Milk, Does It Really Do A Body Good?

Ever noticed that humans are the only mammal to drink the milk from another animal?   A dog doesn’t drink the milk from a cat.  Seems silly, right?  So, is it really necessary for our bodies to have cow or goat milk?

Is it really milk if it comes for a nut, bean or rice. I’m just saying, white chocolate isn’t chocolate
if it’s white!

I digress.

Let’s get down to the nitty gritty.  Milk is crucial for infants in need of nutrients from their mother but, if you’re reading this blog, you’re not an infant anymore. So why are you still drinking milk? Let me show you the caloric breakdown in milk per cup:

Whole Milk - 150 calories
2% - 120 calories
1% - 100 calories
Skim - 80 calories

For those who drink milk with any of your meals, it’s like having another small meal in liquid form. At 150 calories, you’re better off just drinking a glass of milk as a snack in between meals.

According to an article in Bloomberg Businessweek, studies show that  “Milk fats are hard to digest, requiring the liver to secrete a form of bile high in sulfur to help break them down in the intestines.”  That doesn’t sound good at all.

Sorry to throw the cow under the bus but, if you’ve eliminated bad fats from your diet, yet, continue to gulp down milk then you’ve still been ingesting high levels of saturated FAT.

There’s ongoing debate on when humans should stop drinking cow’s milk.  Many agree at the start of puberty.  Again, if you’re reading this blog you’re not a baby...and, you’re trying to sculpt a lean, sexy physique.  Well, then, put the milk down and get yourself some damn water!  To learn about the benefits of water, read my earlier blog titled “H2-Oh!”  

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THE LATE NIGHT CREEP

You’re on this meal plan and you know it’s going to work, yet, you find yourself hungry in the middle of the night. So, you quietly climb out of bed trying not to wake the person next to you as you head to the kitchen for, inevitably, something sweet or salty.  

This is what I like to call “THE LATE NIGHT CREEP.”

Let’s explore some reasons for your hunger. It’s possible your plan may not be providing enough calories to satisfy your appetite. There are several things you can do to fill up and not hinder your progress: water, raw veggies and early sleep.

If you eat your last meal is at 8pm and you don’t go to bed until 12, yes, you will be hungry. If you just can’t ignore those hunger pangs and you find yourself in kitchen here’s what I recommend: protein, nuts, veggies and berries.

The foods I’ve suggested do two great things: Fill you up and keep your caloric intake in check because you don’t have to eat a lot of it in one sitting.  You may need half of an Eco-Value bag of potato chips to feel full but then you’ve added nearly 1000 more calories to your total for the day.  However, a handful of nuts or a cup of berries will satisfy your hunger and clock you just a couple hundred calories.

Even better, you don’t have to creep.

#2daybefit
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H2Oh!

Thirsty?

If you find yourself feeling parched, it’s because you need water.  Too often I see you guys out there with your 1 liter bottle and when I ask, how much water do you drink, it’s always the same answer: “This is my water for the day.”

Really? That’s all? But yet, you wonder why your ankles are the size of water balloons. Yup, you only have yourself to blame for those cankles. It ain’t the humidity. It’s because you are not hydrating your body well enough.

Women typically retain more water than men due to hormonal factors and gulping down H2O will facilitate the reduction of water retention.

Men, your bodies need it, too and how much you need depends on several factors to include: the state of your health, your activity level and where you live.  On average, men should consume roughly 3 liters of water a day and women, 2.5 liters. If you live in the desert or somewhere tropical you should consume more.  

Water doesn’t just quench your thirst. It is the basis of all chemical reactions in our body - including metabolic ones. Water also cleanses every nook and cranny of our bodies ridding it of toxins that add to weight gain and illnesses.  In addition, we burn calories cooling the cold water we drink.  I see you throwing a few extra ice cubes in that glass.

Up your water game with these few tips:
- Drink a tall glass of water upon waking up in the morning
- Drink water with every meal and snack
- Sip water while watching TV, working and commuting
- Add lemon, cucumber and strawberry slices
- If you’re on the go add crystal light (My favorite)

Drink up!

@2daybefit
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