I'll Have Milk With Mine

Isn't this a great picture? It's my mom back in her younger days when she helped out on the family farm. She was the youngest of 16. Her mother was widowed at an early age so I guess everyone had to help out.

Following somewhat in my mother's footsteps I grew up on a dairy farm too. Luckily for me, I have four younger brothers who ended up doing most of the work in the barn! I could usually be found in my room reading until someone discovered me and off I went to help out too.

I was reading in an old issue of Health magazine (http://www.health.com/) about the amazing benefits of milk. Not only did it provide our family with an income, it also kept us healthy. I know milk helps grow healthy teeth and bones but was surprised to find out other ways it's good for us. Here are some other benefits:

It's a PMS fighter. Women who drink milk all month long have lower risks of developing PMS.

It can work as an eye gel. Dip cotton balls into cold whole milk, wring them out and apply to your eyelids. Milk's fat hydrates dry skin and reduces swelling. Would cream work too?

It helps rehydrate. The body needs to be replenished with liquids at regular intervals. It is very essential for growing children. They should drink at least six to eight glasses of fluids every day. Milk contains a good quantity of water molecules and is considered the best fluid for rehydration.
Trying to lose weight, especially around the midsection? A study published in the April 2004 issue of Obesity Research suggests that eating more calcium-rich foods, especially low fat dairy foods such as cow's milk, yogurt and kefir, may really help. With today’s youth suffering an epidemic of obesity and obesity-related diseases, a wholesome beverage, like milk, can contribute to weight loss, strong bones and overall health. (Our local high school has put in a milk machine next to the pop machine.)

Thanks to the vitamins in milk, it can soften even the driest skin. Drizzle 1/2 cup honey into running water as you fill the tub. Then add 2 cups of warm whole milk. Your skin will thank you!

A fertility booster? I had not heard of this. In a Harvard study, women who ate more than one daily serving of high-fat dairy were less likely to suffer ovulation problems than those who ate less than one serving a week.

How can you add more milk to your day?

1. Start your day with milk. Add milk to your morning cereal or oatmeal. You can also add milk to a smoothie to boost the creaminess and the nutrition.

2. Drink milk as a snack. Milk is perfect as an afternoon snack – a great balance of quality protein and carbohydrates, mildly sweet and lots of nutrition.

3. Change your coffee habit. Have a café au lait or tea au lait instead of a latte. A café au lait is 1/2 coffee and 1/2 milk, giving you that great coffee taste, while reducing your caffeine content and increasing the beverage's nutritional value.

4. Take the edge off your hunger. Before a party, have a glass of skim milk. It’s filling and “takes the edge off” hunger, helping you make smarter choices on food and drink once you arrive.

5. Milk is an excellent post-exercise beverage. The balance of nutrients in milk can help refuel the muscles after a workout as effectively as some commercial exercise beverages. Wouldn't that be a great drink after a 5K! I've never been to a race that has offered it.

6. Have milk before bed. A good bedtime routine can really help you fall asleep and stay asleep better.

So add some milk to your day. Drinking milk everyday will do your body good!