Dairy-free diets – yes or no?

We have all heard the rumours that dairy gives you cancer, and acne, increases cholesterol, and contains antibiotics. The list goes on… Some of us have even cut dairy out in a bid to achieve weight loss!

Yep…guilty! Disclaimer, it didn’t work, in fact, it had the total opposite effect and I felt horrific at the time and even worse when trying to introduce it back in again. I distinctly remember being away with my family around my birthday a few years ago and having a fairly dairy-heavy meal after having not had it for a while…I was so poorly and just couldn’t wait to get home. My eating habits at the time were also largely secret; not big, not clever and HUGELY unhealthy.

Unless you have a diagnosed dairy intolerance, are working with a dietician or have very strong ethical views surrounding the dairy industry, I would absolutely not recommend cutting ANY food groups out, least of all dairy.

Dairy has been associated with lower insulin resistance, decreased chance of diabetes, a lower heart attack, heart disease and stroke risk and lower inflammation levels in the body.

Despite what paleo advocates and Netflix might tell you, the evidence strongly supports that regular dairy intake can protect against chronic disease and enhance wellness. This was shown as recently as 2016 in a study conducted by Thorning et al if you were interested in getting geeky. They also showed positive changes in body composition and favourable weight loss in those who regularly consumed dairy products with little to no adverse effects of consumption of such things.

That plant-based milk that you’re convinced is better for you? Think of everything you’re missing out on, not least the rest of the fantastic vitamins, minerals and protein in dairy options…get that latte down you!

Peace and love, A x

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Anna works with women who are fantastic at looking after their gorgeous families, running a home, trying to maintain a social life and doing a full-time job, but in doing so have neglected themselves, their health, fitness and happiness and found themselves with a poor relationship with food, health and fitness.  Together she works online with them in a flexible format on some different aspects of health, nutrition, lifestyle and mindset to help them feel their happiest and healthiest selves both inside and out because until they feel alive and energised, they cannot best show up for those closest to us every day. There are very few individualised and personalised programmes out there that are accessible and flexible alongside YOUR lifestyle, working on small, manageable habit change alongside a coach, confidant and friend - and that is why I have produced this programme for YOU! Anna has helped women to build optimal nutrition, exercise and lifestyle habits into their every day in a way that works for them to feel back on top of what has become a hectic life and she promises to work together with you to do the same. Check out her website and Facebook.