Why would you give up Cow's milk, you might ask. "It's a staple from my childhood and the main source of calcium," you say.
It may seem like an impossible feat, but it can be done. I wouldn't have thought it myself, as I loved milk in my morning coffee. But here I am today, making my own almond milk and using unsweetened soy milk in sauces, baked items, AND my coffee. And enjoying it.
(See how to make almond milk here.)
Many articles have been written about cow's milk and I'll only briefly touch on on that here, but why don't you seriously consider giving it up? Contrary to popular belief, you do not need dairy products to get calcium.
Many natural foods contain calcium and especially greens. Dairy products aren't particularly healthy for you either. Consider that dairy contains hormones and promotes heart disease. Here's a great article on Protecting Yourself from Osteoporosis.
How can you get your calcium instead?
Here is a partial list:
- broccoli
- garbanzo beans
- kale, romaine lettuce
- soybeans
- bok-choy
- sweet potatoes
- tofu and more.
1 cup milk = 300 mg. 2 cups kale = 350 mg of calcium, for example.
And, look at these almond beauties - full of good oils, protein, and fiber, they are a powerhouse of nutrition.
According to Dr. Fuhrman, "Nuts and seeds contain a spectrum of micronutrients including LDL cholesterol-lowering phytosterols; circulation-promoting arginine; minerals, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, and selenium; and antioxidants, including flavonoids, resveratrol, tocopherols (vitamin E), and carotenoids."
The idea of nuts being fattening has been proven false. "Although the myth that nuts and seeds are fattening has persisted, the research suggests that nuts are actually beneficial for weight loss."
And, nuts may lengthen your lifespan by two years, as well, according to Dr. Michael Greger from nutritionfacts.org.
Here's what nuts can do for you:
* Aid in weight loss
* Cut the risk of cardiovascular disease
* Potentially enhance lifespan
Best eaten raw or lightly toasted. See Dr. Fuhrman's complete article on the benefit of nuts and learn how to make your very own almond milk here.
Almonds are not your only option when it comes to plant-based milks, though. Read my most recent articles on How to Make Delicious Homemade Nut, Seed and Grain-Based Milk.
Oat Milk
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