Why You Should Drink Milk Before Noon- and Fitbit Flex Giveaway!

This post was sponsored by Milk Life on behalf of Influence Central.

When Mr. Locke and I flew to Las Vegas to get married, the morning of our wedding we chose to splurge in a beautiful restaurant at our resort. The wait staff had the white linen cloth draped over their arms and were the epitome of class. With chargers on the table, we perused the morning menu and my choice was simple: a bowl of cold cereal with milk. 

True story. 

The story has become somewhat of a running joke in my family since then, but I have no problem attesting to its truth. Every morning after my coffee or tea, I always have a bowl of cereal with milk. And, if we're still talking truth, there has been the rare time that we've run out of milk and I haven't had the usual breakfast, but on those particular mornings I simply don't feel right. You know, like there's something missing? 

It turns out there was something missing: that needed protein that gets me through the morning, allows me to focus on early tasks, and takes me all the way to lunch time without craving more.  While we're talking, Americans tend to eat most of their protein in the evening hours- leaving their protein needs lacking in the mornings. What does that mean? A lack of the nutrient that's most likely to keep them full.

There's something to be written about getting 25-30 grams of protein including 8 ounces of milk (a one cup serving) before noon. Not only has it been recommended by Layman D. Dietary guidelines (1), but it's a snap to incorporate an 8-ounce nutritious serving of milk into your morning breakfast routine- even if you're not a fan of cereal like I am. Pairing milk with eggs, cheese, fruit, and other dairy products in the morning will ensure you have enough energy to face the day- and get that high-quality protein your body craves. Adding it to a smoothie or even oatmeal is super easy- and delicious, too. 

So, join with me and get a jump start on the new year by beginning your day with 25-30 grams of protein before noon. Show us all how milk (and it high quality protein!) is part of your #mymorningprotein and you'll be rewarded with, what else, milk! You can also visit the official MilkLife website for easy and delicious recipes- including that 8 ounce glass of milk. 

Do the Math

So let's do a quick math lesson. Two slices of whole wheat toast, two large eggs cooked any way you like, and one 8-ounce glass of milk? 28 grams of protein. That's super easy to make and remember. Check out the amount of protein in one cup of plain Greek yogurt- 23 grams of protein! Add an 8-ounce serving of milk and you're good to go until lunch time. 

Need a crash course on protein amounts in common breakfast foods? Here's an easy-to-read chart that gives to the totals. 

If you're looking for nutritious breakfast recipes that include milk, head on over to the Milk Life website. It's got so many delicious ideas that will help keep you full and raring to go. There's recipes for Falafel Avocado Toast, Veggie & Protein Frittata, and even Pork & Egg Breakfast Quesadillas. 

Fitbit Flex Giveaway

Photo Courtesy of www.fitbitflex.com

To keep those calories and amount of exercise you're getting in check, I'm giving away a Fitbit Flex to two of my readers! Here's the rules of the giveaway: Contest entrants are only eligible to win once per sweepstake, per household as a part of a campaign sponsored by Influence Central and must reside in the United States. Sorry, folks in Canada! 

Contest begins on Thursday, January 7th, 2016, at 12:00am EST and ends on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 12:00am EST.



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Are you ready to get started in the mornings with me and Milk Life? 


1.  Layman D. Dietary guidelines should reflect new understandings about adult protein needs. Nutr Metab. 2009; 6: 12.