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Peer pressure causes many to hide things about themselves out of fear of ridicule. I know I kept my opinions to myself plenty of times. But one day, the spotlight focused on me, and I had to choose between telling what someone else considered cool or to tell the truth: my favorite beverage is chocolate milk.

College test involves chocolate milk

When I was in college, my dorm resident assistants hosted a game called “How Well Do You Know Your Roommate” or something like that. It was a spinoff of the television newlywed game once popular. I left the room while they interviewed my roommate, Joan. When I entered, she indicated I better not let her down on this. I squirmed. What question could be so important? Then they asked me what my favorite beverage was. Now, when you’re in college, the cool answer would be some sort of alcoholic beverage, but since I never acquired the taste for such, I sat in silence thinking. What could I answer?

Joan grew nervous with my delay.

Since I believe honesty is the best policy, I shot Joan an apologetic look before I said, “Chocolate milk.” To my surprise, she squealed and hugged me. I had answered correctly. I’m not sure if we won or not. All I know is that I won that one.

Not always a fan of milk

It’s true that my favorite beverage is chocolate milk. It hasn’t always been this way though. You might say I developed a taste for it sometime in my teens.

My dislike of milk tested my poor mother. I remember her telling the doctor that I didn’t drink milk. She hoped he would advise me to drink milk, but instead he asked if I ate cheese and ice cream or other dairy products, which I did. My poor mom was probably disappointed.

The reason I didn’t drink milk as a kid was simple. I didn’t like the strong taste. You see, my dad picked up milk from my uncle’s milk cooler. It’s not good to be related to so many dairy farmers and not like milk! My parents pasteurized the fresh milk, and my siblings drank the fresh milk. But then there was me—the stubborn child.

Thankful for options

I still prefer two percent or one percent to whole milk, but I always add my Nestle Quik chocolate powder. I use only ¼ of the recommended serving, but it’s still in there. For special occasions, we buy chocolate milk in the jug, but that is sweetened so offered only on occasion.

My family drinks plenty of milk still. We please farmers when they see my grocery cart.

Chocolate milk after working out rehydrates and rebuilds muscles. It contains necessary carbohydrates, electrolytes, and protein, and is quickly digested to help reenergize you. What’s not to love?

My dad carried chocolate milk with him when he played softball and when he drove about conducting his business. My parents still pack chocolate milk as a snack for long day trips. My children purchase it by the half-gallon sometimes when they are working in the heat and stop at a gas station. So, despite my earlier aversion, I’ve inherited and passed along a good habit: choose milk not pop (or soda, as some call it). 

Big fan now of chocolate milk

While I wasn’t a big fan in my younger days, I’m a big fan now. Milk, a healthy and nutritious beverage choice, also is a key ingredient in cheese, yogurt, ice cream and other dairy products. These are healthy in moderation and promote strong bones.

The dairy and agriculture industries are important in my state of Wisconsin and in my family. I guess I represent them well now.

Some people might not like your truth, but you shouldn’t stop from telling it because you need to stay true to yourself to be happy. Be brave. Tell the truth. Likely you’ll make someone really happy that you did!

Are you thirsty? Grab some chocolate milk, and tell me about your favorite beverage. Or tell me a time that you stepped out to tell the truth even if it wasn’t cool. I love hearing your stories.