CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
The U.S Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness program, known as H2F, is designed on the philosophy of People First. Going into the New Year, we recognize that fitness is more than any one element and getting stronger, fitter and faster means integrating physical training with sleep tactic, cognition, spiritual readiness and healthy food environments.
To help service members achieve holistic fitness, the West Virginia National Guard’s Dietitian and Nutritionist Shari Wright Pettit is available full-time for guidance, coaching, planning and support for leaders and members.
She shares the following for those of us resolved to up our health in 2025!
Let’s address the challenges many face regarding healthy eating. It’s a struggle for so many, and it starts with understanding a few critical questions.
- Why can’t I get my eating habits under control?
- What changes have occurred in our food system over the years?
- Why is it so difficult to know what to eat?
- Is it really just a lack of willpower?
Let’s tackle willpower first. If willpower was the real issue, then it would imply that everyone collectively lost theirs in the mid-1970s to early 1980s—the precise onset of the obesity epidemic. That doesn’t make much sense, does it?
Now, let’s examine our current food system. Food is no longer a simple result of farming in your backyard, getting eggs from your neighbor, or sourcing chicken from the local market. Nowadays, much of our food is manufactured, leading to significant changes in how we consume and how it’s metabolized.
Many foods are designed to require less chewing, which encourages overeating. Items like cheese puffs or Doritos provide high calories without the effort that a fresh apple demands, tricking our brains into wanting more while providing little nutrition.
Moreover, the smell of food has transformed. Today, food aromas are engineered, crafted to draw you in. Instead of nourishing scents, food now signals a craving for excess — it's no longer about sustenance but about enticing you to want "more."
The sounds of food also play a role. Think of the sound of a can of soda opening or the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies. These sounds are designed to pull you in.
Plus, the convenience of food today is overwhelming. It’s 11 p.m. and if you want food, it’s at your fingertips. With a few taps on your phone, you can indulge in late-night fast food. We’ve even transformed gas stations into full-service restaurants, but let’s be honest — they aren’t gourmet.
As we consume more ultra-processed foods, our brains respond differently. Over time, we may become addicted to these manufactured items, and as a result, real food — actual nourishment — just doesn’t spark the same excitement.
Eating “normal” food like asparagus is now a diet and can feel less appealing compared to the instant gratification of processed snacks. Again, today's dieting is simply eating FOOD.
This means choosing foods you can chew and skipping the ultra-processed products labeled “healthy” that have an array of bright colors and additives.
So, why is it so hard to know what to eat? The internet is filled with contradictory advice. Some bizarre claims suggest not drinking water — perhaps a specific type, but it’s confusing. Navigating through mixed messages from fitness influencers, doctors, journalists, and even friends can be daunting.
And deciphering food labels isn’t straightforward; there are reportedly over 60 different names for sugar, making it challenging to understand what’s in your food. Those are a few reasons why getting your eating under control is such a challenge.
The WVNG Dietitian webpage at www.wv.ng.mil/Programs-Benefits/ is undergoing a re-vamp this month. Make sure to check in weekly to see updates, get information and learn how to connect with Shari Wright Pettit and others interested in H2F.