New Guidelines encourage 3 servings of Dairy each day!

This week the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the new 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). As a dairy producer I have been following this issue closely.  We produce a safe and wholesome product full of vital nutrients for consumers.  Milk has calcium for bones, protein for muscles, Vitamins A & D, as well as magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous.  We have always encouraged consumers to enjoy 3 daily servings of dairy and it turns out we were right on track!

 

Unfortunately Americans coming up short on their calcium consumption.  Currently, Americans are consuming about two dairy servings per day on average. Adding just one more serving of dairy each day can fill some of America’s major nutrient gaps. Very few foods deliver dairy’s powerhouse of nutrients in such an affordable, appealing and readily available way. 

• Have you tried a delicious chocolate milk after a hard workout?  Protein and calcium contained in milk help contribute to weight loss, while increasing lean muscle mass. 
• Try a drinkable yogurt for breakfast for a boost of dairy combined with probiotics for digestive health.
• How about a low fat mozzarella cheese stick for a quick but filling snack for mid-day?
• Just an 8 ounce glass of milk with your supper can help fill your 3rd serving each day!
• New changes in dairy products offer even more healthy options!
• Cheeses with lower sodium and fat levels.
• Flavored milk with less added sugar -- that can help Americans meet the 2010 DGA recommendations without compromising on taste!

· Curious for more information?  Check out the National Dairy Council's website for more information on the health benefits of dairy. 

Through NDC, dairy farmers have supported child nutrition research, education and communication in their communities and schools for nearly a century.  Dairy has been committed to children’s health for years.  In 2009 we launched a joint effort with the National Football League, called Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP60) , that aims to help improve children’s health by bringing healthy eating education and physical activities to more than 70,000 schools.  FUTP60 promotes good nutrition – including low-fat and fat-free dairy – and physical fitness in our nation’s schools to help defeat childhood obesity by allowing students to take the lead in choosing the changes they want to make, including access to healthier food and getting active with physical activity every day.  First Lady Michelle Obama has also signed on with this exciting program!

Looking for more information, please see the links below!

 

 Links to feature:

 

· Dairy Industry Joint Statement
www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-federal-dietary-guidelines-call-for-americans-to-increase-their-consumption-of-low-fat-and-fat-free-dairy-foods-114954924.html

 

· Federal Government DGA Info
http://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/

 

· USAToday.com: “New U.S. Diet Guidelines Urge Less Salt, More Dairy”
http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/diet-nutrition/story/2011/01/Guidelines-urge-Americans-to-clean-up-their-diets/43092924/1

 

We encourage you to follow the new National Dairy Council (NDC) Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/NtlDairyCouncil/following) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/home.php#!/nationaldairycouncil ) properties and share the latest news on dairy nutrients with your followers. You can also: