NMCSD Recognizes National Nutrition Month

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Harley Sarmiento | 210316-N-NH199-1050 SAN DIEGO (Mar. 16, 2021) Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Lisbeth Feliciano builds a salad at the salad bar in Naval Medical Center San Diego's (NMCSD) galley. NMCSD recognizes National Nutrition Month annually in March. This year’s theme is “Personalize Your Plate,” reminding people that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition and health. NMCSD's mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality healthcare services, and shape the future of military medicine through education, training, and research. NMCSD employs more than 6,000 active duty military personnel, civilians, and contractors in Southern California to provide patients withworld-class care anytime, anywhere. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Harley K. Sarmiento)  

CA, UNITED STATES

03.18.2021

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Harley Sarmiento 

Naval Medical Center San Diego

SAN DIEGO – Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) recognizes National Nutrition Month, which is held annually in March.
This year’s theme is “Personalize Your Plate,” reminding people that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition and health.
NMCSD’s galley helps patrons make healthy choices when it comes to meals.
“We have signs posted around the galley showing our green, yellow and red food options and explaining the plate method,” said Lt. Tya Rowe, NMCSD’s Nutrition Management Department division officer. “We also always have vegetarian options. We have color-coded menu selections everyday. Specifically, we have our salad bar with more than 8 toppings, and I always recommend the salad bar.”
The Navy’s Go for Green performormance chart breaks down each color. Green foods are high-performance food that fuels service members' minds and bodies. Yellow foods are moderate-performance foods that act as a less-effective fuel, and should only be consumed occasionally. Red foods are the least effective, and should be consumed rarely.
NMCSD’s galley not only provides breakfast and lunch for staff and visitors, but also provides meals for patients admitted to the hospital. NMCSD’s Nutrition Management Department provides options for patients tailored to their dietary needs.
“Admitted patients always have more than one option, and if they have dietary guidelines, we always make sure it’s met,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Aamon Abdalla. “Whether the patient has a health condition like diabetes or is on a liquid diet, we have options tailored for them.”
Naval Supply Systems Command has the Navy Go for Green procedures outlined and highlighted on their website. The Nutrition Management Department trains its staff and civilians working in the galley on the culinary procedures and methods, which allows them to answer any questions a patron may have.
“We always change and update our menu options to make sure we are diversifying our meals in an effort to boost morale and promote healthy eating,” said Abdalla.
The Navy provides Sailors with resources and educational material via Bureau of Naval Personnel Online for guidance on living a healthy lifestyle and weight management.
“Our menus go through a review board that consists of a minimum of two dietitians to ensure we meet federal guidelines, and provide our Sailors and staff with the best possible options to promote healthy eating,” said Rowe.
There are many food options on board NMCSD, but making the right decision to have a balanced meal can be beneficial.
NMCSD's mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality healthcare services, and shape the future of military medicine through education, training, and research. NMCSD employs more than 6,000 active duty military personnel, civilians, and contractors in Southern California to provide patients with world-class care anytime, anywhere.
Visit navy.mil or facebook.com/NMCSD for more information.

• Date Taken: 03.18.2021
• Date Posted: 03.26.2021 17:08
• Story ID: 391749
• Location: CA, US