7 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT MILK AND PLANT-BASED MILK

Here’s a question I get asked all the time: “With all the new and not-so-new plant-based milks, what should I be drinking, pouring on my cereal, or adding to my coffee and shake?”

Good question! The answer depends upon your goals and health considerations.

•  8 oz. of skim milk has 90 calories and 8.3 grams of protein. It also contains calcium and vitamin D. But, if you have an inflammatory condition, are trying to avoid dairy, or are lactose intolerant, then milk is not a choice for you.
• I recommend cashew milk if you’re looking for a low-calorie beverage to put in your protein shakes. It contains only 25 calories per 8 ounces. It also contains calcium, is low in sugar, and tastes great.
• Unsweetened almond milk is very popular and low in calories, but it is very low in protein so avoid it if you are looking to add protein to your diet.
•  Soy milk is higher in protein than almond milk and works well in coffee, shakes, and oatmeal. Just make certain it is unsweetened. It contains about the same number of calories and grams of protein as skim milk.
• Oat milk is the new kid on the block. 8 oz. contains about 60 calories and 3.8 grams of sugar, but it is also low in protein—2.5 grams.
• Hemp milk is low in calories, about 60 calories per 8 oz. for the unsweetened variety, but it is also low in protein—only 2 grams.
• I do not recommend rice milk for the simple reason that it is made from rice, which pulls arsenic from the soil, and who needs to be consuming more arsenic?

       So, the bottom line is: What are you looking to gain from your milk products? More protein? Then choose skim or soy milk. Less calories? Choose almond or cashew milk.
Let me know what variety of milk you prefer. Perhaps, like me, it’s not just one. I put cashew milk in my protein shakes and soy milk creamer in my coffee.

      If you have any questions about milk or plant-based milk products, post them in the comments box. __Lisa💖