Got milk? I don't. While I used to drink milk constantly as a kid, my milk consumption is next to nothing these days. I cut milk from my diet (along with a lot of other things) when I finally acknowledged my slow metabolism and started counting calories. Since I could only have a certain number of calories a day I figured, why waste them drinking milk when I could be enjoying cheese or a vodka soda (yes, I really do think this way) instead?
My world turned upside down (or right side up?) when I found out at the beginning of this year that not all calories are created equal. I had started drinking
green smoothies and would sometimes have two smoothies a day (my sister-in-law and I were obsessed). Adding two smoothies a day also adds calories (of course) so I braced myself as I stepped on the scale. Luckily, I found the opposite of what I was expecting. Instead of weight gain, I found weight loss. That's when I realized that not all calories are created equal. I can add healthy foods like almonds and green smoothies without adding pounds.
Which brings me to milk. Milk:
- Helps keep bones strong and dense.
- Protects the colon from cancer.
- Prevents migraines.
- Reduces PMS symptoms.
- Prevents against childhood obesity.
- Promotes weight loss.
- Increases fat burn...A LOT!
- Reduces your risk of getting breast cancer.
- Protects against Gout.
- Increases energy.
- Reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke.
For a more in-depth discussion of milk's benefits, click
here. Generally, people need about 3 cups of milk a day. This may be adjusted down if you have other dairy products.
Since I eat a lot of cheese (major vice of mine) I am going to add just one glass of milk a day before bed because milk works like turkey to induce sleep. For other reasons to add a glass of milk before you go to bed, click
here.
Tip:
The type of milk you buy matters. Organic milk contains a beneficial fatty acid that non-organic milks lack. This fatty acid may inhibit certain types of cancer and may also help lower cholesterol.
