Now, more than ever, we are being educated as to ways we can improve our lifestyles and general health. There have been huge campaigns to advertise the benefits of eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day as well as the importance of eating dairy products – and it is this that it very important when it comes to looking good.
It is advised that we include three portions of dairy each day. This may sound a lot but it is easy to include each and every day. One portion is the equivalent of half a pint of milk or a small pot of yoghurt (150ml) or 30g of cheese.
So what are the benefits to including these products in your diet? Well, firstly, consuming your three portions of dairy each day provides your body with the much-needed calcium that it needs for healthy bones and teeth. Calcium cannot be made by the body and so, it is vital that it is included in what we eat. Secondly, dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt all include zinc, copper, riboflavin (Vitamin B), Vitamin A and essential amino acids. These help to keep your skin, nails and hair healthy and provide a noticeable difference in radiance.
It is a fact that a massive 75% of young girls do not consume enough dairy and, subsequently, they do not get enough calcium and essential minerals into their system. This may be due to a lack of knowledge as it has always been reported that dairy is fatty and can cause you to put on weight. In actual fact, eating the required amounts of dairy can help to sustain a healthy wait. It has also been researched and proven that people who consume enough dairy put on far less weight than those who do not eat sufficient dairy products. And do not be at all mislead when it comes to whole milk: it is only 4% fat as opposed to the widely believed 50%.
With such hectic schedules and demands on our time, it can often be difficult to think of ways to get these three portions into our day. At any age – as teenaged girls or as working women – we have fast-paced lives, and commitments and responsibilities that often make even eating properly a chore. So why not check out our recommended foods and see if you can incorporate them into your diet? All of them are quick and simple and will ensure you meet your daily requirements. It is also easy to add a portion or fruit or veg to each one, helping you meet your ‘five a day’ requirements. If you replace your usual snacks with these great-tasting ones, you will also reduce your fat intake for the day – another added bonus!
Our Recommended Snacks
Strawberry smoothie
Baked potato with cheese and ham
Quiche
Cheese on toast with tomatoes
Cheese and ham omelette
Hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows
Bio yoghurt and fresh fruit
You can buy any of these things from major supermarkets and so, there are no excuses for having an unhealthy lifestyle! But try to go for the low-fat options and this will help your body even more.
Remember: consuming adequate dairy products will see you looking – and feeling – much more healthy. And your bones, teeth, hair, nails and skin will thank you for it!
