National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month!

As a dairy farmer, I am proud to work everyday to 

produce milk, a food that  contains nutrients, including

 calcium, potassium, protein and phosphorus; plus,

 it's fortified with vitamins A and D.

It's the perfect month for learning a little more about

the true difference in the milk you find on your grocery shelf.

       Thanks to the National Dairy Council for providing this 

        comparative information and for their commitment since 

    1915 in taking a leading role in the fight against poor

         nutrition,  inactivity and obesity among our nation's youth.

 

Savor the Flavor

                           What flavors will you savor during National Nutrition Month?

National Nutrition Month strives to make us more aware

 of the importance of making informed food choices and developing 

sound eating and physical activity habits.

I'm planning to start  celebrating National Nutrition Month savoring the flavors of Mango-Curry Chicken Salad!  

It's a recipe developed by Chef Kevin Millonzi, Executive Chef/Owner of Restaurant PROV and Atomic Catering Providence for the National Dairy Council.

Mango-Curry Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups (1/2 inch pieces) grilled skinless,boneless chicken breasts

1/4 cup plain, nonfat yogurt

1 teaspoon curry

1/4 cup cubed mango

1 cup dried sweetened cranberries

1/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

1/3 cup Mozzarella, cut into small cubes

Directions:

Grill chicken breasts, cut into small pieces and set aside. In a medium bowl, blend yogurt and curry with a whisk and stir in chicken,mango,cranberries,walnuts and Mozzarella. Mix well and serve on lettuce leaves if desired.

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

With March being National Nutrition Month, it's only right that registered dietitians

 have their own day (March 11)  during the month!

Happy Registered Dietitian Day!

This group of dietitians visited our farm last year to find out how we produce safe,high-quality milk. 

Registered dietitians work in a variety of settings to provide nutritional information.

I'm thankful for the interest and educational training  registered dietitians have in helping clients of all ages in making nutritional choices that improve lifestyles ,boost health and especially for their efforts to reduce childhood obesity.

Dairy Celebrates National Nutrition Month

Since March is National Nutrition Month, it's the perfect time to focus on exploring new foods, flavors and as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states "Enjoy the task of eating right".  Eating right includes not only making informed food choices but developing sound eating habits and physical activity habits.

Dairy foods are a perfect fit for celebrating National Nutrition Month!


I'm planning a personal celebration by trying some tasty nutritious  recipes from  Dairy Makes Sense  that will expand my nutritional horizons. I'm living proof---you're never too old to improve my eating habits or try new recipes!


Roasted Asparagus with Chive Yogurt Ranch Dressing

Ingredients for dressing:

3/4 cup low-fat Greek style plain yogurt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
For asparagus:
1 1/2 pounds asparagus
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation:
In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder,pepper and salt. Slowly pour in buttermilk, whisking constantly. Mix in chives. For best results, make dressing ahead of time and let sit in refrigerator overnight.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Wash and break ends off of asparagus. On a baking sheet with a lip (like a jelly roll pan), place asparagus and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss until fully coated. cook for 10-12 minutes (depending on size of stalks). Let cool 5-10 minutes before serving.

For each serving, divide asparagus into six shallow bowls and pour 1/3 cup dressing  on top.

You can enjoy the taste of  eating right with dairy!

Registered Dieticians Rock!

Just a few weeks ago, I attended the Arkansas Farm Bureau Women's Conference in Little Rock. It's always great to see friends from across the state and share information and ideas that will help us in our mission to educate about agriculture. I'll have to admit I was proud to attend the workshop that was presented by  Midwest Dairy's registered dietician Ashley Anderson about the Fuel Up to Play 60 program that is funded by dairy farmers. Fuel Up to Play 60 empowers youth to be physically active and choose tasty nutrient-rich foods in the school environment.

Midwest Dairy employs several dieticians that work across the Midwest educating consumers about good nutrition and the benefits of dairy foods. As I listened to Ashley's presentation, I was reminded of the importance of the registered dietician's role to the success of the Fuel Up to Play 60 program. Registered dieticians are involved from the moment a school enrolls in the program educating and advising the adults and students as they make changes in school nutrition that will impact life-long nutrition and health habits. Providing this expertise to schools is one reason I believe the Fuel Up to Play 60 program will meet the objective to solve the childhood obesity crisis.

You can learn more about the Fuel Up to Play 60 program at http://www.fueluptoplay60.com/ or http://www.midwestdairy.com/. My heartfelt thanks to all of our registered dieticians in the Midwest and across the nation that are making a difference for our children's health.  Registered Dieticians--You Rock!

How Do You Get Your Plate in Shape?

National Nutrition Month is the perfect time to think about your overall health and well being and consider how to improve your food choices for better nutrition. Since the 1980's, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has been bringing recognition to nutrition in the month of March to improve the nation's health.

"Get Your Plate in Shape" this month with these tips (http://www.eatright.org/):

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
• Make at least half your grains whole
• Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk
• Vary your protein choices
• Cut back on sodium and empty calories from solid fats and added sugars
• Enjoy your food but eat less
• Be physically active your way

As a dairy farmer and dairymom, I take great pride in providing high-quality milk that plays an important role for good nutrition for children and adults. Families can choose from a variety of milk, cheese and yogurt products to meet their taste and nutritional goals. It's a fact: that together, milk,cheese, and yogurt play a critical role in providing nine essential nutrients, including calcium,magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, in addition to 48 percent daily value of protein.

You can find more information about ways to improve your plate and nutritious recipes at http://www.choosemyplate.gov/ or http://www.midwestdairy.com/.

National Nutrition Month

March is designated as National Nutrition Month. It's a great time to focus on eating a wide variety of colorful,nutrient rich foods, eating a hearty breakfast and take every opportunity to be more active outside. If you're like me and struggle with eating breakfast, here are some breakfast ideas you may want to try for your family or yourself:

• Get Moo-ving: Make a protein-packed breakfast shake by blending low-fat chocolate milk, a tablespoon of peanut butter,half a banana and some ice cubes. Or, make a smoothie with low fat yogurt, your favorite fresh or frozen fruit and a few ice cubes. Mix in a blender.


• Benedict Bagel: Layer a slice of ham,Swiss cheese and a poached egg on a toasted whole-wheat bagel for a protein packed breakfast.


• Breakfast Split: Skewer a medium banana, roll in your favorite flavored yogurt and then in whole grain cereal for a creamy,crunchy start to the day.

You can find more recipes and great information at http://www.dairymakessense.com/. Do you have a favorite breakfast to entice a non-breakfast lover? I'd love to hear from you!

Hope you have a dairy good day!