Aviation for Women is the flagship member publication of Women in Aviation International. Articles feature women who have made aviation history, professional development ideas, and current-topic articles.
Issue link: https://afwdigital.epubxp.com/i/694422
D id you know poor nutrition and fatigue are preva- lent causes of obesity in civilian pilots? Did you know stress is also a contributing factor? Did you know the number of civilian pilots with diabetes in the U.S. active pop- ulation rose from 2,768 to 10,806 over a 22-year period ac- cording to studies conducted by the FAA? Diabetes among pi- lots is cause for concern because research suggests diabetics using medication to regulate their hypoglycemic condition along with diabetics solely using diet to moderate their condi- tion were at greater risk for accidents than their healthy coun- terparts were. Undoubtedly, jet setting has its advantages—discovering new cities, countries, cultures, and cuisines. It also has its disadvantages. Excessive consumption of unhealthy foods and inactivity contribute to poor ftness that ultimately leads to poor health. Prevention is always the best so- lution where possible and fortunately your on-the-go lifestyle does not have to compromise your health. You will hear many people in ftness suggest that body composition results rely 80 percent on diet and 20 percent on exercise. I complete- ly disagree. Both are equally and independent- ly important. Exercise, nutrition, rest, and un- derstanding your genetics are all 100 percent necessary. Without all four, reaching the up- per limits of performance and body change is nearly impossible to achieve the bullseye— unlocking optimal performance. For those who travel constantly, fnding, reaching, and maintaining the bullseye is even harder. Below are a few tips to remove the guesswork so you can unlock optimal performance. Know Your Why Whatever your reasons for deciding to improve your ftness, the frst step of your journey takes place in your mind. Refect on your reasons for pursuing ftness. More importantly, be honest with yourself. Make a list of your top fve reasons in priority order—greatest to least (e.g. improve my health, have the energy to play with the kids/ grandkids, etc.) No reason is too small or too grand. These are your reasons. Eat Less Processed Food and Eliminate Sugary Beverages Gradually incorporate more whole foods into your diet. Opt for salads and other healthy greens, fresh fruits, and complex carbs such as oatmeal, whole grain rice, and lean proteins (e.g. chick- en, turkey, etc.). Today's world may be fast-paced and you may be constantly on the go, but that does not mean healthy choices are not available to you. When dining out, look for restaurants that offer you the opportunity to substitute certain options. For example, have a baked potato instead of french fries. The baked potato is a very healthy option; the toppings you add are not. Sub- stitute baked, grilled, broiled, or boiled options for deep- fried proteins. Skip the butter and peanut sauces on veg- gies and rice. by Candice McField Jet Setting Your Wa o Health 30 Aviation forWomen J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 1 6