How much milk does your child need?

We all know the importance of getting enough calcium in our daily diets but do you know how much your children need? The Canada's Food Guide suggest two servings of milk and alternatives for children 2-8 years old and 3 to 4 for children 9-18 years of age. For my American readers the American Food Pyramid suggest 2-3 servings of milk, yogurt and cheese group.

Milk is the main source of calcium and vitamin D, getting these two elements are crucial to children's growing bodies for development of strong bones and teeth. What else does milk give? It is a great source for protein, energy and 16 essential nutrients

I have been looking for fun and creative ways to change up how I offer these servings to my children daily. I am fortunate that my kids would sit down and drink 2 - 8oz glasses of milk in a day but it is nice to find other choices. Yogurt, cheese, fortified soy beverage (this is great if your child has a dairy intolerance).

We have started making smoothies for the morning. Now there are a few ways to prep these, you can make them fresh in the morning or even make them the night before if your mornings are very busy. All you need is a food processor or a blender and away you go. Add some flax seed meal or whey protein for add benefits.

Some great smoothie recipes to try:

The All Canadian Blueberry Smoothie

Banana Split Smoothie

Frosty Yogurt Shakes

Our friends at the Dairy Farmers of Canada would like to offer one Marvelous Mommy Meals reader a Dairy prize pack that includes an apron & glove set branded 100% Canadian Milk. This giveaway is open to Canadian residents and will end April 18th, 2012 at 12:01 am EST. Please fill in the Rafflecopter form below and Good Luck!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway 

~*Jennifer

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Marvelous Mommy Meals on behalf of Dairy Farmers of Canada. This is a sponsored giveaway. This post is not sponsored. All opinions are honest and my own*~

Posted in: Food,Recipes