Washington, DC–(HISPANIC PR WIRE)–May 2, 2006–Up and coming Latin Hollywood star Sofia Vergara has joined forces with the Milk Processors Education Program (MilkPEP) to help communicate this important message to Hispanic moms across the country: Drinking 24 oz.-or 3 glasses- of low fat or fat-free milk every 24 hours, as part of a reduced calorie diet and exercise plan, is a healthy and effective way to lose weight.
This message is key for Hispanics since according to the Centers for Disease control (CDC), more than 1/3 of Hispanics are currently obese. Hispanics already have a high incidence towards certain weight related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
Sofia said: “I am thrilled to be a part of this campaign because as a celebrity I think it’s important to try to convey useful information to Hispanics. Milk is not only good for your bones but may be a healthy way to help you lose weight. Very important given the high obesity rates amongst Hispanics.”
The studies
Studies published in Obesity Research show that adults on a reduced-calorie diet who consumed 3 servings of milk or dairy products, each day lost significantly more weight and more body fat than those who just cut calories and consumed little or no dairy. (1, 2)
Breakfast is Key
The trend for most when dieting tends to be what to cut out of their daily diet. But this can do more harm than good. One of the most common diet mistakes women make when trying to lose weight is skipping breakfast. This morning mishap is something waist watchers everywhere should reconsider, as regularly eating breakfast – particularly a milk-and-cereal breakfast – may be a powerful habit to help achieve a healthy weight – a strategy that has worked for Sofia. “By drinking milk in the morning, be it with a smoothie, a café con leche, or a bowl of cereal, makes it easier for me to get my quota of 3 glasses of milk per day; it also helps kick off my metabolism and provides me with the energy to start my day”, adds Sofia.
Role modeling
A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that moms who regularly drink milk and make it available at family mealtimes are ensuring their kids get enough calcium as they enter adolescence, which is a critical time for bone growth and development. This is particularly important to Sofia as the mother of a teenager. “For me being a mom comes first. I truly believe that if you want your kids to be healthy and drink milk, for example, they must first see you doing it.” says Sofia.
Celebrate Success
With a Hollywood career in the works, Sofia is the epitome of success. As an actress, keeping fit is a priority. She keeps in shape by exercising, eating a sensible, reduced calorie diet and by drinking the recommended 3 glasses of fat-free milk per day. By following in her footsteps, Hispanics can also achieve success in the weight loss arena. And the best news is that low fat milk offers the same nutritional value as whole milk and has the same nine vitamins and nutrients. “People think that to lose weight, they have to eliminate milk and nothing could be further from the truth. Low-fat and fat–free milk has the same nutrients as whole milk. So drinking low-fat is a must when watching your weight.”
When asked about her definition of success, Sofia commented “To me success is about much more than being famous, having a lot of work, or making a lot of money. It’s about being happy. And in order to be happy you have to be healthy. And what could be healthier than drinking milk? If I can convince Hispanic moms to get their families to drink milk instead of sodas I will be happy.”
For more information in Spanish, please visit http://www.2424leche.com
1. Zemel MB, Thompson W, Milstead A, Morris K, Campbell P. Calcium and dairy acceleration of weight and fat loss during energy restriction in obese adults. Obesity Research. 2004. 12(4): 582-590.
2. Zemel MB, Richards J, Milstead A, Campbell P. Effects of calcium and dairy on body composition and weight loss in African-American adults. Obesity Research. 2005 13(7): 1218-1225.
The National Milk Mustache “got milk?”(R) Campaign is jointly funded by America’s milk processors and dairy farmers: the MilkPEP Board in Washington, D.C., and Dairy Management Inc., Rosemont, Illinois. The goal of the multi-faceted campaign is to educate consumers on the benefits of milk and to raise milk consumption. A series of educational brochures is available by visiting the milk Web site at http://www.whymilk.com. Lowe is the creative agency for The National Milk Mustache “got milk?”(R) Campaign.
The tagline “got milk?”(R) was created for the California Milk Processor Board by Goodby Silverstein & Partners and is licensed by the national milk processor and dairy producer groups.
NOTE TO EDITORS: A high-resolution image is available at: http://www.hispanicprwire.com/home.php?l=in
