Why I’m Drinking More Milk Again - And Loving It
For years, cow’s milk wasn’t a regular part of my routine. Sure, I used it in recipes, poured it over cereal, and added a hefty splash to my coffee, but drinking a glass of milk? That was rare. Over the past couple of months, I’ve found myself reaching for it more and more - almost by accident at first, but now on purpose.
How I Ended Up Back on the Milk Train
Like a lot of parents, I keep all kinds of dairy in the fridge for my little kids - we’ve got dairy in all forms! The problem is toddlers can be unpredictable with their food choices. One week they love milk, the next they won’t touch it. Not wanting to waste a perfectly good gallon, I started drinking more myself - and I quickly noticed some unexpected benefits.
For one, I felt more satisfied throughout the day. I started having a glass of milk with meals or as part of an evening snack, and suddenly, my usual nighttime sweet tooth wasn’t as strong.
A Dietitian’s Perspective on Why This Works
As a dietitian, I often tell clients that feeling snacky at night is usually a sign they haven’t eaten enough calories or protein earlier in the day. Looking at my own experience, that definitely seemed to be the case. The extra milk helped me meet my body’s needs, and in turn, I felt more satisfied and less drawn to the pantry after dinner, as well as during that dreaded afternoon slump between lunch and dinner.
Am I a milk drinker for good?
I’m happily enjoying the benefits of milk in my diet again - more satiety, fewer cravings, and an easy source of protein and nutrients. And it’s got me thinking: how often do we overlook simple, nourishing foods that could actually make a big difference in how we feel?
Whether it’s milk or something else, tuning in to what truly satisfies you might be the key to feeling your best. Maybe it’s time to revisit an old favorite - you never know what might become a staple in your routine again!
P.S. This is about pasteurized milk - you should know I am not a proponent of drinking raw milk.