Dairy

This challenge focuses on low-fat and fat-free milk and milk products, one of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ “Food Groups to Encourage.”

Core Messages: Milk/Milk Products Challenge

Kids who make healthy food choices have three cups of low-fat or fat-free milk or equivalents each day. 

Together, milk, cheese and yogurt provide nine essential nutrients, including three of the five nutrients the government says are too low in kids’ diets: calcium, potassium and magnesium.

Food rich in calcium and Vitamin D such as milk, cheese and yogurt — paired with plenty of physical activity — helps build and maintain stronger bones, muscles and teeth.

A balanced breakfast can help kick-start your day and healthy eating can help you concentrate better and be alert in school. Jump start the day with a nutrient-rich breakfast that includes one of the three milk and milk products recommended daily.

According to a 2006 American Academy of Pediatrics report, eating calcium-rich dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt during childhood and adolescence will help build strong bones and reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life.

*The amount of milk and milk products you need to eat depends on your age, sex and level of physical activity. See www.mypyramid.gov for more information.