Exchange Resolves To Promote Healthy Lifestyles for 2015
DALLAS – For many, the dawning of a new year is a time to focus on health and fitness. In fact, nearly one-third of Americans who make new year’s resolutions focus on health and fitness, according to the Cooper Clinic. From low-calorie meals in the food court and Expresses to the latest workout gear in the Main Store, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is doing its part to ensure Soldiers, Airmen and their families have a healthy new year.
In the Main Store, military shoppers will find a broad selection of products to encourage a healthy lifestyle as part of the Exchange’s BE FIT program. BE FIT promotes a healthier body and mind through good-for-you products and services.
“Soldiers and Airmen must be mission-ready in body, mind and spirit,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange knows it’s crucial to provide the tools necessary to sustain a healthy, active lifestyle.”
Military shoppers who want a bite to eat without ruining their resolutions can turn to healthy options at the Exchange food court. In December, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen launched Exchange-exclusive salads. The new blackened chicken entrée salad, at 300 calories and only 14 grams of fat, includes a colorful medley of vegetables. A new smaller side salad also features the same vegetable medley but with only 25 calories and 0 grams of fat. Popeyes, which operates at 75 Exchange locations, also offers its Louisiana Live Well menu with 20 items, all 350 calories or less.
In 2014, the Exchange opened Boston Market locations at Fort Bliss and Fort Meade, giving service members and their families traditional, homestyle meals. Boston Market’s menu also offers more than 100 different meal combinations totaling 550 calories or less.
Subway, with nearly 200 Exchange locations, is the first fast-food restaurant to earn the American Heart Association heart check for heart-healthy meals, dishes out fresh fare, too. Subway Fresh Fit® choices are certified by the American Heart Association and include eight subs with 6 grams of fat or less.
When dining at one of the Exchange’s 175 Burger King locations, service members can take advantage of an online Build-a-Meal menu that reveals nutrition facts for various meal combinations. Burger King also allows diners to select a side salad instead of fries for the same price and offers 10 menu items less than 500 calories. The Exchange also operates 50 Pizza Huts and 75 Taco Bell locations, which offer a variety of resolution-worthy initiatives.
Military shoppers can also fill up on healthy choices at 330 Express locations. Snack Avenue offers fresh salads with less than 300 calories, chilled fruit cups and oatmeal. The Fresh Fruit program, which has been in operation for several years, offers bananas, apples, oranges and other options in Express locations. Exchange Expresses offer customers a wide array of meal replacement options such as PowerBar, Clif Bar, Quest and Kind Bars, all available in assorted flavors.
“Offering fresh, healthy snacks and meals in a convenient location helps Soldiers and Airmen make smart choices on the go,” Applegate said. “The Express makes it easy to grab a healthy snack and go.”
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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.
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Media Notes:
For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].