Can we talk about Milk?

Victoria6F · May 2011

I posted this on the H&F board, so I thought I'd ask it here too:

Growing up in the Midwest, and on a farm, we always drank milk, and to this day I LOVE milk! We drank 2% for as long as I can remember, and my dad would drink whole if we let him. Since his heart issues, he's had to switch to 1%, skim would be doc. preffered, but 1% is a HUGE step for him. My H and I drink 1% and I like it, as does he. DD drinks whole. So I'm used to buying 2different kinds.

Well, since I started speaking with a RD, she doesn't 'do' cow milk. And has me use almond milk in my protein drinks. I do like it. I guess I'm trying to decide WHY cow's milk is so important. Or is it at all?

Can I truly switch my family off of cows milk? Would DD be able to drink it? I would have to talk to her pedi for sure before I did it. What are your thoughts on milk.

Flame away if needed Smile

grbnik · May 2011

I don't know, but good question!! I have known a lot of people, who had to drink soy or goat's milk when they were little, due to being allergic to cow's milk, so I wouldn't think it would be that detrimental. But, I am not sure. Interested to hear answers. I know that I have a problem with lactose from cow's milk, but am okay with cheese and yogurt (since they are processed differently). I have heard that humans actually have to build tolerance to cow's milk, and some don't, therefore leading the way to lactose intolerance. But, on the other hand, I have heard that cow's milk has the nutrients and calorie content that kids need. I will be interested to hear from those who can answer this more clearly than I!

shea77 · May 2011

See the email I sent you.

ss+el · May 2011

I think main points for drinking whole cow's milk at a year are for the fat, protein & calcium, so as long as you have good alternate sources for those, then you don't necessarily need milk. Nicholas hardly drinks any milk at all anymore, he prefers water most of the time and he's growing just fine.

EJPint · May 2011

I don't really have a strong opinion, but I've never really been a cow milk drinker, even as a kid. There have been some studies that the human body really isn't made to digest cow milk (there are an awful lot of lactose intolerant people!), and that it's not all that great for you.

I don't really think cow milk is anything harmful as some might have you believe, but I don't think it's quite as vital to your daily diet as the milk people try to promote. You need good sources of calcium, protein and vitamin D, and those are all packaged together in a glass of milk - but there are loads of other sources, including some very tasty veggies, if you want to try and avoid dairy.

Mrs.Reem · May 2011

There was just a really good article in real simple magazine talking about the different kinds of milk and what they have to offer. Most, other than cow's milk don't offer protein so they're kind of empty on nutrients. Basically milk is not the end all be all and it's actually kind of sugary, so I avoid it and only give my kids maybe a glass a day. They get plenty of water and the tons of cheese and yogurt though. Think of a diet in the total sense. If you're getting enough calcium/vit D/protein in other sources then it's not a "must."

J.Johnson-Smith · May 2011

The only thing I could think of is the big difference in protein.. almond milk doesn't have that much protein in it, though imo tastes a lot better than soy.

Can we talk about Milk?

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