Have you ever been in a relationship that you thought would last forever?

I mean, you never had any reason whatsoever to believe that it would come to an end? Ever? It never even crossed your mind, because you totally took it for granted that it would always be there?

Well, I have.

You see, milk and I had that kind of relationship.

I was passionate about milk for as long as I can remember. I looked forward to a glass of milk with each meal. Nobody ever had to threaten me to finish my milk. While my friends were stirring Hershey’s syrup (or whatever that powdery substance was…I can’t remember) into their milk, I was drinking mine unadulterated. I just loved the taste!

This love affair lasted well into my adult years, although somewhere along the way, 2% turned into skim milk. And I started throwing a couple of ice cubes into my glass of milk to make it extra cold.

Then, a little over two years ago, the relationship came to a screaming halt. It was a pretty instant break-up without any regrets. At least not any on my part. Not sure how the milk feels about it.

Sound pretty severe? I mean it’s milk for crying out loud. Produced by cows. Very natural.

So what initiated the breakup?

Well…

let me tell you. (Or if you want to skip this part and just head for the recipe, that’s okay too.)

Note: I’ve warned you…I’m getting on my soapbox now.

1. Cows need to be pregnant in order to produce milk. Seems like a no brainer, but I never really thought about this. And more importantly, in order to be profitable, they need to produce A LOT of milk. Therefore, they need to be impregnated A LOT. This does not bode well for the cow. Not at all.

2. Some cows are injected with bovine growth hormone to increase their milk production. Yum. This often leads to…

3. Mastitis. Which is treated by antibiotics. Double yum.

4. Lots of pregnant cows=lots of baby cows. Male cows cannot reproduce, therefore, they are expendable.

5. We are the only mammals that drink the milk of other mammals. This just grosses me out when I think about it.

6. According to Susan Levin, director of nutrition education at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, “There’s no biological requirement for cow’s milk…” The USDA wants you to think you need it, though. Those wonderful Dairy Council lobbyists can be quite influential. They have more power ($) than scientists and nutritionists. (Don’t get me started…I feel another idea for a post coming on.)

7. There is little, if any, evidence that eating dairy prevents osteoporosis or fractures. Just check out The China Study.

8. There is considerable evidence that high dairy product consumption can be harmful to your health.

9. You can get your calcium in many other places.

Getting off my soapbox now…you can continue reading here!!

10. Nut milks are so delicious AND you can easily make your own at home, allowing you to monitor all the ingredients!

Take this yummy cashew creamer for instance…

Cashew Creamer

1 c. raw cashews (soaked overnight)

2 1/2 -3 c. water (to your liking)

2-3 dates (again…your call)

1 t. vanilla

sprinkle of cinnamon

pinch of salt

After soaking cashews, rinse and put in blender with desired amount of water. I hate to state the obvious here, but the more water, the thinner the creamer. Blend. Strain with nut milk bag. Rinse blender. Put milk back in with dates, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Blend again. Strain again. Put in a glass container and keep in the fridge. Make a pot of coffee and get ready for the experience of a lifetime!