Blog

Blog, Health and Nutrition Shannon Baker Blog, Health and Nutrition Shannon Baker

From Girl Dinner to Savory Snack Bowls: How Dairy Fits the Trend

Between work, running errands, and that workout class, you finally collapse in the kitchen. You open the refrigerator and don’t see anything you can throw together quickly for a meal, but then you remember the delicious, elevated snack plate you saw on social media today that you could totally scrounge together without any cooking.

Read More
Blog, Health and Nutrition Shannon Baker Blog, Health and Nutrition Shannon Baker

Dairy Foods and Immune Health: Energy and Wellness Support

Cold and flu season often brings more than sniffles, and it can leave many of us feeling tired, run down, and off our routine. While sleep, stress management, and handwashing matter, what you eat also plays an important role in supporting immune health and everyday energy. Incorporating nutrient-rich foods, including dairy, can help support both immune function and steady energy during the winter months.

Read More
Blog, Health and Nutrition Shannon Baker Blog, Health and Nutrition Shannon Baker

Dairy Foods Build a Foundation for Adolescent Bone Health

The window of opportunity for building strong bones is surprisingly short. Approximately 40% to 60% of an individual's total bone mass is built during adolescence. This period is a crucial time for bone "banking," where the body deposits calcium to build density and strength that will need to last a lifetime. What our teens eat now directly influences how strong their skeletal foundation will be in the future.

Read More
Blog, Health and Nutrition, Recipes Shannon Baker Blog, Health and Nutrition, Recipes Shannon Baker

Holiday Drinks with Milk: Winter Cocktails and Mocktails

Traditional milk-washing calls for straining everything through a cheesecloth-lined bowl. For a simpler approach, grab the same pour-over coffee filters you use for your morning brew. Set one in a pour-over cone, place it over a jar or bottle, and let gravity do the work. It still takes time, but the setup is tidier, and perfect for crafting cocktails and mocktails at home.

Read More
Blog, Health and Nutrition, Recipes Shannon Baker Blog, Health and Nutrition, Recipes Shannon Baker

Lactose-Free Dairy Products for Holidays Without Discomfort

The holidays is a season built on comfort and connection, and the last thing anyone wants is stress about the food on their plate. If lactose has caused you to have tummy troubles in the past, that doesn’t mean you have to skip the creamy, nostalgic dishes you love! With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy the great holiday spread and still feel good afterward!

Read More
Blog, Health and Nutrition Shannon Baker Blog, Health and Nutrition Shannon Baker

Dairy Foods May Support Sleep in Stressful Seasons

The holidays are here! Between hosting, travel, and jam-packed calendars, high stress can throw off your sleep, making everything feel a little less festive. When you're stressed, falling and staying asleep becomes harder. But poor sleep can also worsen stress, making us reach for less-than-ideal foods. It’s a vicious cycle but better sleep-friendly nutrition can help break it!

Read More
Blog, Health and Nutrition, Recipes Shannon Baker Blog, Health and Nutrition, Recipes Shannon Baker

Low-Lactose Dairy Comfort Meals the Whole Family Will Love

For anyone with lactose intolerance, comfort foods that often feature creamy milk and cheese can sometimes come with a little discomfort. You don’t have to give up creamy, cozy meals! Oftentimes, dairy products that have no or low lactose can be used as a simple swap, leaving you without tummy troubles and enjoying those special meals fully.

Read More
Blog, Health and Nutrition, Recipes Shannon Baker Blog, Health and Nutrition, Recipes Shannon Baker

Dairy Foods Spark the Magic of Culture: Nicaraguan Quesillos

As a native Nicaraguan who grew up in Miami, Florida, my love for quesillos is really a love for the soul of Nicaragua, wrapped in something so humble and yet so powerful. Anytime I visit either Miami or Nicaragua, eating a quesillo is top on my list because the recipe may seem simple, but in every bite, there is a story, a memory, and a piece of who we are as Nicas.

Read More
Blog, Health and Nutrition Shannon Baker Blog, Health and Nutrition Shannon Baker

Dairy Snacks Offer a Balanced & Stress-Free Halloween

Halloween is such a memorable time for kids because it is a mixture of a love of costumes and imagination with fun activities like trick-or-treating and carving pumpkins. Added sugar intake is higher these days, and that’s a real concern for many parents. But Halloween only comes once a year, and the joy of trick-or-treating shouldn’t come with guilt. Instead of stressing, we can bring some balance to the day by pairing candy with protein, which will help keep kids satisfied and energy levels steady.

Read More
Blog, Health and Nutrition Shannon Baker Blog, Health and Nutrition Shannon Baker

High-Protein Dairy Can Power Balanced Back-to-School Meals

The first few weeks back at school can be a tough adjustment for the whole family. Mornings start earlier, routines change, and calendars fill up. One of the best ways to support your kids during this transition is to ensure everyone stays fueled throughout the day.  A good school day starts with a good breakfast. Think of it as setting the tone for the day. Try to include at least one fruit, veggie, whole grain, protein, and dairy food with each meal. 

Read More
Blog, Health and Nutrition Darian Adams Blog, Health and Nutrition Darian Adams

Dairy Nutrition Strategies for Pre-Season Conditioning

Summer conditioning for high school sports is in full swing. The heat is intense, workouts are demanding, and the pressure to perform is building. One thing to not overlook is nutrition, an essential piece of the performance puzzle. Whether you are an athlete chasing personal bests or simply trying to stay healthy, fueling your body properly is key. Remember these strategies to keep you performing your best at practice and school.

Read More