Mrs Couch and her husband Billy milk more than 600 cows at their dairy farm near Peterborough.

But when it comes to her intake of dairy products, Mrs Couch comes up short.

“I feel like the kid who goes to the chocolate factory but doesn’t eat chocolate,” Mrs Couch said.

“We have 15,000 litres of milk go through our farm each day but I don’t really eat much dairy. I suppose one of the reasons is that as a kid we were always told dairy products were fattening, but of course that is wrong.”

Mrs Couch is hoping to include more dairy in her diet, the first step of that is taking part in the Fit, Fab and 50 Challenge as part of Healthy Bones Action Week.

The challenge is aimed at helping women over 50 protect themselves against thinning bones by ensuring they have the recommended daily dairy intake. Those taking part in the challenge will have access to calcium-rich recipes from high-profile chefs including Maggie Beer, Christine Manfield, Lyndey Milan and Karen Inge.

Mrs Couch is looking forward to tapping into the resources.

“My health is really good, I make sure I stay really active,” Mrs Couch said.

“I have a gym set up at home and I do 15 minutes a day with that. I also ride 10km a day into Peterborough to collect our mail. I am keen to increase the amount of dairy products I eat and drink. It will be great to have access to some quick, easy and tasty recipes.”

As well as recipes, participants in the challenge will receive useful information on fashion, exercise and wellbeing.

Healthy Bones Action Week co-founder Kelly Ward said taking steps to protect bones needed to be a priority for middle-aged women who had a lot of living ahead of them.

“Fact is dairy is the only food group that women need to increase when you hit 50,” Ms Ward said.

“Thankfully it’s also one of the most versatile and delicious food groups.” 

To register for the Fit, Fab and 50 Challenge, which begins on August 1, visit the www.healthybones.com.au website.