Dairy Alternative Month, Part I: Milk

Just for June, just this once, why don’t you try a little experiment—just for kicks!—and go alterna-dairy for the month. There’s no extra piercings, no spiked jewelry to don, and no black eyeliner to smudge on. There are just the health benefits you get from saying no to milk—and the chance to simply say you did it.

If you are already into health food, you probably already know that milk isn’t always as good for you as it seems. It’s made for baby cows, who are supposed to more than double their own size very quickly—which is why milk has so much fat in it. In addition to that, there are hormones, pesticides, proteins not meant for humans and gobs of other junk in cow’s milk (no offense, cows) that can cause major health problems.

(I’ve always wondered—since piglets drink pig milk, and calves drink calf milk, and cubs drink bear milk—why don’t people simply drink people milk? What made us, once weaned, stop and look at a cow’s udder—rather than any other animal mother’s breasts—and say, “I bet I could drink that every day in a bowl filled with cardboard-like wheat shavings and high fructose corn syrup!” After all, no other species drinks milk beyond infancy.)

So if you want to try out this little experiment, here are a few dairy alternatives for you to consider. Keep in mind that most varieties are available regular or low-calorie, as well as in various flavors, such as vanilla, chocolate, plain, and even cappuccino.

Soy. Soy is wonderful for your heart and a great source of protein. Some Wal-Mart stores have even begun carrying soymilk in their grocery aisles, and many babies who can’t digest the harsh proteins of cow’s milk are fed soymilk as infants.

Rice.  There are even gluten-free varieties for those with special dietary needs.

Oats. I had no idea that you could use oats for milk! Imagine using oat milk in oatmeal… that would be one fiber-filled breakfast, I’d imagine.

Almonds. I drink a glass of almond milk every day (it’s even chocolate flavored) and though initially I didn’t like it, I love it now, and it’s got even less calories than skim millk—while still keeping the benefits and then some. Hazelnuts can also be used for milk.

There are also many dry, dairy-free milk products available on the market.

Most of these are available either at the store or online, but if you’re feeling especially ambitious you can even make your own.