It is sad to say that Christmas has come and gone, and we are now heading into the cold long winter months.

But first New Year's will arrive, and people have been planning their New Year's resolutions. One of the most popular is to lose weight.

When you look at most diets, the first thing that people cut out is dairy.

What a horrible mistake they are making!

When used correctly dairy can be a very strong tool in your quest to trim a few pounds off because dairy products contain a very helpful element in helping to lose weight - protein.

Protein is hard to break down in your stomach so you are fuller for longer periods of time. This allows you to cut calories because you are not as hungry as you would be with a less protein rich meal.

Plus dairy products are full of eight other essential vitamins and minerals to help you stay fit and healthy.

Even with all of these great reasons to consume dairy it is a well known fact that dairy products tend to be a little bit higher in fat and calorie contents than other foods. This can make it difficult to reach for dairy when on a restricted calorie diet.

To help you, the dairy industry has worked very hard at providing low fat or fat free dairy options for you consumption.

And from personal experience, I can say that they taste just the same if not better as regular dairy products. So the next time you are perusing the dairy isle be sure to pick up some low fat or fat free milk, cheese or yogurt to help you lose weight. As an added bonus, science has shown that when you consume 3 servings of these products a day, along with your dieting and exercise it helps you to trim more weight from your midline.

Best of luck with all of your resolutions.

And remember to get your three servings of dairy today.

Emily Young is the current Dairy Princess for Cayuga County

Cheddar Cornbread Squares

1 package corn muffin mix, plus ingredients to make it

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup red pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 cup green pepper, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon oregano

1 1/2 cups reduced fat - mild Cheddar cheese, shredded and divided

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare corn muffin mix batter as directed on package. Spray 8 inch square or round pan with non stick cooking spray. Pour batter into pan. Bake 15 minutes until lightly browned. Do not remove cornbread from pan.

While bread is baking, heat skillet with non stick cooking spray. Add onions and peppers, and saute until soft. Stir in oregano and set aside.

Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese over baked bread, top with vegetable mixture and remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Cut into 2 inch squares to serve.

Cheesy Broccoli Soup

3 1/2 pounds broccoli (about four bunches), washed and drained

1/2 cup chopped green onion

2 teaspoons butter

2 14-oz cans of fat free, low sodium chicken broth

4 tablespoons flour

4 cups 1 percent milk

3 cups shredded reduced fat Swiss cheese

Cut broccoli into small pieces, discarding any overly thick bottom stems. Boil broccoli in a medium saucepan until just tender to retain nutrients. Immediately rinse with cold water, drain and refrigerate.

In a large saucepan, saute green onions for about 2 minutes in butter or until tender. Stir in chicken broth and slowly add flour, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a slow boil on medium high heat and then reduce to medium and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add broccoli pieces to the broth and puree mixture in an electric blender or food processor until smooth. Return soup to sauce pan over low heat. Blend in milk and swiss cheese and simmer gently until cheese melts but not until milk boils.

Tip: Add nutmeg, grated pepper or grated cheese to taste.