The Road to Being an RD: Super Drink

We've all seen the billboards and commercials with celebrities posing with a fresh milk mustache asking "Got Milk?", and we've all seen the advertisements asking if we have had our 3 servings of dairy today. But do you really know how great milk is for the body and our growing bones?? Sure it has 9 essential vitamins and minerals in just an 8 ounce glass, but getting those 3 servings of dairy a day can help with prevent major diseases! Its especially important to get adequate amounts of calcium and iron by the time you're 30, because that's when bone capacity reaches its max. But don't stop drinking and eating dairy once you've hit 30! Receiving adequate amounts of Calicum and iron for your whole life continues to decrease the risk of problems like osteoporosis, fractures and bone loss. In just one 8 oz glass of skim milk, there's only 80 calories, 8 grams of protein, and 13 grams of carbs. Much better choice than having a glass of soda that is about twice the amount of calories and carbs, with zero grams of protein and absolutely no vitamins or minerals. But even with whole milk, 2% and 1%, you still get all the added benefits of the vitamins, minerals and macronutrients! So next time you pour a glass for the little ones in the family, pour one for yourself too! Your body will thank you.

Athletes are also turning to chocolate milk as a refuel drink after a tough workout. The body needs those calories, carbs and protein after breaking a sweat to help the muscles grow. Athletes at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York love having chocolate milk so much after a workout, the head of sports nutrition, Clint Wattenburg, with the help of the American Dairy Association and Dairy council put in refuel stations in the crew clubhouse, in the gyms, and in their hockey arena. The student athletes love it! There are able to go and get a snack and a glass of milk after practices and games for free. Instead of buying expensive protein for post workout drink, try mixing up a glass of chocolate milk.

Lastly, I need your help! Can you believe that local food banks do not get enought money to give milk to all their patrons? The American dairy association and dairy council are teaming up with the food bank for their Give A Gallon campaign. Just post a picture on social media of you sporting a milk mustache and tag it with #GiveAGallon and $1 will be donated to the food bank to help buy milk for needy families. I did it today with my grandma!