There is no doubt the holiday season and the many gatherings or events that come along with the season take a toll on us. Choose to fuel your festivities this season with dairy foods to keep your immune system in tip-top shape and energy levels maintained throughout the day.

Stave Off Sickness with Milk

We can’t enjoy the holidays if we aren’t well enough to be present at all the fun activities… so it’s important to nourish your body with foods that can help support your immune system. Did you know milk is a source of zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and protein, which are all essential nutrients needed to keep your immune system healthy? Pair milk with antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies to get the benefits of a wide variety of nutrients that support immune health. Enjoy Fruity Breakfast Popsicles together as a family or top a smoothie bowl with fresh, colorful fruits for an immune-boosting, powerhouse meal.

Keep Them Steady

Your energy levels, that is. Don’t skip meals in anticipation of upcoming holiday parties or gatherings. Our bodies require fuel throughout the day and skipping meals can lead to overeating later and fluctuating energy levels throughout the day. Start off your morning with a balanced breakfast, like with this Kefir Pumpkin Pie Smoothie. Kefir contains beneficial bacteria that help support gut health. That same beneficial bacteria can also help break down lactose, so this smoothie may be a great way to enjoy dairy even if you have lactose intolerance .

Bring Your Own Balance To The Party

If you’re going to a holiday party, offer to bring a dish that you know will help balance out the meal. Maybe that looks like a vegetable plate with a Greek Yogurt dip or a cheese board loaded with fiber-rich fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and of course… delicious cheese. Yogurt and cheese provide high-quality protein which helps keep you full while enjoying the holiday fun and are great to pair with other nutrient-rich foods. Add a festive touch to your cheeseboards with our top tips here!

For many dads, back-to-school comes with early mornings, packed lunches, after-school pickup, homework, and practices. The daily race to get everyone out the door on time, mixed with juggling life demands, makes healthy eating challenging. Despite this, the busy back-to-school season also brings an opportunity to play an active role in building healthy habits at home.