Dairy alternatives for a more humane diet
Today's dairy cows may never see a pasture
by Virginia Messina, MPH, RD
June 5, 2009
June is National Dairy Month, a tradition that began in 1937 to celebrate the dairy industry. But given the state of modern dairy farming, it has become a great time to explore some dairy alternatives. Foods that replace milk and cheese in the diet are often better for you and they are always a more ethical, humane, and environmentally-responsible choice.
Many people think of dairy farms as cheerful, sunny pastures filled with happy cows and their calves. Nothing could be further from the truth. Dairy cows have one purpose—to produce milk, and lots of it. Their calves are removed immediately after birth and either slaughtered or shipped off to veal crates. The cows themselves are loaded onto trucks and sent to slaughter as soon as their milk production declines. Many spend their entire lives indoors where they are milked by machines—and that’s true on organic farms, too.
Going dairy-free can seem like a big step, but it’s an important one for anyone who is working toward the most humane lifestyle possible. Fortunately, it’s become much easier as great new products have appeared on the market.
Most cheese alternatives contain small amounts of milk protein (casein) but there are some wonderful new completely vegan choices. The Follow Your Heart Company, a leader in the production of delicious vegan foods makes Vegan Gourmet cheese in a variety of flavors. Order it from their website if your local store doesn’t carry it.
Crafted in a variety of styles like Gouda, Edam and Smoked Cheddar, Sheese is made in Scotland by these four guys. Another relative newcomer is Teese is made by the Chicago Soydairy. You can buy both online at Vegan Essentials.
Here are some other ideas for replacing dairy foods in your diet.
• Use milks made from soy, rice, hemp, oats, or almonds on cereal, in baking, to make chocolate pudding, or to wash down a cookie. If you don’t like one, try another. With the vast array of products, you’ll find something that suits your needs perfectly.
To read the full article:
http://www.examiner.com/x-5670-Seattle-Vegan-Examiner~y2009m6d5-Dairy-alternatives-for-a-more-humane-diet?cid=exrss-Seattle-Vegan-Examiner
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