NEW YORK — There's a point in every mother or daughter's life when they realize "she's just like me"…and that's pretty awesome. From music, to fashion, to the latest i-gadget accessory, teens have the power to help shape their mom's choices. It's also no surprise that mothers are especially powerful role models for their daughters, particularly when it comes to health and nutrition. Simply watching a mom engage in healthy habits, like enjoying a nutritious breakfast with lowfat milk, can set the stage for a lifetime of smart choices. In particular, research suggests that moms who drink milk are likely to have daughters who drink milk. This influence has been shown throughout childhood, but the impact appears to be the strongest in the early years of her daughter's life.[1]
Actress Nina Dobrev of "The Vampire Diaries" understands that good role modeling starts with simple, positive acts like these. That's why she and her mother are teaming up with the National Milk Mustache "got milk?"® Campaign and Seventeen magazine to launch "Like Her, Like Me" —a program that draws attention to the many ways in which moms and teens can positively influence each other. The campaign culminates in a search for special mother-daughter duos to appear in their very own Milk Mustache ad. This is the first time that Nina and her mother team-up in an ad.
"My mom and I are especially close — we've learned a lot from each other. Growing up, my mom would make us oatmeal with milk; we'd spend time together as a family during breakfast which is, hands down, the most important meal of the day," said Dobrev. "Through the 'Like Her, Like Me' program, we want to inspire moms and teens to share more special moments and healthy habits — whether they're swapping stories over a glass of milk or bonding at breakfast."
It's Just Not Breakfast without Milk
Teens who eat meals regularly with their parents are more likely to drink milk, eat nutrient-rich fruit and vegetables, and are less likely to skip breakfast. They also tend to do better in school. "Breakfast time really can be family time. Even if it's just 15 minutes before heading out, it's so important for moms and kids to spend quality time together and start the day off with a delicious breakfast – for nutrition and far beyond," said Carolyn O'Neil, MS, RD., co-author of The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous! "As a mother, I know that the bonding and support benefits of family meals can extend far beyond what's on the plate."
Breakfast is the perfect time to model healthy habits for the whole family, including drinking milk. Serving milk and its 9 essential nutrients at breakfast – whether in a glass, on cereal or in a smoothie – is a small step that can make a big difference. It's tasty and easy to incorporate into your morning meal – add some to your latte, oatmeal or pair it with your morning banana.
Be the Next Mother Daughter Milk Mustache Team!
Did you introduce your mom to the wonders of hot yoga? Did you teach your daughter how to make that secret family recipe? Questions like these inspired the "Like Her, Like Me" campaign — and Nina and her mom want to hear your answers!
Together with America and the National Milk Mustache "got milk?"® Campaign , Nina and her mom Michaela will help select three teams that exemplify positive role modeling to appear in their very own Milk Mustache ad. The winners will win a trip to New York City, for a Milk Mustache ad photo shoot that will grace the pages of Seventeen magazine this fall.
So, by June 22, 2012, grab a camera, have fun, and, in two minutes or less, show what makes you an awesome team, including tips on how milk at breakfast helps you both start the day off strong. Upload your entries at Seventeen.com or TheBreakfastProject.com. The three winning groups will be featured in an ad as the next Milk Mustache stars!
Head to TheBreakfastProject.com or follow @milkmustache on Twitter for inspiration, information and more ways to start the day off right with milk at home.
About the National Milk Mustache "got milk?"® Campaign
The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation's milk processors, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. The MilkPEP Board runs the National Milk Mustache "got milk?"® Campaign, a multi-faceted campaign designed to educate consumers about the health benefits of milk. For more information, go to www.TheBreakfastProject.com or Facebook.com/MilkMustache. Deutsch, A Lowe and Partners Company, is the creative agency for the National Milk Mustache "got milk?®" Campaign.
About Seventeen
Seventeen (www.seventeen.com) is the best-selling monthly teen magazine, reaching more than 13 million readers every month. In each issue, Seventeen reports on the latest in fashion, beauty, health and entertainment, as well as information and advice on the complex real-life issues that young women face every day. Readers can interact with the brand on the digital front, with the Seventeen Ultimate Fashion Flipbook iphone app as well as with the monthly edition of the magazine on the iPad. In addition to its U.S. flagship, Seventeen publishes 13 editions around the world. Seventeen is published by Hearst Magazines, one of the nation's largest diversified communications companies. With its acquisition of Lagardere SCA's 100 titles in 14 countries outside of France, Hearst Magazines now publishes more than 300 editions around the world, including 20 U.S. titles. Hearst Magazines is a leading publisher of monthly magazines in the U.S. in terms of total circulation and reaches 87 million adults (Spring 2011 MRI). Follow Seventeen on Twitter at @seventeenmag.
[1] Fisher JO, Mitchell D, Smicklas-Wright H, Birch LL. Maternal milk consumption predicts the tradeoff between milk and soft drinks in young girls' diets. Journal of Nutrition. 2001;131:246-250.
Source: MilkPEP