Spooky season is here! What’s even scarier than witches, goblins, and ghouls? Weak bones!
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak, making them easier to break, and can lead to more serious complications over time. Oftentimes, there are no signs that your bones are weakening. Talk about frightening! There is good news for those weak skeletons knocking on your door this Halloween, though. Dietary changes can help treat and prevent osteoporosis!
Boosting your intake of foods that are high in calcium, vitamin D, and protein is one way to support healthy bones. There are no bones about it, dairy foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese are an easy and affordable way to get more of these nutrients in your diet. One 8-ounce serving of milk provides all the essential nutrients for strong bones, including 8g protein, 25% of the daily value for calcium, and 15% of the daily value for vitamin D. Aim for three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy per day.
Don’t like plain milk? Come to the dark side and enjoy the Official Beverage of Halloween – chocolate milk! Unlike other sweetened drinks, chocolate milk contains the same beneficial and bone-boosting nutrients found in plain milk. Loads of nutrition + great taste = scary good! Cut back on the usual Halloween candy and enjoy your chocolate with milk instead! It’s even great in recipes, like this Chocolate Banana Smoothie.
You can check out more dairy delicious, bone-building recipes here!
Lisa McCune MS, MPH, RDN, LDN is a seasoned Retail Dietitian Coordinator with Kroger Health in Knoxville, TN. She enjoys teaching the positive things that food can do for the mind, body, and spirit. Her food philosophy is that all foods can fit into a healthy diet! Lisa encourages the celebration of non-scale victories, which focus on what good nutrition can do for your life beyond weight. She loves food, but also loves to break a sweat. You might find her cycling, walking her dog, or doing CrossFit.