Gold-medal winning former track and field athlete Christine Ohuruogu, together with four of the UK’s up-and-coming gold-medal prospects, have been painted head-to-toe in gold to highlight the importance of British milk as part of a healthy, balanced diet to support athletes –recreational or elite– in their sport.
New research reveals cow’s milk is the nation’s number one choice in helping achieve their health and fitness goals, with more than twice as many people prioritising drinking milk over other supplementary aids like protein shakes and powders.
STAY MATCH READY WITH MILK
When it comes to staying match ready, a healthy, balanced diet incorporating all food groups, as recommended by The Eatwell Guide, helps ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need to perform at your best.
But, did you know that British dairy milk is a powerhouse of nutrients?
British dairy milk is packed with seven essential vitamins and minerals, which are all important to help you stay match ready:
- Vitamin B12 – milk is an all-natural source of Vitamin B12, which helps reduce tiredness and fatigue, supports the immune system to work normally, and aids the body in releasing energy from food.
- Vitamin B5,
- Vitamin B2,
- Calcium – milk is rich in the mineral calcium, which helps maintain normal bones. Just a 200ml glass of semi-skimmed milk provides 30% of an adult’s daily calcium requirements.
- Iodine,
- Phosphorus,
- Potassium
In addition, milk is an affordable source of high-quality protein, which supports muscle growth, making it an ideal beverage for athletes aiming to build and maintain muscle strength.
ATHLETES PICK – MILK RECIPES
Our four future sporting stars from the British Universities and College Sports, Faye Rogers (para-swimming), Vwaire Obukohwo (rowing), and twins Joaquin and Javier Bello (beach volleyball duo), have chosen their top dairy milk-based smoothie recipes to compete in the ultimate smoothie showdown.
Try recreating your favourite from the line-up below!
FAYE'S Berry Blast
Smoothie
Prep time: 5 mins
Serves 2 people
Ingredients
100g 5% fat Greek yogurt
150ml semi-skimmed milk
200g frozen or fresh mixed fruit berries
2-3 ice cubes
1 banana, peeled
2 tablespoons chia seeds
Method:
- To a blender, put all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into 2 glasses and serve immediately.
JOAQUIN'S Tropical Fruit Smoothie
Prep time: 5 mins
Serves 2 people
Ingredients
100g 5% fat Greek yogurt
150ml semi-skimmed milk
200g frozen or fresh mixed fruit berries
2-3 ice cubes
1 banana, peeled
2 tablespoons chia seeds
Method:
- To a blender, put all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into 2 glasses and serve immediately.
JAVIER'S Fruit
Milkshake
Prep time: 10 mins
Serves: 1 person
Ingredients
3 tablespoons mixed fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc)
½ teaspoon runny honey
200ml semi-skimmed milk
Method:
- Place the berries, honey and milk into a blender and whizz together until smooth.
- Strain into a large glass and serve.
VWAIRE'S Blueberry and Greens Smoothie
Prep time: 5 mins
Serves: 2 people
Ingredients
100g 5% fat Greek yogurt
100ml semi-skimmed milk
200g blueberries
1 small banana, peeled
25g baby spinach leaves
2 tablespoons milled flax seed (linseed)
Dash maple syrup, optional
2-3 ice cubes
Method:
- Put all the ingredients except the ice into a blender and mix well. Add the ice and pulse blender until smooth.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Why not try some of our other healthy recipes featuring red meat and dairy? Healthy recipes – Let’s Eat Balanced
