Is it time to embrace the soya latte for good?
There has been an explosion in non-dairy products over the last few years. Almond milk. Soya milk. Even rice milk is taking over our supermarket shelves at an alarming speed. But is this just a food fad or a legitimate choice on the path to a healthier diet? First things first. Dairy is not the enemy. Dairy is a great source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. For many people, it’s a sensible part of a healthy, balanced diet. However, some people have a hard time digesting dairy. If you find yourself feeling bloated and unhappy after your morning yoghurt, it could be that you’re one of those people. I take a look at the benefits of cutting out dairy, below.
Your Skin May Look Better
There is lots of anecdotal evidence that cutting out dairy improves your skin, particularly for those of us who suffer with conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema. It’s thought that the hormones in cows milk may be a key culprit for breakouts. However, it may be skim milk that is the worst offender for your bad-skin days. Dermatologists say the whey protein found in skim milk can lead to flare-ups.
You Could Beat The Bloat
Some of us lack the enzyme that breaks down the natural sugars in milk. This can lead to some level of lactose intolerance, causing bloating and increased wind after consuming products like cheese, yoghurt, and milk. This less-than-fun side effect of your favourite cheese pizza is unlikely to disappear on its own, so if these symptoms sound familiar, you may want to consider reducing dairy in your diet.
You May Lose Weight
This one is a bit controversial. Some celebrities have cited going ‘dairy-free’ as the key to their weight-loss transformation. This may be true, but it’s also misleading. Of course, cutting out an entire food group is going to see you shed some pounds, especially if you don’t replace it with anything else. However, this is true of any calorie-controlled diet. Going dairy-free is not some magical weight loss remedy, so think carefully before you give up the cheese for good!
You Might Have More Energy
Struggling to find your get up and go this winter? Reducing your dairy intake could help. The truth is that lots of dairy-rich meals aren’t very good for us. Pizza. Ice Cream. Creamy Pasta Bake. They are all packed with calories and can leave you feeling like you want to snooze away the day on the couch. Consciously replacing dairy options with lean protein and veggies may make it easier to get your daily workout routine in.
Giving up dairy isn’t for everyone. In fact, some people could find themselves more prone to illness and low-energy when they wave goodbye to the helpful nutrients contained in dairy. This is a decision to consider carefully based on your health and fitness goals. For some of us, giving up cheese is just a step too far! I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Until next week, stay amazing!
