Opinions on Dairy??

[xooxnikkixoxo]

I've read mixed things about Dairy when it comes to helping fat loss or making it harder to lose fat. What are your opinions?? I'm thinking about cutting my dairy intake down, I know Milk causes an insulin spike, what about cottage cheese? Or cheese?? and Non fat yogurt?

Thanks in advanced xo

[Nic902]

I think milk/dairy is a great source of protein!
When it comes to fat loss its about cals in vs. cals out...unless you have an issue with lactose, then it may cause problems for you.

[kittiwake]

I agree with nic. I don't compete so I may be completely unqualified to say anything, but having done loads of reading on pros and cons of dairy (any excuse to knock anything onto a non-eating list) even I couldn't justify getting rid of such a valuable vitamin/ protein/ calcium source. And that's saying something!!

[KKKRRR]

I totally agree with Nic on the calories matter more than whether dairy is in/not in your diet...BUT for me,since I have chosen to follow a paleo lifestyle (no dairy, grains, legumes) my body is looking the best it has ever looked and I FEEL the best I have ever felt. Keep in mind that I am gluten intolerant and what works for ME may not be what works best for YOU. Everyone tolerates foods differently. Experimentation is a wonderful thing!

[xooxnikkixoxo]

Thanks for the reply ladies! I think i might cut down on the dairy just to see what happens, a lot of my diet is based on dairy, and im wondering if that is what's slowing my progress :/ Guess Ill have to wait and see

[dbroncofan]

I did a trial to cut dairy out of my diet for 2 weeks to see what happened.
There were some small changes I saw....a little more cut..a little less bloat, but nothing to write home about.
I have it back in my diet right now, but during my contest preps I cut it out mid way through.

[BootyBootyBooty]

For MY body, I see no difference. When I eat dairy though, I buy organic, low lactose (as in, cottage cheese, greek yogurt, hard cheeses, etc...no milk or regular yogurts), and raw (cheese) when I can.

[mattsmom]

Olesya doesn't have me consume dairy as it can make you retain water. I will consume a little when bulking but none during cutting. However alot of bodybuilders/figure athletes conusme cottage cheese and greek yougurt. Like Kristine says...you gotta do what works for you.

[MuscleMama87]

I have been on the fence about dairy..well close to competition anyway..I am an avid believer of taking Casein protein before bedtime....and having to "cut it out" of the diet before a comp seems detrimental to me... has anyone kept their dairy in their diet during comp prep? (I mean like ALL THE WAY THROUGH?)

I know some bodybuilders that take it anyway...and they are Pros....

I dunno..I guess it all depends on your body...but as for taking dairy any other time..IM ALL FOR IT!! You need those nutrients...I would rather eat it then take a supplement to make up for the loss of calcium and vitamin D....

[sneezingstardust]

I LOVE dairy! The only time I didn't eat it was during peak week, because I was trying to do a "process of elimination", so to speak. But peak week is a totally different story.

Throughout my prep, and during the off-season, I have no problems with it whatsoever. Good source or protein, and it tastes delicious

[BeanBabe]

I think holding onto a little water weight is a good thing and it helps with muscle growth. That being said I would cut out dairy in peak week as well...other then that keep it in.

[xooxnikkixoxo]

Thanks for all your responses! I think I might keep dairy in, I don't plan on competing for awhile, so I'm not following a competition diet or anything like that.