Skim Milk causes weight gain?

[lizthefair]

So I've just started working with a personal trainer and he said something that didn't ring true for me, so I thought I'd ask all you smart people here.

What's the current research say about the effect of skim milk on weight gain?

Most of what I've read says it's either a good thing to incorporate into your diet, or at least neutral--and the calcium is very good (possibly better than supplements)

He says, Skim milk is basically sugar, turns directly to fat and should be avoided in favor of supplements.

What's your take?

[NotesMaeve]

It is composed mainly of lactose, yes. Because of the balance of protein/calcium, other food is a better source. To absorb the protein in milk, your body needs additional non-milk calcium. To absorb the calcium, your body needs additional protein. In a sense, with so many better food choices, it is just swilling down empty calories.

Of course, dude's trying to push supplements, probably because he sells them. Natural foods are always better than supplements. Want protein? Have at some legumes and nuts and soy. Calcium? Leafy/cruciferous dark greens, some fruits (kiwi is great!).

[Addict]

Of course, dude's trying to push supplements, probably because he sells them. Natural foods are always better than supplements.

I concur. Supplements for the loss.

[WanderingOak]

What grocery stores call skim milk is a nasty concoction. First, the dairy skims the cream off unhomogonized milk, leaving behind a thin foul-tasting wattery liquid. Traidtionally, this 'skimmed milk' was fed to pigs, as it was unpaletable to humans. Eventually, somebody came up with the idea of adding dehydrated skim milk to the mix to give it more 'body' and (slightly) improve the taste. The result is marketed as 'low-fat milk'. If you do drink milk, whole is considerably better than skim/2% etc. If you are near a dairy farm and trust the farmer, raw is the best of course.

[lizthefair]

What's weird I guess is that I actually like the taste and there has been more information out in the world lately, that drinking (skim) milk could aid weight loss, so I started drinking it again. Although it's unclear if most of that research comes from the Milk Board--who like the guy selling supplements is hardly an impartial source

[NotesMaeve]

Originally Posted by lizthefair

What's weird I guess is that I actually like the taste and there has been more information out in the world lately, that drinking (skim) milk could aid weight loss, so I started drinking it again. Although it's unclear if most of that research comes from the Milk Board--who like the guy selling supplements is hardly an impartial source

Exactly. When it comes to weight loss, you more or less have to experiment. Milk drinking does not agree with me. I don't think milk has enough benefits for me to put it in my body, and after laying off it, it hurts me to drink it.

[Matthew Shea]

Blinky the cow says "Skim milk makes me sad!"

In all seriousness, that picture is actually a real calf. Click it for the article.

Honestly, I'm not sure what side to believe in the whole milk debate. Whole milk has a lot of fat, which skim doesn't, but skim's not supposed to be good for you, either. I think I'll be drinking more water, personally.

[Gyanish Gungaram]

Rather than getting diverse opinions on this. Check out this link:

Fat-Reduced Milk Products Join the Food Labeling Fol

Skim milk is actually whole milk (3.5%) with the butterfat removed. This amounts to approximately one and one-half teaspoons of butter or 90 calories. Otherwise, skim milk has approximately the same composition of other nutrients. Adults should drink two cups of milk per day unless they are allergic to milk.

[Addict]

Adults should drink two cups of milk per day unless they are allergic to milk.

So what you're saying is that most people shouldn't drink milk?

I'd like to know exactly why you think two cups of milk a day is neccessary.