The Dairy Debate

To drink or not to drink? That is the question. There’s always debate on whether dairy is good for you and I seem to flip flop back and forth on it as much as I do with caffeine.

The reasoning I found not to consume:

1. Even organic milk have hormones

2. We’re the only species that drink milk after being an infant

3. There are more allergies or intolerances to dairy

4. It can cause mucus

The reasoning to consume:

1. Great calcium to help with bone

2. Protein to help you feel full and to lose weight

What I’ve decided is to buy mainly raw cheeses (preferably organic.) I’ll switch back and forth between coconut kefir and regular dairy kefir. I found almond, rice, hemp and regular coconut milk to make my morning cuppa joe taste unsatisfying. I typically have only one cup so I figured I mind as well enjoy it. I finally discovered coconut creamer and I’m now hooked on the hazelnut flavor. I enjoy vanilla unsweetened almond milk in my green drink in the mornings to give it extra substance. (Be sure to read the labels and check the ingredients for added sugar and sweeteners.) I still buy milk on occasion but I only buy organic. I’m sure I’ll read more research and change my thinking again but it’s also fun to try new things. The dairy alternatives keep things interesting so I encourage friends that are interested to give it a try.

Danskin Relay June 6, 2010

Relay team #166: Gloria swam half a mile at 28:13, I biked 12 miles at 49:18 and Kelly ran a 5k in 29:02.



Capital of Texas Team Survivor is a the local affiliate that empowers women with cancer to exercise and take control of their body. Some of these ladies just finished treatment and did the entire triathlon. I'm very proud of them.

I was supposed to do the bike and run but my knee was bothering me early May. I needed to make a decision whether or not I would run it or even if I would be able to bike it at all. Luckily taking it easy in May but mainly biking really helped it feel okay. All I heard all training long was about those hills. I practiced and practiced and learning how to shift finally made the difference. I made it up all the hills at the Danskin on my mountain bike! Training for this ride made me realize I enjoy biking more than running. An hour or two on the bike doesn't feel so long. Riding up South Congress was pretty cool. Flying down the hills off of Balcones is very exhilarating.

My focus is now on the Mamma Jamma Ride. Please consider donating, volunteering or riding. Any amount is appreciated. I've done 5k's. I did one just one week after my final Taxol. (I'll never forget that day. It was super hot and I wanted to give up. I had two angels along the way that made me push myself. I completed the 5k relay in 33:12 minutes on July 4, 2006.) I've done a hilly 12 mile bike ride. I'm now set for either 40, 60 or 70 miles September 25, 2010.

Clean Drinking & Eating

BPA is all over the news lately. BPA stands for Bisphenol A and it is widely used in plastic products. BPA can leach from the plastics that we use and into our water or food. There are great links that it can cause cancer by disrupting our hormones.

Small easy steps towards being proactive with your drinking:

I now carry around stainless steel water bottles. Stainless steel seems like on the most durable and cleanest options. I love Klean Kanteen. It's the furthest water bottle to the right. It's large so I can easily keep track of how much water I drink at my work at it helps me to be green.

Glass is probably the cleanest but not necessarily the most durable when it comes to water bottles. I usually keep my green drinks in glass jars if I have left overs or when I take it to work.

Aluminum is a good alternative but it's also been known to be linked to other potential health concerns. I have a few and Sigg is a popular brand. I like it because it's lighter so I usually use it on the weekends when I stick it in my purse.

Clean eating options are just as easy:

If I choose to purchase frozen meals, which I rarely do, I stick it on a plate before sticking it preferably in an oven or a microwave. Amy's have changed their containers from plastic to a type of paper.

I purchased Pyrex or you can find equivalent ones to it if they are glass. I love them because you can oven, microwave or freeze them.

Do I still drink out of a plastic water bottle? Yes. Do I still use sandwich bags? Yes. I stick to my stainless steel and glass for the majority of time. Life is about balance and doing what you can do without feeling guilty.