Now that we’ve all changed our clocks back in an effort to conserve daylight for the winter months (except the lucky folks in AZ & HI), I find myself driving to and from work in the dark.  I live in the North near the Canadian border where the sun rises at 7 am and sets at just before 4 pm.  Getting that much needed vitamin D can be incredible tricky when you’re sitting in an office or at school all day. 

When you think of vitamin D, you probably picture a day lounging at the beach.  And while it’s true that our bodies do make the important nutrient while basking in those controversial rays, it might not be enough for our children’s budding bodies.  So how else can our children get enough vitamin D (without risking a major sunburn)?  With milk, of course!  Fortified with vitamin D, milk is delicious, nutritious, and the ideal drink for kids of all ages—and grown-ups too!

One of my favorite ways to incorporate milk during the winter months is making a DIY Pumpkin Spice latte.  I even make them for my kids without the coffee, of course.  This Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe is quick, easy and packed with vitamin D and real pumpkin deliciousness.  

More Milk Facts

Sunshine in a Glass
An eight-ounce glass of milk gives you 25 percent of your daily vitamin D. Unfortunately, more than 75 percent of Americans don’t get enough vitamin D. And that number is likely higher in the Pacific Northwest. Good thing milk contains the vitamin D that clouds keep away.

Build Healthy Bones
Vitamin D helps budding bodies absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, two things that are vital for building healthy bones. And that’s one major reason little bodies should get 400 international units of vitamin D—or four cups of milk—each day.

Milk Might Promote Immunity
New research has emerged indicating that vitamin D may play a part in promoting a healthy immune system, potentially warding off certain cancers, high blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases. We’ll drink to that!

Sometimes less really is more. When you choose natural milk, you’re getting nine essential nutrients packed into a few natural ingredients. To learn more about what Washington dairy families are doing to keep your milk pure, fresh and local, visit akeyingredient.com. You can also follow along at Facebook at Facebook.com/DairyFarmersofWashington.