Milk...It Does A Body Good

*Disclaimer: I might come across as preachy...don't take it too personally ;)

Currently, in a couple of my classes, we are talking about childhood obesity. First off, what a sad topic. Did you know that this is the first generation where parents will be burying their children do to obesity (caused by an unhealthy diet)? Obesity is one of the top preventable diseases. In class as we talk about the different ways we can eliminate fat from our diet, we naturally talk about MILK! What?? Milk? We all know that milk has some great nutrients, such as calcium and we all need that every day. Although, as Americans, we get plenty of enough fat in our diet as it is, why would we add MORE if we can help it? After babies are breastfed, they should be put on whole milk until the age of two. After that, skim milk until, well, the rest of their lives. That means there should be not one American drinking 1% or 2% milk. Now I know what you're saying, skim milk tastes like water, blah blah. I used to think the same thing! People that were raised on skim milk will disagree and lucky for them, they never will know any different. But those of you who were raised on 2%, like myself, have to make the transition. I didn't start drinking skim milk until about a couple years ago. I realized I was drinking so much milk, that if I wanted to continue drinking that much without packing on the pounds, I needed to make the switch. There are some brands of skim milk I refuse to drink. Although, there are still brands out there that are not bad at all. For my Utah friends, the Creamery has amazing skim milk (also more calories than most other skim milk). For everyone else, Costco has good skim milk. Some of you who only put milk in your cereal, you have no excuse...Make the switch. For others, it may be more difficult and it's probably all in your head. For those of you who have young children, make the switch now and save them the hassle before they know the difference. You can gradually transition them by mixing the two milks, adding more and more skim each time. It's hard changing, but start your children young. Little ones don't need more fat in their diet and neither do you!!