Mind Your Health Mondays: Milk

I've decided that every week I'll start off with "Mind your Health Mondays" I hope you find these posts interesting and resourceful! :)

I've learned some interesting things about milk this week from Jillian Michael's FB page.

1.

 "A lot of of you are asking me about almond milk. Here's the rub - unless you buy organic, almonds are sprayed with 9 pesticides and some are GMO."

GMO= Genetically Modified Organism!

I bought Almond Milk last week to use as a milk alternative in my smoothies and cereal because it's a third the calories of 2% Milk and contains 50% of my daily Vitamin E (I feel like my nails have grown a ton this past week!) 

Blue Diamond Almond Milk              vs       Stremick's Heritage Organic Milk (2%) 

40 Calories/ cup                                            130 Calories/cup

3.5g Fat                                                         5g Fat

0g Sat. Fat                                                     3g Sat Fat

180mg Sodium                                             130g Sodium

180mg Potassium                                          0g Potassium 

2g Carbs                                                       13g Carbs

1g Fiber                                                        0g Fiber

0g Sugar                                                      13g Sugar   

1g Protein                                                    10g Protein

10% Vitamin A                                           10% Vitamin A

30% Calcium                                               35% Calcium 

25% Vitamin D                                           25% Vitamin D

50% Vitamin E                                            0% Vitamin E

As you can see, there are some huge difference but also some surprising similarities! :) 

Some things to consider:

If you're choosing to drink milk it's most likely because of the taste and the protein. But if you're using almond milk in your smoothies and cereal, you won't notice much difference in the texture, and you'll hardly notice a difference in taste. I would not recommend drinking it on its own. Also, if you're using almond milk in a smoothie you can add back the protein and then some by using a protein powder. Think you won't meet your PDV (Percent Daily Value) by replacing Milk with Almond Milk? Track it for whole day to see if you're under or over your PDV. My Fitness Pal is a great *free* website that will track your protein for you.   

My Berry Smoothie Recipe: (210 Calories)

1 cup mixed frozen berries

1 cup Almond Milk

1 scoop Designer Whey Vanilla Protein Powder

(If you desire a thinner consistency, add a little water)

2. 

"Starbucks debate:Soy Vs Coconut Milk.I've had these conversations w executives, but hearing from the public is what counts most! 90+% of soy in the US is genetically modified-HEAVILY sprayed w TOXIC pesticides which harm us & the planet. Soy blocks mineral absorption & is related to hypo thyroidism. Coconut Milk is non-gmo, has no pesticides, anti-biotics or hormones. It's great for the planet & our health. Weigh in!"

I've never tried Coconut Milk. Coconut Water, yes. I didn't care for it, but it's loaded with the good stuff like potassium. Potassium is vital to your health! Research it!  It's hard to eat the recommended 3500mg of Potassium a day so it's important to know the foods that will get you pretty darn close. Some potassium rich foods include: 1 Banana (522mg), 1 Red Potato (620mg) 1 cup Total Raisin Bran (280mg) 3oz Baby Carrots (270mg) 1 bag Popcorn (525mg), 1 cup Raspberries (240mg) .... So if you ate all of those items in one day you'd be at 2, 457mg Potassium! :)