Dairy Does a Body Good

by Samantha Johnson

As a Spa Director, I see women and men of all ages visit the spa to reduce stress and to feel better.  Although a day of relaxation and therapeutic treatments is a great start, the key to a complete healthy lifestyle is balance.  Your health—and beauty—starts from the inside out.   It starts with a good diet and exercise!   This may not be news to you, however did you know that even a temporary imbalanced diet and lack of activity causes sluggishness, anxiety followed by weight gain in children too?  

According to one of my favorite websites, KidsHealth.org, "The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate, with 1 out of 3 kids now considered overweight or obese."

"Many kids are spending less time exercising and more time in front of the TV, computer, or video-game console. And today's busy families have fewer free moments to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals. From fast food to electronics, quick and easy is the reality for many people in the new millennium. Preventing kids from becoming overweight means adapting the way your family eats and exercises, and how you spend time together."

Increasing family activity time and reducing sugar and carbs is a good way to begin, however what you add to their diet is as important as what you take away.   Scientists now believe that 3 servings of dairy foods daily, as part of a balanced diet, can help your kids—and you—maintain a proper weight.

It’s true! But many of us don’t eat enough of the dairy foods we love. Two of my kids' favorite quick and easy fast foods are Cabot Cheddar (Reduced Fat Mini) and Over The Moon Fat Free Chocolate Milk!  Although the simplest answer is adding three servings of cheese, yogurt or milk each day, the official recommendation by the National Academy of Sciences is between 500-1,300 mg of calcium daily.  Feel good about giving your kids protein rich calcium foods because it is known to also promote strong bones while controlling their weight!

KidsHealth sums it up nicely, "Helping kids lead healthy lifestyles begins with parents who lead by example."   So get inspired and reap the benefits.  Improve your health, life balance, and beauty, from the inside out. 

Samantha Johnson, director of the spa at Stoweflake Mountain Resort in Stowe, writes a monthly Healthy Living column. She is a nationally certified massage therapist and Yoga Alliance instructor.