Calcium is key

IN honour of World Osteoporosis Day on 20 October, Dairy Australia has launched a series of contemporary meal planners that reflect the Australian Dietary Guidelines to help Aussies combat their low calcium consumption and improve overall diet.
Calcium is the number one nutrient of concern in the Australian diet, with more than half the population not getting enough, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Accredited dietitian Emma Glassenbury said calcium was the key mineral required for strong, healthy bones with a low intake linked to osteoporosis and poor bone density.
“Dairy foods are the richest source of calcium in the Australian diet,” she said.
“Combining dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt with weight bearing exercise and vitamin D is vital to help your bones stay strong and mobile as you age.”
The Australian Dietary Guidelines’ recommendations for milk, cheese, yogurt and/or alternatives vary from 2.5 to 4 serves a day, depending on age and gender.
A serve is defined as a cup (250ml) of milk, three-quarters of a cup (200g) of yogurt or two slices (40g) of cheese.
Dairy Kitchen manager at Dairy Australia Amanda Menegazzo is excited to launch the meal planners in time for World Osteoporosis Day explaining they have been designed to show people how to get adequate dairy into each day along with other core food groups.
“Planning balanced, great tasting meals every day is no mean feat,” Amanda said. “So, the Dairy Kitchen teamed up with dietitians to develop this series of five-day meal planners, taking the hard work out of deciding what to cook.
“Not every Australian has the same nutritional needs, likes, dislikes and time on their hands, so we’ve combatted this by developing meal planners for a number of different life stages.”
It’s quick – and free – inspiration, tailored to your requirements, that will be delivered to your inbox, seasonally. Sign up for the free Dairy Kitchen Meal Planner at www.legendairy.com.au/mealplanner.
The Dairy Kitchen has kindly shared two favourite recipes from the meals planners to help Noosa Today readers boost their calcium intake.