How to Go Dairy Free
Have you noticed lately that plant-based milks are everywhere? It seems like many people are quitting dairy altogether--even those who aren’t plant-based or vegan.
What about you? Have you ever considered breaking up with dairy? Or has dairy been quietly whispering in your ear that you must stay in a relationship with her?
Have you ever thought, even for a minute, about going dairy-free? How does it make you feel?
Quitting dairy for even one week can give some pretty amazing results:
You’ll feel lighter, less sluggish.
You’ll be less bloated.
You’ll have easier, faster digestion, no constipation.
You may lose a few pounds and lower your cholesterol… and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Here are 5 reasons you might consider ditching the dairy today:
Heart Disease is the number one cause of death of Americans (sadly, it’s mostly preventable). For most people dairy may be the biggest source of dietary saturated fat, cholesterol and animal protein--all which are known to contribute to heart disease. Cheese has also been shown to have an addictive component...we experience good ‘feels’ from cheese. That’s why it’s so hard to break the cheese habit.
Dairy protein also causes inflammation in the body. Excessive inflammation is linked to heart disease, cancer and autoimmune disease.
Dairy can worsen acne, eczema, ear infections and asthma for some people, due to its inflammatory effect.
Dairy protein can cause constipation. Removing all dairy is often all that’s needed to resolve even severe constipation in less than a week.
Up to 75% of people are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance can cause bloating, abdominal pain, gas and diarrhea. That’s because humans, and all mammals, are not meant to be drinking milk after they’ve been weaned from their mother’s milk.
But isn’t dairy necessary for strong bones?
Contrary to what most of us have been taught, dairy isn’t good for bone health. Wait, what?? Read the evidence here. And here.
As a mom, if you’re interested in ditching the dairy, you might consider doing this for your little ones too.
But is it safe?
Don’t worry, it’s safe and healthy for anyone, from toddlers to mamas, to go dairy-free. Read more about the effects of dairy on children here: 6 Reasons Why Your Child Should be Dairy Free
What about the nutrients dairy offers?
We’ve all grown up believing we need dairy for protein and calcium and vitamin D.
We’ve been told, as women, we’re at higher risk for osteoporosis if we have don’t have enough dairy.
We’ve been preached-to by ads, school lunches and the “Got Milk” campaign that children need dairy to grow strong bones.
But have you ever thought it odd, that humans “need” milk from another species in order to be healthy??
It’s easy to get the same nutrients from other foods (and they come clean packages without harmful side effects).
Calcium comes from leafy green veggies, tofu, beans, lentils, almonds and almond butter, sweet potatoes, oranges, fortified orange juice and fortified plant-based milks. Fun Fact: cows get all their calcium from plants, and humans can, too.
Research shows that for strong bones, weight-bearing exercise like walking, running, jumping, playing, may be even more crucial than the amount of calcium one eats.
Vitamin D is not found naturally in dairy. Vitamin D is an additive to cow’s milk.
You can get the same amount of vitamin D in fortified plant-based milks (check labels). Other ways to get vitamin D is by taking a supplement or spending 15-30 minutes in the sun every day.
Protein is found in just about every food including all vegetables. And in case you’re wondering, even vegans who eat no animal protein at all are not at risk for protein deficiency. Just look at Serena Williams, she gets all her protein from plants. Most people actually get an excess of protein. All animal protein, including dairy, meat, eggs, poultry and fish is harsh on the kidneys and increases inflammation in humans.