It really depends on how extreme you are going to look at it. Humane milk the cows are still being tugged on, and the more tugging the more they produce milk, unless I’m misunderstanding thecidea behind it. At the same time, sometimes it’s a relief to have the milk expressed probably?
I was dairy free for anoutv4 years at one point. I cheated very very rarely. I felt better, and was thinner. I do think it partly was from giving up dairy. I cut way back last month, and I’ve lost 8 pounds. I cut back on dairy and meat also.
I remember years ago writing that impregnating cows with AI is basically rape, and a few jellies freaked out on me.
What you might try is leaning in a little. I eat my cereal with ½ skim milk ¼ almond milk and ¼ water. You could use wile milk if that’s what you’re used to. I find the almond milk needs to be thinned out a little in cereal so that’s why I add the water. I’ve tried several Almond milks, and take it from someone who still drinks milk and eats dairy, and still knows that taste, Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original is the one to try in my opinion. A lot of people like the vanilla flavor, but to me it tastes off.
Over time you might get used to eat and be fine with the almond milk alone.
I wouldn’t worry about the calcium at all. Tons of people don’t drink or eat dairy. Many foods have calcium, you can take calcium supplements too. Most important is vitamin D to make the calcium go to the right spot—your bones. Too much calcium in the blood is really bad for you, clogs and hardens arteries and other soft tissues. Do you actually have low calcium or osteoporosis? I’m not giving medical advice, but I would suggest reading up about it. I’m not saying take in more or less if calcium or D, but you might want to see blood test results for yourself next time you go to the doctor. Just know calcium blood levels do not tell you how dense your bones are.
Also, milk reduces calcium absorption, because it reduces stomach acid, compared to other things that have natural calcium or fortified with calcium.
The Dairy Council in America, or whatever it’s called, has spent a lot of money convincing Americans over the years they need milk for healthy bones. They’ve done a great marketing job. Moreover, in the middle of the country drinking milk was supporting local industry and neighbors, plus people who immigrated there often came from very high milk consumption countries.
So, are you’re giving up all milk products? No more cheese pizza?