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Do You Know Your Milk?

Your choice makes a difference

Did you know that ‘diets’ are still the #1 resolution year after year? In fact, the number of dieters has doubled in the past two years and search volume for ‘best diet’ is higher than ever. The problem is that most of these top trendy diets exclude entire food groups - making them hard to follow, unrealistic and frequently result in failure. In fact, most people can only stick with them for 18 days!

Many experts agree that eliminating nutrient-rich food groups, like dairy, may not only be unnecessary, it could also impact health, and that maintaining a balance between the food groups is the best way (for kids and adults!) to get nutrients, maintain weight, avoid chronic disease, reach fitness goals and achieve overall health.

One of the hottest debated food groups is dairy and there are new non-dairy options coming out every day. But it’s important to note that milk and non-dairy alternatives to milk are not created equal. In fact, these beverages differ greatly in five key areas: nutrition, ingredient list, added sugars, price and taste. Real milk – whether it’s lowfat, whole, lactose free or flavored – has nine essential nutrients including B vitamins, high quality protein, phosphorus, calcium and vitamin D.

Here are three reasons milk should be a staple in people’s diets:

  • Milk delivers natural, high-quality protein and good fats
    • Protein is crucial for building lean muscle and maintaining bone health, and it also helps keep you fuller longer. Dairy milk has as much as eight times more protein than almond and rice milks, most of which only have one gram of protein.
    • And, while milk contains saturated fat, there’s a growing body of evidence that suggests not all saturated fats are the same. In fact, whole milk may help raise “good” cholesterol and could be considered part of a healthy diet that’s also good for your heart.
    • In addition to delivering high-quality protein, milk provides eight other essential nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D. These are two of the four nutrients most Americans — including children — don’t get enough of in their diets.
  • Non-dairy options just don’t add up to real dairy milk
    • Few non-dairy milk alternatives can naturally match the full nutrient package found in real milk - It’s our number one food source of calcium, vitamin D and potassium.
    • Plus it’s simple with only 3 ingredients - milk and vitamins D and A. Many plant-based drinks have 10 or more added ingredients, including added sugars.
  • There are options for everyone:
    • From whole milk to fat free, lactose-free, organic and flavored, there is a milk for every moment, and new options becoming available everyday like shelf stable, new flavors and single-serves.

Have a deadline coming up? Here are some topics and resources to choose from!

Relaxing Moon Milk Recipes to Try Before Bed
A warmed-up milk infused with herbs and spices, moon milk has been touted as a simple, natural option for helping you snooze soundly. It can be garnished with edible flowers, spices, herbs or drizzle of honey.

Best Breakfasts to Feel Full All Morning Long
Enough protein in the morning can help start your day with energy and focus, plus it keeps you feeling fuller longer. And, experts recommend getting your protein from high-quality sources like milk and dairy products, eggs, fish and lean cuts of meat.

6 On-the-Go Nutritious Snacks That You and Your Kids Will Love
When making nutritious snack packs, consider different options from a variety of food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein choices, as well as milk and milk products. A well-balanced snack that is high in protein not only helps fuel your kids to power through their afternoon activities, it also helps kids get the vitamins and minerals their growing bodies need.

Encourage your kids to literally mess with their milk
Milk is nutritious and it’s in most every house in the country. Sure you can drink it, but did you know you can mess with their milk, too – all you need is stuff you already have around the house. And milk! Using common, household items, kids can make their own crazy custom flavored milk, homemade ice cream, swirling milk drinks…the fun is endless.

Spice Up Your Recipe Rotation With These Fall Favorites
The kitchen – full of love, sweet smells and baking sheets lined with yummy treats – has always been at the center of holiday memories. This year, share real moments with your own kids by involving them in fall fun. Begin your baking tradition by using real ingredients, like milk, and you’ll bring rich flavor to these six recipes:

Did You Know…
Milk’s nutrients have many benefits from post-workout recovery to hydration to helping celebrate life’s happiest moments. Check out these facts about milk that you might not already know below:

Please reach out to Dana at [email protected] with any questions.

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