Yes, milk can be good for weight loss when consumed in moderation. Milk is high in protein which will help keep you satiated and is rich in calcium and vitamin D. Milk is also ideal for mixing protein shakes as it makes them much tastier than when simply using water.
However, milk doesn’t sit well with everyone. If you are lactose-intolerant, milk is not your answer for weight loss unless it’s lactose-free. However, if your body accepts regular milk then it may help you to lose weight. Read on for some tips and tricks you can use to add milk into your diet and shed some pounds.
Will milk help me lose weight?
Milk can be helpful when trying to lose weight. It is high in protein when compared to other drinks. This means that a glass of milk will keep you satiated for far longer than a glass of juice or soda.
Milk is also rich in various nutrients, the first of which is calcium. Calcium helps to keep your bones strong and your body functioning properly. Additionally, milk contains high amounts of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps our bodies and our minds. If you live somewhere with long winters or little sunlight, it is especially important you consume vitamin D as you likely do not get enough from the sun.
Milk is also delicious! Whether you add it to your morning coffee or tea, mix it into a smoothie to get that extra creamy texture, or simply sip on a glass of it, it’s a tasty and healthy drink.
At the end of the day, you can eat nearly anything and lose weight as long as you are in a caloric deficit. A caloric deficit describes the situation where a person expends more calories than they intake. This may happen because one exercises more than usual or eats fewer calories than their body naturally burns in a day.
Should I stop drinking milk to lose weight?
Milk will not hinder your ability to lose weight unless you are intolerant or sensitive to it. Someone with a sensitivity to milk may have trouble losing weight while continuing to drink it because their body responds poorly with milk in it. Essentially, consuming products that do not agree with your body means your body will not function in the best way it can. Losing weight requires your body to be functioning well as you need to be able to exercise, sleep well and of course, your metabolism must be efficient. Thus, if milk affects any of these areas as it will if one is intolerant, it may make losing weight complicated.
What type of milk should I drink to lose weight?
Milk is a very popular drink which is why there are so many different types on the market. The nutritional values of the different milk categories differ so be sure to check the side of your milk carton before banking on the general milk calories, protein levels, and vitamin contents.
For instance, regular whole milk from a cow is full of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. However, it also contains a fair amount of fat and lactose, so it isn’t ideal for everything. If you are trying to shed some pounds, you may wish to try drinking skim milk or 1%. This type of milk is still from a cow and therefore, contains lactose but some fat has been removed. Though some fat in your diet is very important, you can skip the fat in milk as it isn’t as nutritional as that in, for instance, avocados or fish.
You can also try one of the many milk alternatives out there. These include milk from oats, cashews, almonds, and soy. These won’t be as rich in protein but are still an excellent alternative to add to your smoothie or coffee if regular milk doesn’t sit well.
When is the best time to drink milk?
There is no good or bad time to drink milk. As long as you are in a caloric deficit at the end of each day, you will lose weight over time. Consistency is key. The more often you are finishing the day in a caloric deficit, the faster you will lose weight.
However, as a general rule of thumb, you should stop consuming calories a couple of hours before your head hits the pillow. Eating or drinking calories just ahead of bed is not ideal for weight loss and you will be sedentary during the night. Therefore, many of those calories will be stored as fat rather than worked off through movement. That being said, if you do happen to get peckish before bed, a glass of milk is definitely better for weight loss than another meal or some greasy snacks such as chips or fries.
Final Thoughts
So, is milk good for weight loss? Well, yes, it absolutely can be. It’s high in protein, vitamin D, and calcium and it tastes delicious when added to smoothies and protein shakes. However, if your body disagrees with milk, your weight loss journey may be hindered so be sure to monitor how your body reacts over time.
Remember, as long as you are in a caloric deficit, you will likely lose weight over time. So, compliment your milk with other healthy, nutritious foods, and be sure to get moving at least three times per week.
