Even with low temperatures at this time of year, nutrition experts are emphasizing the importance of including milk in daily diets.  The dairy beverage can be included in hot drinks like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.  It can even be heated and enjoyed on its own or with other ingredients.  The St. Louis Dairy Council is among many organizations encouraging these lifestyle changes, and dairy is part of some activities they are hoping to run this year. 

Monica Nyman is a senior nutrition educator and registered dietitian with the St. Louis Dairy Council.  She says milk added to hot beverages like coffee contributes both flavor and nutrition, and it’s easy to do from home. 

For those who do not drink coffee, milk can also go well with hot chocolate.  Other add-ons can increase the flavor and sweetness even further.

Another option is to warm up plain milk for a drink similar to hot chocolate, but not with the chocolate flavor.  Nyman recommends adding vanilla, cinnamon, and honey for a richer drink. 

Milk contains a number of key healthy ingredients.  They include calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D.

The St. Louis Dairy Council is beginning a new program called Get Moving With Dairy.  It’s designed to fit into after-school programs and instill good habits around dairy consumption with kids.

The Mobile Dairy Classroom is also returning.  It’s a trailer designed to carry live cows and allow guests to practice milking them. 

More information on the St. Louis Dairy Council is available at www.stldairycouncil.org. 

Monica Nyman appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.