Ditching Dairy and other Animal Products

Hey friends,

I’m sure you can guess what we are going to talk about today.  It may be a little controversial but remember, this is just my opinion and I’m no doctor or certified nutritionist.  I have had a few friends ask me why I don’t eat a lot of dairy products and meat. Number 1, I grew up allergic to milk before visiting a Natural Healing doctor certified in NAET (Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique) and didn’t ever eat dairy on a regular bases and we never cooked red meat growing up. After I completed my Dr. visits and was no longer getting sick after eating dairy, I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed cheese as well as cooking with dairy. I always knew to stay away from whole milk because of its fat content but then I read further about the effects of Dairy in “Eat To Live”.  I was a little bit shocked at what I learned.  I also learned a great deal about animal products and protein. Understand I am not a complete vegetarian and I still eat chicken and fish once and awhile.  Just in moderation:

Here are some shocking facts I learned:

• Meat and dairy are a strong casual factors in breast cancer as well as heart disease
• Meat and dairy are lacking in fiber, Phytochemicals, and Antioxidants found in plants
• Animal products are low or lacking in the nutrients that protect us against cancer and heart attacks
• Milk contains too much calcium creating a negative calcium balance (more calcium is excreted in the urine than is absorbed through digestion) Negative balance over time results in bone loss.
• Cheese is a powerful inducer of acid load which increases calcium loss

Not to mention the amount of fats found in cheese and dairy products…

This is more than just realizing dairy does not promote weight loss, it is about seeing the long term effects of what it does to our bodies.

Plant Protein

• Lowers cholesterol
• Cancer protector
• Promotes bone strength
• Packed with Fiber, Phytochemicals, and Antioxidants

I use Almond Milk as my milk substitute but there are so many options out there.  Soy milk, rice milk, coconut milk, and hemp milk. These all contain the good stuff we’ve been talking about without the harmful effects of dairy.

I know many of us are having the thought…”How do I get enough protein with out meats?” well guess what? Plant protein does the job and even offers other vital nutrients! One pound of broccoli contains more protein than a pound of steak!  Its no wonder the cow, giraffe, Apes, and so many other big animals grow so strong.   All they eat is greens:) Who knew?!

So what about high protein diets and weight loss?

I’m sure many of you have seen the latest diets full of high protein that limit the amount of fruits and veggies.  These diets also limit all carbs which is why many loose weight.  These high protein diets are not good for us in the long run.  They do not offer any nutrients that are vital for overall health.  It is so hard to find the right diet when we are constantly being fed misinformation. I have found that eating more high-nutrient plant foods has helped me feel good and I’ve even lost weight. Again, I don’t totally limit dairy from my diet.  I have my occasional greek yogurt, grilled chicken, and even the late night fro yo run.  I believe its more about being aware what I am giving my body to live on.  I would much rather provide it with whole foods that contain fiber, vitamins, cancer fighting goodness, protein and much more. Overall, Dr Fuhrman, author of Eat to Live, suggested a diet of Nutritional Excellence.  A diet for a long healthy life, not quick weight loss.

Check out his website or purchase the book for further reading and information. drfuhrman.com

I don’t think I can really call what I do a “diet’.  More like a lifestyle.  I used to count calories and limit my portions.  I recently had an “aha” moment and realized that calories don’t count, the quality does.  Pay attention to the quality of food you are eating, not the amount of calories.  At first, I felt a little sick getting rid of dairy products, sugars, and processed foods but I realized I was addicted to them.  My body feels so much better now that I listen to it.  I eat when I am hungry and have large portions filled with Veggies, fruit, nuts and seeds.  I also love making a guilt free treat with good whole ingredients! Trying hard to be gluten free as well (but that’s for another post).

Please remember, this is just what I have been learning as I read “Eat To Live” and discovering what has been best for MY body.  Every individual is unique to listen to what YOUR body has to stay.  There is still a lot to be learned and I’m excited to continue that journey.

xoxo

Jessie Ann