got milk?

Many of the diets we are lured into often order its devotees (let’s face it, it can be like a cult) to completely avoid one thing or another.

Milk and dairy products get a bad rap from many in the healthy eating community.

But milk manufacturers are keen for us to recognise that drinking milk and eating other dairy can be helpful for a diet. According to Loyola Marymount University Professor of Natural Science Hawley Almstedt, dieters who avoid dairy completely will not only not lose weight, but also lack the calcium necessary for healthy bone material density.

Evidently, women are not getting enough calcium: men from 20-39 years old get more than their average daily recommendations, but only 80% of women in the same age group meet the recommended amount.

Women between 40-59 years old are getting only 62% of the recommended calcium intake, whereas men in this age group reach 81%.

So why does dairy have a bad image?

I think whole milk and full-fat cheeses are the proverbial “bad apple.” I drink skimmed milk every day, and have it in my lattes too. As for cheese, I try to eat reduced fat versions and generally watch my portion sizes. In the US, there are some great fat-free versions of almost every type of cheese.

I must admit, full-fat cheeses are the occasional guilty pleasure, especially on special occasions.

What do you think? Do you avoid dairy in your diet?