Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Approved Favorite Dairy Foods

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If I had to pick only one food group to eat it would be dairy! Why? Dairy is a nutritional powerhouse. Dairy provides more for your food dollar than any other food. Milk costs 25 cents per 8 ounce serving. Milk, cheese and yogurt are A+ delicious, nutritious and affordable. And dairy can easily be incorporated in most recipes (shredded cheese can adorn many dishes, a slice of cheese on a burger, or yogurt dolloped on your favorite dessert.) And dairy is quick eats for a meal without any prep. My go to quick lunches consist of cottage cheese and strawberries or blueberries and some rolled up turkey luncheon meat with a glass of milk. I also adore Havarti Cheese with Dill, rice crackers, fruit and a beef jerky. And daily, my Gary eats Greek Yogurt with frozen berries, Cheerios and canned salmon for breakfast.  We are a #dairygood home! J

I am delighted to share of my colleagues favorite dairy foods and why they love them. I hope you celebrate June Dairy month by upping up your dairy. And don’t forget to take the pledge. #Dairy3forme .

Health is hope and hope is everything! Dairy makes sense!

Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN

Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN

My favorite dairy food overall is Greek yogurt. It’s packed with nutrition, especially protein and calcium, and is SO versatile! It’s an awesome addition to recipes. Overnight oats is a breakfast I enjoy on most mornings because I can grab it and get to work. The protein contained in the Greek yogurt helps me stay full and protects my precious muscle. I have so many recipes but I’ll stick with the summer patriotic theme and share my Red, White and Blue Overnight Oats. @LaurenPincusRD

Amy Gorin

Amy Gorin, MS, RDN

I absolutely love Greek yogurt and eat it almost every day. The creaminess is so satisfying, plus it offers a good amount of protein! I enjoy it in a breakfast bowl with fruit and nut butter, as well as in my Southwestern Greek Yogurt Dip with Crudites. @amygorin

Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN, LDN2

Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN, LDN

I’m Italian so I only use good Parmesan and Romano cheese. We never eat pasta without it. I also love Fontinella – a sharp Italian cheese that we enjoy sliced. It’s delicious with Chardonnay and fresh Italian bread. @rustnutrition

Ashley Kish

Ashley Kish, RD

Milk is by far my favorite dairy product; I can’t live without it! The uses of milk are endless. And don’t forget dairy can be so beneficial during weight loss.

Jen Haugen, RDN, LD2

Jen Haugen, RDN, LD

We always have dairy in the fridge because it’s so nourishing for our family.  From the nine essential nutrients in milk, cheese and yogurt plus the taste and flavor we all love, there’s not a day I don’t have three servings of dairy a day.  My favorite way to get this nourishing food is to have a snack of cheese cubes and fruit (like apples, grapes or berries) as part of my boost up in the afternoon or evening.  And in the summer, of course, a favorite is ice cream on the patio!  Here’s a look at why my daughter things dairy rules too! @jenhaugen

Beth Klos, RD, LDN, CDE

Beth Klos, RD, LDN, CDE

Perusing in my refrigerator, it’s hard to pick one dairy food as my favorite.  I use so much dairy – low-fat Greek yogurt, no added salt cottage cheese, a sprinkle of Reggiano Parmesan here and there- but one current favorite does stand out.  I found a Hard, aged cheddar that is reduced in both salt and saturated fat, while still packing a flavorful punch and breaking into meaty chunks.  When I want the cheese a richer texture, I warm it to room temperature with my hands and drizzle it with olive oil.  The pungency balances wonderfully with the earthy taste of whole grain crackers. I have to balance my love of dairy, especially cheese, with my desire to maintain my health, and this cheese fits the bill.  It’s a pleasure, not a sacrifice.

Kathleen Oswalt MS, RDN, LD

Kathleen Oswalt MS, RDN, LD

I cannot lie – my favorite dairy food is CHEESE.  I love any kind of cheese and more so when it is accompanied by a nice glass of wine.  Good cheese is something I enjoy only here and there so when I do indulge I savor it.  In 2012 my husband and I got to visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory, I had a lot of fun tasting all sorts of cheese.  Happy me! @OswaltKathleen

Lynda Enright MS, RDN, LD, CLT

Lynda Enright MS, RDN, LD, CLT

My favorite dairy is Kefir. It is packed with even more good bacteria for your gut than yogurt! I add it to my morning smoothie with kale or spinach and frozen berries. I add some psyllium husk fiber to help feed those good gut bugs. All nourishing for a healthy gut and healthy body and delicious too! @LyndaEnright

Val Schonberg MS, RD, CSSD, LD, NCMP

Val Schonberg MS, RD, CSSD, LD, NCMP

It’s so hard to choose a favorite! I grew up drinking milk everyday with my meals and continue to include a glass of milk with breakfast and dinner. It fills me up and is a great source of additional protein, along with calcium and vitamin D, which I know I need in my 50+ years. But, I also love Greek yogurt especially with some flavorful berries with my lunch or for a snack. @valschonberg

Elizabeth Berry, MS RDN

Elizabeth Berry, MS RDN

I have a love affair with two dairy foods:  cheese and Greek yogurt.  I eat yogurt most days of the week. With fresh berries and flax meal plus a decadent drizzle of one of my gourmet balsamic vinegars – so satisfying!  While I might not have more than an ounce of cheese a day I adore it.  I have decided to adapt the MIND diet for cognitive health.  This eating plan recommends cheese no more than 3 times a week. My cheese drawer will feel like I have broken off the affair as I often have cheese twice a day! @LizRDN

Barbara Baron Photo DSC_1074

Barbara R Baron, MS, RDN, CDN

Cheese is rich in protein, calcium and big on flavor that a small amount goes a long way…I love the cheese connection between fresh mozzarella and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano added to sliced eggplant! @barbbaron

Elizabeth_Ward

Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD

My favorite dairy food is milk because it’s so versatile and good for you. My Pumpkin Spice Smoothie that is a better for you option that’s delicious and nutritious and topped with whipped cream!

There you have it! We can’t wait to hear what your favorite dairy food is and why! Remember to take the pledge and enter the contest #Dairy3forMe.