Celebrate National Nutrition Month® with Dairy Delights! 🥛✨

March has arrived, and you know what that means—it’s time to raise a glass of cold, refreshing milk in honor of National Nutrition Month®! As they say, “milk it for all it’s worth!” This month-long initiative, brought to you by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, highlights how our meals can connect us to the people we love, our local farms, and—of course—our health. After all, who doesn’t love a good connection? Like a cheese that aged well, these relationships just get better with time!

Dairy: The Unsung Hero of Our Meals 🦸‍♂️🥛

Since 1980, the focus has been on educating us all about the importance of nutrition, and guess what? Dairy has got our backs! This year’s theme, “Food Connects Us,” perfectly aligns with the role dairy plays in family meals and cherished recipes. Whether it’s cozy casseroles or scrumptious smoothies, dairy offers a wide range of delicious and nutritious options to spice up our dining experience.

Fueling Health at Every Age

Did you know that the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend three servings of dairy every day? Yes, you heard that right—three servings! Monica Nyman, senior nutrition educator and registered dietitian with the St. Louis District Dairy Council, suggests, “Reach for low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese to hit those dairy goals.” But don’t just keep it udderly personal—share the wealth! Almost 90% of Americans are falling short on their dairy goals, which is a real moo-d killer. So, if you’re looking for a small yet impactful change to your eating habits, adding a splash of milk, a scoop of yogurt, or a slice of cheese is a great way to start. Dairy-tastic!

The Incredible Nutritional Benefits of Dairy

When it comes to dairy products, it’s not just about the creamy goodness—it’s all about the nutrients! Milk, yogurt, and cheese are fantastic sources of calcium, and you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that calcium is kind of a big deal. In fact, it’s a heavyweight champion in the fight against osteoporosis (a.k.a. weak bones). And the star of the show? Each 8-ounce glass of milk delivers 13 essential nutrients! Your body will be saying, “Thank you, dairy!” before you can say “Who moved my cheese?”

Best Buds in the Kitchen

Whether you’re whipping up a smoothie or cooking up a storm, dairy plays nicely with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and other proteins. Let’s be honest, though—most Americans just aren’t consuming enough calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and fiber. So why not partner up with dairy to cover all those bases? The next time you grab a bowl of cereal, consider splashing some milk on top and saying, "Let’s make this a duo!" Together, they can create meals that are good for both taste buds and tummies!

And let’s not forget about exercise! After a workout, chocolate milk is the perfect pairing for refueling. It’s not just a sweet treat; it’s hydrating and packed with just the right amount of carbohydrates and protein to have you feeling as strong as a bull!

Connecting Us to Local Farms

Each of those three servings of dairy per day isn’t just good for you; it also connects you to local dairy farmers and supports your community. Milk doesn’t just travel across the country; it often stays local since processing plants are near dairy farms. So, when you choose dairy products, you’re not just nourishing yourself; you’re boosting local economies and spreading the love.

Get Cheesy with Cottage Cheese Egg Bites! 🥚🧀

To celebrate National Nutrition Month®, why not whip up some delightful cheesy egg bites? These tasty morsels are not only protein-packed but are perfect for family breakfasts or meal prep for those on-the-go days. Trust us; they’ll keep you satisfied until your next meal!

Cottage Cheese Egg Bites Recipe:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6 (2 egg bites each)

Ingredients:

6 large eggs
1 cup cottage cheese
¼ cup milk
½ cup cheddar cheese
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
1 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
2 small tomatoes, seeded and diced

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Don’t forget to grease that muffin pan, unless you want your flavor bombs to stick like glue!
Throw your eggs, cottage cheese, milk, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper into a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Pour this eggy goodness into each cup of the muffin pan like you’re pouring out your heart to a cheese lover!
Add 1 tablespoon of spinach and 1 tablespoon of diced tomatoes to each muffin cup, making sure those veggies are snuggled under the egg mixture like they’re getting cozy in bed.
Bake for 25 minutes until the egg mixture is set. Serve warm and enjoy!

Stay Connected!

For more information on the health benefits of dairy, visit www.stldairycouncil.org or contact Monica Nyman at 309-681-4629 or mnyman@stldairycouncil.org. Don’t forget to follow the St. Louis District Dairy Council on Facebook and Instagram at STLDairyCouncil for more cheesy goodness!

This National Nutrition Month®, let’s celebrate by connecting with nutritious food, local farms, and the ones we love—one delightful bite at a time! What a grate way to nourish our bodies while treating them to some dairy-liciousness! 🧀🥳

Celebrating National Nutrition Month: The Role of Dairy in Healthy Eating