. Scherf. "Making small changes in what you consume can lead to better physical performance.

"There's only so far you can cut your calories before it has negative effects," she said. "It's a much better idea to take in sufficient calories from healthy sources."

Although physical fitness is essential in improving the body, Ms. Scherf focuses on the other part--creating healthy, sustainable diet plans for individuals who approach her.

"During my time as a dietician, I've heard a few horror stories about other so-called 'nutritionists' who are advocating unbelievable plans, such as cutting out carbohydrates," she said. "I help individuals realize moderation is the best way to go. If you can occasionally have a piece of your favorite chocolate cake, you're more likely to continue making better choices daily."

One of her clients agrees a sensible eating plan will help her attain the body she wants.

"I decided to see the dietician in order to make sure my food intake is healthy and that I'm eating what I should to get to a healthier weight," said Katie Beck, wife of Airman 1st Class Matthew Beck, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron structural apprentice. "We went over my food journal and she not only showed me the good areas where I was doing fine, but also where I could improve."

During the initial interview with a client, Ms. Scherf creates a diet plan once she determines what areas a client could improve in.

"Ms. Scherf showed me what foods would fill me and benefit me the most," said Mrs. Beck. "As someone who runs several times a week, I need to have the proper nutrition so I can complete my workouts."

Even for physically inactive people, nutrition is still a major component of health later in life.

"There's a misconception that slim people are fit, but I've seen proof that's not true," said Ms. Scherf. "I have a skinny uncle who ate unhealthy foods when he was younger, including piles of chicken wings. Now that he's older, he's paying for poor eating habits with diabetes and high cholesterol."

From past observations of older patients with similar health problems, Ms. Scherf stresses the importance of prevention.

"I'm excited to be here because it's a place where people are still at a point where they can make better food choices before a problem occurs down the road," she emphasized. "Many of the today's top fatal diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, are preventable. By just making better food choices, you may be able to stop these unhealthy conditions from happening."

Base personnel seeking assistance with making better choices in their eating habits can contact Ms. Scherf at (229) 257-1443.