I discovered I was lactose-intolerant on a cold, winter night sipping homemade hot chocolate from a mug while strolling down Winterhaven. My grandpa had so lovingly prepared this beverage with the 2% milk, cocoa mix and his best intentions. What I didn't expect is to be rushed home just to spend the rest of the night on the toilet. I'll try not to be too graphic since this is a food blog, but for the next few months let's just say my days and nights all ended up similarly to this one.
My dad encouraged me to fast from dairy to see if my symptoms disappeared. If so, I would have my answer. Five years later and still going dairy-free, this one scientific experiment isn't the only thing keeping me from milk, cheese and ice cream.
My decision to ditch dairy is rooted in these facts. First, cow's milk is designed for calves. No other living creature that had once drank milk as an infant continues to drink milk as an adult. Along those same lines, no other living creature drinks the milk of another living creature. On top of that, cattle are pumped with hormones and antibiotics that as any mother should know, travels directly to breast milk! Ewww and no thank you. I have enough hormones running through me (chuckle) and cannot think of a reason I would regularly inject a stream of antibiotics to swim through my veins. Now when it comes to bone health I know that if I eat plenty of fruits and vegetables I will easily meet my body's needs for all the calcium and every other nutrient required. To sum this all up and add a few key points, dairy is high in saturated fat, is "unnatural" for humans to consume, is loaded with harmful hormones and antibiotics and is hard for most people to digest (lactose).
Here's a GREAT alternative!
For every cup of nuts, add two cups filtered (or even better spring) water. Blend together and strain the pulp using a cheesecloth or nut bag.
Here is the documentation of my adventure.....
It took me about 15 minutes to complete the process. I blended two cups of raw, soaked (8-12 hours) cashews with 4 cups filtered water. I poured, strained, and squeezed the milk through a cheesecloth about 10 times total to end up with this much cashew pulp and this much milk. My verdict: the BEST milk I have ever tasted!! I have read about some creative ways to use the pulp (since it is raw cashews that offer glorious nutrients!) but I'll have to get back to you on those recipes.
I hope you can experience this amazing and nutritious drink for yourself soon.
My dad encouraged me to fast from dairy to see if my symptoms disappeared. If so, I would have my answer. Five years later and still going dairy-free, this one scientific experiment isn't the only thing keeping me from milk, cheese and ice cream.
My decision to ditch dairy is rooted in these facts. First, cow's milk is designed for calves. No other living creature that had once drank milk as an infant continues to drink milk as an adult. Along those same lines, no other living creature drinks the milk of another living creature. On top of that, cattle are pumped with hormones and antibiotics that as any mother should know, travels directly to breast milk! Ewww and no thank you. I have enough hormones running through me (chuckle) and cannot think of a reason I would regularly inject a stream of antibiotics to swim through my veins. Now when it comes to bone health I know that if I eat plenty of fruits and vegetables I will easily meet my body's needs for all the calcium and every other nutrient required. To sum this all up and add a few key points, dairy is high in saturated fat, is "unnatural" for humans to consume, is loaded with harmful hormones and antibiotics and is hard for most people to digest (lactose).
Here's a GREAT alternative!
For every cup of nuts, add two cups filtered (or even better spring) water. Blend together and strain the pulp using a cheesecloth or nut bag.
Here is the documentation of my adventure.....
It took me about 15 minutes to complete the process. I blended two cups of raw, soaked (8-12 hours) cashews with 4 cups filtered water. I poured, strained, and squeezed the milk through a cheesecloth about 10 times total to end up with this much cashew pulp and this much milk. My verdict: the BEST milk I have ever tasted!! I have read about some creative ways to use the pulp (since it is raw cashews that offer glorious nutrients!) but I'll have to get back to you on those recipes.
I hope you can experience this amazing and nutritious drink for yourself soon.
Namasté,
Brittney
Your Personal Health Advocate
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