5.06.2013

Dairy Good!

This past week, I had the privilege to attend an amazing conference with Midwest Dairy. I was able to connect with other dietitians looking to help our customers and patients with good wellness choices. We learned the importance of dairy in daily diets, learned about the farm to table process of milk and how to use social media in a powerful light to spread the message.

The dairy farmer works around the clock to ensure quality milk is produced. They do not get a vacation from this day-to-day operation. The treatment of the dairy cows really does influence milk production. If you are good to the ladies, they will be good to us!

I have such an appreciation for the dairy farmer. They have to watch so many different aspects of keeping the ladies healthy and happy. The Heins Family Dairy was so welcoming and ready to educate us on their daily production as well as show us nutrition, recycling of everything on the farm, milking, care of the animals in all stages of life and explanation of the 365 days a year of operation.

Some interesting facts:

-From the time the cows are milked to the store is 48 hours (super fresh)
-All milk is tested and tested again for many things, including antibiotics. No milk on the store shelves has antibiotics in it.
-Milk provides 9 essential nutrients including protein, calcium and potassium all for only $0.25 a glass (very inexpensive in comparison to other beverages)
-It would take you 3 cups of broccoli to get the same amount of calcium in 8 ounces of milk
-Milk is one of the only foods containing natural Vitamin D.
-Lactose Intolerant individuals have MANY dairy options they can consume (for real, ask me what products will work for you).

For more information, visit http://www.midwestdairy.com/

Pineapple-Mint Smoothie
Courtesy of Midwest Dairy

Servings: 2 Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

6 cubes of frozen crushed pineapple in juice* 2 cups fat-free milk 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint or basil

*Note: Use frozen crushed pineapple to chill and thicken your smoothie. Spoon contents of a 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple in juice into two ice cube trays and freeze at least 24 hours in advance of making smoothie.

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth. Serve in tall glasses or on-the-go drink container.

2 comments: