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SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—June 8/PRNewswire/With half of all Americans skipping breakfast and even more missing out on calcium, Dairy Council of California recommends beginning with breakfast during June Is Dairy Month.

The 2009 International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation’s Food and Health Survey found that only 46 percent of Americans are beginning with breakfast every day despite benefits like improved cognitive and academic performance.

"Adults who eat breakfast regularly tend to eat fewer calories, less saturated fat and cholesterol and have better overall nutrition status than breakfast skippers,” said Andrea Garen, M.A., R.D., Project Manager with Dairy Council of California. “Try to choose foods from at least two or more food groups. Protein-rich foods, like milk and yogurt, take longer to digest and will provide sustained energy to keep you feeling full and energized until lunchtime."

Dairy foods like low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt are good sources of calcium; a nutrient linked to blood pressure and bone-health benefits. According to government reports, over 70 percent of adults fail to meet daily calcium recommendations. Beginning with breakfast can improve the likelihood of meeting daily recommendations for calcium because dairy foods are often part of a healthy breakfast.

To celebrate June Is Dairy Month by beginning with breakfast, Dairy Council of California recommends stocking your pantry and refrigerator with healthy, convenient breakfast options including:

• Cereal, low-fat milk and fruit or a glass of fruit juice
• English muffin with a melted cheese slice and 100 percent fruit juice
• Yogurt with home-made granola and berries
• Hard-boiled egg and whole-grain toast with a glass of milk
• Or try this great recipe from Meals Matter

Meals Matter is a non-commercial family nutrition and meal-planning website staffed by registered dietitians and sponsored by Dairy Council of California. Healthy Eating Made Easier®.

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