As the United States prepares for the 2024 Summer Olympics, the athletes and their achievements will be in the spotlight and serve as an inspiration to all. While most Americans may not be top athletes, they can improve their nutrition and activity levels by making small changes to their daily habits. These small improvements can be as simple as adding nutritious foods like milk to your daily diet. There’s no better time than June Dairy Month to boost your energy and stamina with a glass of nutritious milk.
National Dairy Month is the perfect opportunity to show how milk is the benchmark for performance. Nutrient-rich foods that provide fuel for activity and recovery are essential for athletes, and milk and dairy products are at the top of the list.
Athletes of all ages can take advantage of the nutritional value of milk every day. Studies have shown that chocolate milk, in particular, is a powerful recovery drink. It has the perfect combination of carbohydrates and protein to help repair muscles and replenish energy stores. Chocolate milk also provides electrolytes to help keep the body hydrated. Enjoy it as a standalone drink or mix it into a smoothie or snack for a sure-fire energy boost. Pour a glass at home after practice and parents can rest assured their young athlete is getting a nutritious drink.
Milk contains 13 essential nutrients that help your body perform at the highest level, making it an excellent choice for everyone, not just competitive athletes. More than just a refreshing drink, milk is a versatile ingredient that can be used to enhance your diet throughout the day. Adding it to your cereal, smoothies, or eggs in the morning can wake up your brain and body. Using milk in soups and casseroles adds flavor and nutrition to your lunch and dinner meals. Incorporating milk into every meal can help you meet your recommended three servings of dairy per day. Whether you’re powering up your breakfast or snacking, milk can help you be a champion all day.
With so many options for real dairy milk on grocery store shelves, there’s a milk for everyone. New options include lactose-free milk in a variety of sizes and shelf-stable milk, perfect for summer road trips. With nutritional value worthy of a gold medal, milk provides the perfect package of high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and great taste. During National Dairy Month, we celebrate the dairy farmers who work hard every day to produce this award-winning beverage. Cheers to them and to milk, the perfect nutritional powerhouse for everyone!
For more information about June Dairy Month and the benefits of milk, visit www.stldairycouncil.org, call Monica Nyman at 309-681-4629 or email mnyman@stldairycouncil.org. Follow STLDairyCouncil on Facebook and Instagram.
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The St. Louis District Dairy Council (SLDDC) is a non-profit nutrition education organization funded by local dairy farmers. Since 1932, SLDDC has served 131 counties in central/southern Illinois and eastern Missouri as the go-to educational resource and advocate for dairy’s role as part of a healthy diet. As a nutrition education organization, we are proud to spread knowledge to our local community and bridge the gap between local dairy farmers and consumers. Our staff is made up of professionals with experience in nutrition, foodservice management, education and communications, and we take pride in delivering engaging programs throughout the communities we serve.
Homemade chocolate milk pudding
This Homemade Chocolate Milk Pudding has the perfect mix of sweet and creamy to leave your taste buds wanting more. Serve as a post-workout recovery snack or as a delicious end-of-the-day treat.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
material:
2 1/4 cups chocolate milk
¼ cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon butter
1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
direction:
1. Combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat for approximately 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture is bubbly.
2. Once the mixture is bubbly, cook for a further 1-2 minutes, stirring a few times. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. The pudding should still be pourable but not very thick; it will thicken as it cools.
3. Serve warm or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Summer Treat Tip: While the pudding is still hot, pour it into popsicle molds and freeze for a delicious summer treat that everyone will enjoy!
