My Eighth Baby Step: Milk (March 15th - 21st)

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:

1. Helps keep bones strong and dense. 
2. Protects the colon from cancer. 
3. Prevents migraines. 
4. Reduces PMS symptoms.                                              
5. Prevents against childhood obesity.
6. Promotes weight loss. 
7. Increases fat burn...A LOT!
8. Reduces your risk of getting breast cancer. 
9. Protects against Gout. 
10. Increases energy. 
11. 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.