When it comes to your health, performance, and recovery...dairy is the devil. Stay away at all costs.

If you want a great post-workout protein drink try adding 2 tbsp of spirulina (which is a blue-green algae that has 3x more protein than meat per serving) to a glass of fresh squeeze orange juice.

I usually make this after some of my workouts or simply to start off my day. You can also add in some flax or fish oil for the added anti-inflammatory benefit from their beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

You can get spirulina at pretty much any health food store.

It might be worth checking out some soy-based protein supplements. You'll probably be able to find some on websites such as Monster Supplements.

It might be worhtwhile going into a store such as Powerhouse Fitness (not the electrical store!) and asking their advice on non-dairy products.

Unless you are intolerance to diary, I don't see why this would be the case. Could you explain?

probably because it comes from an animal and not the ground - pretty deadly I've heard!

I think there's perhaps some truth in them being less effective in aiding recovery - but I can't see them doing any harm?! They do contain protein & calcium etc after all!

IN RESPONSE TO GRANT ABOVE...

Have you ever wondered why the human body stops producing the lactase enzyme at about 2 years of age?

Why are we the only species that drinks another species' milk? You don't see that anywhere else in nature.

Sure, milk is fine...for a baby cow!

Why is it that dairy is the #1 food sensitivity in the world??? And I'm not talking about lactose intolerance. Billions of people are also sensitive to the casein protein in milk.

If you're reacting to milk your body responds with inflammation and mucus production amongst many other serious effects.

I could go on and on but I'll just give you a quick example from an elite soccer player whom I train.

He removed dairy from his dairy for 1 month because he was complaining of a tight chest and feeling that something was "blocking". After just 1 week off the dairy and his breathing was back to normal, his performance through the roof, and his overall energy and vitality was unparalleled.

You decide.

I'll decide to keep on drinking milk.

I'm not too bothered that we are the only species that drink another species milk. And I don't think the fact we stop producing the lactase enzyme is a reason to stop drinking it.

Your professional footballer friend just goes to show that its a case of different stokes for different folks and you should eliminate food that you aren't tolerant of - and that choice should be made on an individual basis.

I'll go for the protein and calcium it provides me, as they will provide benefits in muscle and bone repair - and as I don't have an intolerence, I don't see that as being an issue.

Sorry Guys i didnt mean to start a Dairy War!!! I have some of the similar symptoms as the footballer you mentioned, TOrunner. As well as alot of stomach issues which i wont share on here!! I agree with what your saying regarding dairy, but also understand that not everyone will feel the same. But I do wish that it wasnt so hard to find non - dairy alternatives.

Thanks very much for all your responses, i have been trying the chocolate soy milk and that seems to be working quite well as i blend it with a banana too.

I will try the Spirula too as that sounds like its good. Thanks very much for the advice. I would be interested to hear any more you have!

Lol! Dairy War

To the first point... nope! But since you mention it, the body only reduces the amount of lactase enzyme after about aged 2... those who stop producing it are those who are lactose intolerent. Of course my apologies my info is incorrect, but taht's how I understand the matter.

To the second point... I fail to see whre you're coming from, as far as I'm concerned we're the most advanced species on the planet - maybe the other animals should be drinking milk??!

Was your football friend also the guy who improved his 5k time from 23mins to 18mins in 6 weeks listening to his mp3 player?

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