Dairy & MyPlate – Something to Feel Good About
It’s a fact. The government’s latest nutrition guidance—MyPlate—continues to solidify dairy’s role in a healthy diet. As nutrient-rich foods, low-fat and fat-free milk, cheese and yogurt contribute essential nutrition to every meal—that’s definitely something to feel good about when you’re making decisions about what to feed your family!
We know that most Americans are missing out on several important nutrients in their diets. It’s comforting to know that delicious dairy foods can help fill that nutrient gap! In fact, milk is the #1 food source of three nutrients that people, both adults and children, routinely lack: potassium, calcium and vitamin D.
Another important note: the dairy group in MyPlate represents more than just milk in a glass, although certainly, drinking milk at meals is one of the easiest ways to make sure you’re getting the recommended daily servings*. Low-fat yogurt and cheese can be great, flavorful additions to the plate as well, either on their own or combined with other nutrient-rich foods to really boost your plate’s nutritional power! Good taste and good nutrition – dairy’s a win-win for your family!
*Dairy Serving recommendations from the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans:
- 3 cups for those 9 and older
- 2 ½ cups for those ages 4-8
- 2 cups for those ages 2-3
Whether in a glass, bowl or on the plate, dairy makes mealtime complete!
Click here for tips on how to make your plate look like MyPlate!
Something Else to Feel Good About
Intake of low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products is linked to:
- Improved bone health
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Lower blood pressure in adults
- Reduced risk of diabetes
