Cravendale launches 'Don't Ditch the Milk'

Experts warn that the anti-dairy trend, which saw nearly half of the UK cutting their intake of dairy during January 2008, is potentially detrimental to health and could actually mean that you lose less weight.

Cravendale milk has announced a re-education programme to halt the anti-dairy trend in the UK. Its 'Don't Ditch the Milk' campaign aims to inform consumers about the detrimental effects of cutting milk from their diet.

Cravendale's head nutritionist, Sue Malcolm, said: "Milk is wrongly thought to be a fatty, unhealthy option and this notion is perpetuated by many faddy diet trends. The reality is that it's a vital part of a balanced diet, and by cutting out milk, not only could you negatively impact on your desired weight loss, but you could also risk health implications from osteoporosis to a possible increased risk of heart disease in men."

Sue Baic, dietician and spokesperson of the British Dietetic Association, said: "As dieticians, we recognise that a varied diet is vital for good health. To achieve this, we need to choose a range of foods selecting some from each food group, one of which is dairy foods.

"This group includes milk, cheese, yogurt and fromage frais. In the UK, these foods are important sources of protein, calcium (for strong bones) and essential B vitamins such as riboflavin (B2) and B12. As a guideline, aim for a pint of milk a day, or a mix of dairy foods such as a carton of yoghurt or a small (matchbox size) piece of cheese, each of which is equivalent to about 1/3 of a of pint milk. Try to choose reduced or lower fat versions, such as semi-skimmed milk, where you can."

Cravendale's 'Don't Ditch the Milk' campaign aims to keep consumers informed about the benefits of milk and help people keep their regular intake of milk up with clever, healthy recipes, dieting advice and tips, training, post exercise information and more.