A medley of nutrition served on the rocks, HAWC prepares Summer Smoothies Published June 4, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu 436th AW Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The first-ever Great Summer Smoothie Tasting Event is open to Dover Airmen from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25 at Patterson Dining Facility. The 436th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Health and Wellness Center will be sponsoring the event to help promote the Patterson Dining Facility's Nutritional Program. "It's always great to interact with our Airmen and share new, healthy ways of life-style changes with nutrition," said Kate Jennings, 436th AMDS HAWC Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Program Manager. "Airmen will be able to obtain many benefits from a smoothie - to include nutrients to replenish the body and it is an energy booster with a great taste. I'm excited about promoting new ways to eat healthier through free samples and information." The HAWC has teamed up with the Patterson Dining Facility to give a demonstration using a blender and variety of ingredients to make drinks as a meal option - for a simple and quick breakfast or as a healthy snack. "We're working with the HAWC to provide better nutritional variety to the customer by hosting informational events and demonstrations every quarter for the Patterson Dining Facility's Nutritional Program," said Master Sgt. Christopher Rogers, 436th Force Support Squadron Patterson Dining Facility Manager. The program is designed to meet the nutritional needs of Dover Airmen, according to Senior Airman Alycia Jordan, 436th FSS Patterson Dining Facility Accountant, who says she can attest to the importance of a healthy diet and exercise. "As a Physical Training Leader, I'm knowledgeable in the way nourishment affects our fitness and health. With the dining facility's nutritional program, we're looking to help Airmen to be better fit to fight through their diet," said Airman Jordan. The HAWC is promoting fresh fruits as a way to increase nutrient intake so they will be using fresh, locally grown produce, during the event which will show Airmen how to make different drinks by using a basic smoothie recipe and adding in berries, nuts or peanut butter. "Through this smoothie tasting event, our mission at the HAWC is to improve the health of our Airmen, 'one smoothie at a time,'" said Nancy Zabaga, 436th AMDS HAWC Health Education Program Manager. "We will use low-sugar yogurt in our smoothies to promote dairy products because the month of June is National Dairy Month," said Ms. Jennings. "Most of the health benefits of fruit are in the fiber and pulpy parts of the fruit, so added fiber is another bonus." In addition to tips on how to make a great-tasting smoothie, Ms. Jennings will include information on the calories, nutrient content and serving sizes of the smoothies.