Arizona Agriculture Connection-Lauren Peña

Celebrating Dairy: Nutrition, Options, and Innovations

Welcome back, Arizona Aggies, to another engaging read from Arizona Agriculture Connection, where this month we continue to explore the vibrant pathways of Dairy Month! We had the pleasure of speaking with Lauren Peña from the Dairy Council of Arizona, who shared her inspiring journey and expertise as a registered dietitian.

A Unique Path to Dairy

Lauren’s story isn’t what you’d typically expect from a registered dietitian nutritionist. With a background beginning in pre-med, her passion for helping people led her to the field of nutrition rather than medicine. After completing her studies and internship at the University of Arizona, Lauren found her niche with the Dairy Council, where she helps bridge the gap between agriculture and nutrition.

Beyond the Hospital Walls

Unlike many dietitians who work in hospital settings, Lauren’s role at the Dairy Council involves collaborating with a diverse group of health professionals. Her work includes busting myths about nutrition and agriculture while providing evidence-based resources to fellow dietitians, physicians, and even dentists.

One of her passions is addressing the crucial needs of food banks and pantries. With milk being one of the most requested yet least donated items, initiatives like matching grants and cooler donations are essential in helping these organizations provide nutrient-rich milk to those in need.

Navigating the Dairy Aisle

With endless options available, choosing the right milk can be overwhelming. Lauren breaks it down by emphasizing the importance of budget, necessity for lactose-free options, and understanding what organic really means. Whether opting for skim, 1%, 2%, or whole milk, the essential point is that they all provide 13 critical nutrients.

For those unsure about the dairy aisle, Lauren encourages looking beyond fluid milk to include yogurt and cheese in diets. Both provide valuable probiotics and are flexible ingredients in countless recipes.

Dairy and Health: From Kids to Grown-Ups

Nutrition is particularly crucial for growing children. Lauren highlights milk’s role in cognitive development, notably due to its iodine content, and stresses the unique benefits of whole milk for kids under two.

Exciting research, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, is also underway to explore potential cardiovascular benefits of whole milk, challenging previous low-fat narratives and reinstating the importance of fats in our meals for both flavor and health.

Busting the Myths: Flavored Milk and Budget Tips

Contrary to common belief, flavored milk doesn’t deserve its bad reputation. Despite containing extra sugar, flavored milk still delivers 13 essential nutrients and often serves as an encouragement for children to meet their dietary needs.

Lauren also offers valuable budget tips for families, like opting for generic brands and buying in bulk. Simple swaps, such as using Greek yogurt in sauces, can make meals more nutritious without breaking the bank.

Creative Cooking: Dairy Delights

Lauren shares her own culinary adventures, such as perfecting shredded chicken stuffed shells with three types of cheese—a dish that’s special both nutritionally and personally.

Supporting Dairy in the Community

This June, Dairy Council of Arizona is working collaboratively with St. Mary's Food Bank, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Fry's Food Stores to support healthy nutrition in our communities. To donate to the cause and be entered to win one of two prize packs, visit here to donate before June 30th!

Wrapping Up Dairy Month

As we close this issue, we invite you to embrace Dairy Month by trying a new recipe or enjoying an ice cream cone to beat the rising temperatures in Arizona.

Thank you for joining us on this delightful dairy journey. Stay tuned to Arizona Agriculture Connection for more stories and updates. See you next week with the latest reports!