What are your thoughts on dairy? Should it be avoided?
I’ve heard a lot of controversial things about dairy, although I don’t think there is a lot of research to support it. I recently cut out dairy for about a year while nursing. I felt good and dropped some weight, although I’m not sure if it was the dairy or just cutting out a food group and therefore decreasing calories without really thinking about it. What are your thoughts on dairy?
Dairy foods provide a myriad of nutrients not as easily provided in other foods. For instance, the calcium in dairy is more “available” to the body than from any other food. The saturated fat content of whole milk (4% milk fat) products is a concern. For this reason I suggest 2%, 1% or non-fat dairy products. If inadequate lactase enzyme is a concern, as Shawn suggests regarding lactose intolerance, there a now several products (e.g. Lactaid) which have dealt with difficulty metabolizing lactose.
Take care.