Dairy or Non-Dairy?

The facts about which type of milk is actually the healthiest, and the best choice for your weight loss diet.

Got milk? The dairy-based drink has been a staple of human diets since long before that motto started to dominate the airwaves and highway billboards. Milk is fundamental to the diet—everyone drinks it, at least to start. But as we get older our ability to digest milk doesn’t always remain so strong, and as a result a large assortment of non-dairy milk alternatives have started to appear on the market.

Milk provides the body with calcium and protein, which are excellent for muscle and bone development and strength. The original dairy milk can be easily adjusted to contain less fat and sugar than the original, which would be helpful as you are trying to lose weight, but if you are already starting to question whether your glass of whole milk is really the best choice, is it actually better off to just go all-in and switch to one of the other common types of milk, like almond milk, or soy milk?

That absolutely depends on your health needs, according to nutrition experts. While dairy milk does have plenty of health benefits, it is also filled with lactose, which is a protein that some people have difficulty digesting. Lactose intolerance causes your digestive tract to become inflamed whenever you attempt to digest dairy products. This can mean extra gas, trouble with bowel movements, and general discomfort.

If you do not have any health issues or allergies, but do not enjoy the consumption of animal products, then making the switch away from dairy milk may also be beneficial.

There are plenty of dairy-alternative milks, and many of them have strong nutritional benefits that may play a positive role in your health and wellness routine, not to mention your weight loss efforts.

Healthy alternatives to dairy milk include:

  • Almond milk
  • Soy milk
  • Oat milk
  • Cashew milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Hemp milk
  • Pea milk
  • Casein-free dairy milk
  • Lactose-free dairy milk

Each of these milks boast different nutritional benefits, but it is important to recognize that many of these milks are actually host to common allergens, aside from dairy. Anyone with a nut allergy should avoid the consumption of any of the nut-based milks.

However, before you make the switch it is recommended that you consult with your weight loss doctor and nutrition experts about your personal health needs.