Lactose Free Yoplait - Giveaway

A few years ago I figured out that I was lactose intolerant.  I researched this issue and was really was surprised with what I discovered.  Wikipedia has some interesting and comprehensive information on lactose intolerance but what is really fascinating is the map that demonstrates that there are cultural ties to those that have lactose intolerance.  In the Northern hemisphere, where dairy has been consumed for centuries, there is a lower incidence, but in countries / continents in the southern hemisphere, it is much more common (the further south you go, the higher the incidence rate).  I am Italian and approximately 40% - 60% of this population is lactose intolerant.

Being lactose intolerant does not stop me from eating dairy - I love cheese and refuse to give it up.  I also love ice cream, milk, and yogurt.  Milk and ice cream bother me the most - for milk I will substitute with soy and ice cream I eat knowing I will later suffer the consequences.  As long as I do not overdo it, I can eat cheese yogurt with little difficulty.  Miss E. is lactose intolerant also but yogurt by itself can really bother her. She gets upset because there are certain foods she wants to eat but she knows that she will get a stomach ache if she does.

Avoiding dairy may help minimize uncomfortable side effects, but as a parent, I want to make sure that my kids are getting proper nutrition.  It is especially important to me that my girls, who are in their formative years, get enough calcium.   It is crucial to get enough calcium for bone development (especially for girls, who are more susceptible to osteoporosis later in life).  Dairy is an excellent source of calcium so eliminating it from our diet is not something I am supportive of.

According to the National Institute of Health, when dairy is avoided, there are lower intakes of calcium and vitamin D in the diet, both of which are important bone building nutrients often found in dairy. Avoiding dairy can create higher risk for osteoporosis.  (As someone who has suffered from the side effects from a severe Vitamin D deficiency I am pretty passionate about this.)

February is actually National Lactose Intolerance Awareness Month (who knew?)..... Just in time, Yoplait has announced its new Yoplait® Lactose Free yogurt. Inspired by my favorite yogurt -  original Yoplait - the Lactose Free variety comes in four delicious flavors - Strawberry, Peach, French Vanilla and Cherry .  It also:
- contains 50% of the recommended Daily Value of calcium, with vitamins A and D in every cup.
- contains no artificial sweeteners
- can be used in some of your favorite recipes.

I like that this is something I can eat, but even more so, something that I can give my daughter - this is something that she can enjoy without the same consequences of ingesting lactose.   Instead of feeling deprived of one of her favorite treats, she can eat this like everyone else :)    (I am writing about my personal experiences and sharing my personal opinion.  If you think that you may be lactose intolerant or have already been diagnosed, please talk to a medical professional before making any major changes in diet.)

Want to find out more? Check out the following links:
Yoplait Website http://my.yoplait.com/LactoseFree2
Yoplait Facebook Page http://on.fb.me/LactoseFree2FB
Yoplait Twitter Page http://bit.ly/LactoseFree2TW

 Interested in trying Yoplait Lactose Free?  Be one of the first....... Click here to enjoy a coupon for $0.30 off Yoplait Lactose Free, which is new to grocer's shelves.  You can also enter the giveaway below.  One lucky winner will win a fun prize pack.

*The coupon offer for Yoplait Lactose Free yogurt is not valid in some states, including Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.

Your prize pack will contain: 

• A VIP coupon to purchase Yoplait Lactose Free yogurt 
• Lunch tote 
• 2 Gel packs
• Individual bowl 
• Spoon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Prize pack, information, and giveaway have been provided by Yoplait through MyBlogSpark.