By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
June is National Dairy Month, and what better way to celebrate our introduction to summer than ice cream. Lots of it. Rich, creamy, and pure comfort. For many of us, that means heading to the nearest ice cream or frozen yogurt shop.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy ice cream, and even those who are lactose intolerant can find this delicious treat on the grocery shelves in many flavors. I’m on that lactose intolerant list, and the varieties available to take care of my cravings.
Before you dive into the reasons ice cream might add unwanted pounds (because I know you’re thinking that) let’s consider the reasons we should dive into this thick, lick-able, lovable treat.
- Fun – Ice cream events signal everyone is celebrating something grand. Baseball wins and losses, family time, friends together. Romantic getaway. Even a beautiful day. Or no reason at all!
- Memory Maker – When I think about ice cream, I think about the times I’ve experienced dishes, cones, sundaes, and milkshakes with family and friends. Sometimes where we ate, when, or why comes to mind. How often have you captured an ice cream moment on camera?
- Health – Dairy products are filled with ingredients that are good for us. Super nutrients like calcium, potassium, vitamin A, and dairy products help fight nasty diseases like osteoporosis and cancer. In fact, we should eat ice cream year around. I’d venture to say good mental health comes from ice cream—not to overdo a great taste treat but to balance out your diet with something special.
- Social Time -Too often we get stuck at work or home with no one to share a conversation. If you add ice cream to the dialogue, people are ready to engage, even if they have frozen tongues. And ice cream brings out the kid in us.
- Variety – Ice cream comes in many forms and flavors. Regular, low-fat, non-fat, sugar-free, and homemade. Whatever our pleasure, we can find a specialty. Some people prefer a cone, a bowl, or topped with flavored syrup, fruit, candy, and nuts. Or make up something original. I’ve read some rather unique ingredients.
- Support dairy farmers – We value a great cause, and supporting dairy farmers shows we respect their hard work.
- No Reason – Do we really need a reason to dive into ice cream?
June, National Dairy Month 2023 gives us not only the history of the event but ways to commemorate the occasion.
Now it’s your turn. How do you enjoy ice cream?
