You have one body for this lifetime and that means the healthier and happier it is the more fulfilling life you can lead. Health and wellbeing, of the physical body especially, are directly connected to nutrition. What you eat breaks down and becomes your cell tissue, your muscles and the blood that pumps through your veins, essentially your entire body. I was brought up to believe that nourishing and fuelling my body with fresh, healthy foods is the ultimate investment. Now I know this is true.

While studying to be a health coach I found myself experimenting on my own body, researching deeper, reading articles and watching content that opened me up to a world we are not usually shown. I began to realise the reason I stopped consuming milk many years ago was not only for my own health, but also for the humanity of the animals and for our home, Mother Earth.

There was a time when I thought milk was part of a healthy balanced lifestyle, that it was an essential component of my daily intake of food and especially the key source of calcium. I soon learned otherwise. First it was my body that told me this wasn’t right. When my tummy bloated, I felt heavy, suffered digestion issues, small bumps on the skin of my arms didn’t seem to go away and a swift ‘I wish I didn’t just drink that’ comment from my body each time I consumed any. It was the wisdom of my Mum and her 30 plus years in the fitness and physical health industry and a naturopath who both suggested I stoped milk. So I did and I’ve never looked back.

Free from the same health issues I once faced, I am not alone in this shift. Many of my clients, friends, family and colleagues have all noticed the difference in their health and wellbeing by choosing Mylk and other non-dairy alternatives to dairy.

The Reality of Milk 

There are over 80 normal occurring hormones in cows milk in its organic and natural state. These hormones are foreign to the human body and can cause a myriad of health issues. A greater concern however is the consumption of regular cows milk that has been treated, homogenised and pasteurised, puss and nasty hormone filled. Animal milk was not designed to be consumed by humans, and my body knew this.

Though very few people are willing to talk about the reality of milk one medical expert I learned from was Mark Hyman, M.D. who mentions many issues including busting open the myth that calcium doesn’t strengthen bones the way vitamin D does. In fact research shows animal protein in dairy may actually contribute to bone loss.

 A Couple Of Interesting Facts Dr. Hyman Mentions

• Full of saturated fat, dairy is also linked to heart disease.

• Three quarters of the world’s population, that’s 75% of people, have digestive issues arising from dairy consumption – often due to lactose intolerance.

• Dairy irritates IBS – Irritable bowel syndrome.

To listen to Dr. Hyman explain this CLICK HERE. He also goes into issues concerning raw milk.

So Where Do I Get The Calcium, Potassium, Good Fats & Protein From?

Whole plant foods! Vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, seaweed, nuts, seeds! That’s why you’ll see me mylking nuts, not animals on my Instagram feed, and find plenty of homemade #plantprotein meals, snacks and treats on there too - check the Insta stories as well!

Food For Thought

• Twenty-five grams of sesame seeds contain more calcium than a glass of milk.

• A regular soak up of vitamin D rich sunshine for extra bone strength is beneficial for you from your bones to your skin and it is even a mood booster! Just 5-10 minutes of morning or late afternoon sunshine can make a difference.

With ‘calcium deficiency’ from a lack of milk consumption being a common argument it is important to note that there is not one case in worldwide literature of dietary calcium deficiency caused by a low calcium diet. The body will always meet calcium needs, especially if you are eating those clean and fresh leafy green vegetables. As Dr. Hyman says, “If you want healthy bones take vitamin D, don’t rely on diary, get your calcium from dark leafy vegetables, sesame tahini, sea vegetables … and try giving up all dairy, everything and see how you feel after a few weeks … diary is not crucial for good health. I encourage you to go diary free and see what it does for you.”