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What Kind of Milk to Drink? A Big Life Decision.

Updated on May 18, 2013

Milk Matters

Don't be fooled... Milk is a serious matter. In fact, milk may just be one of the most underrated beverages out there. Not only does it include a healthy blend of nutrients like protein, calcium and vitamin D, but it also goes great with nearly every meal! It is a staple in our household; a precious commodity. Even if you're lactose intolerant, there are still options available to you. The problem is that there are so many varieties, and it can be a daunting task to select the right kind of milk for you and/or your family to purchase. This crucial decision should not be taken lightly. Once a person makes a selection for what kind of milk to drink, they have declared allegiance to a brand that is not easily broken. We milk drinkers are loyal to our milk choice, are we not? So before you get stuck down a milk road you don't know how you got on, or even if you have a kind of milk you stand by currently, please consider the following information to make this important life decision an educated one.

What Kind of Milk Do You Drink?

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Not All Milks Are Created Equal

With so many good options out there, it's tough to know where to begin. Nutrition is a great place to start when figuring out what kind of milk to swig. You want to know what you're putting in your body. Take a look at the table below to compare the nutrition facts of the most popular milk choices. Percent Daily Value (% DV) is based on a 2,000 cal/day diet. Of course, if your diet is anything like mine, taking down 4,000 cal in a day is not unusual... just be sure you're exercising!

Nutrition Facts (Serving Size: 1 cup, or 8 fl oz)

Kind of Milk
Skim
1%
2%
Whole (3.25%)
 
Total Fat
0 g
2.4 g
5 g
8 g
 
Calories
90
102
122
146
 
Protein
8 g
8 g
8 g
8 g
 
Calcium
30% DV
30% DV
30% DV
30% DV
 
Vitamin D
25% DV
25% DV
25% DV
25% DV
 

Room for Compromise

Because there are so many options, this allows a couple/family living together (i.e., sharing milk), to reach a compromise on which milk to ultimately choose. For example, I grew up drinking 2% all my life. I grew accustomed to the creamy, thick goodness it provides. Of course, my wife prefers skim milk due to its fat-free nature. We have found that a healthy relationship is built on communication and compromise, so we met each other halfway at 1%. This may change with time, but we feel good about our decision right now.

Think of Your Future

Maybe you've already made the commitment to milk. Maybe you haven't. Whatever kind of milk you find yourself pouring in your cereal tomorrow morning, you can drink easy knowing that an investment in milk is an investment in your future. No diet is healthy without a daily dose of calcium and vitamin D, both of which are crucial for developing and maintaining bone density, and both of which milk provides in a delicious way. This will help prevent conditions of bone weakness like osteopenia and osteoporosis that put the elderly population at great risk for falls and fractures.

More than Nutrition - It's a Lifestyle.

Let's face it. Milk isn't the cheapest. In most places it is well over $3 per gallon, and it isn't getting any cheaper. Milk drinking is a conscious choice; a commitment to certain values, if you will. These values include, but are not limited to, proper nutrition, bone density, flavorful breakfasts, making delicious cakes, enhanced Oreo experiences, hearty meals, the occasional gallon challenge, and overall good health. Regardless of what kind of milk you drink, I salute you. The lifestyle you've chosen is honorable.

What milk do you choose to drink? Why do you choose that kind? Feel free to add to the discussion below, and may all your days be milky.

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