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You might think it’s crazy. Or that it can’t last.
Or that it should be like bread, something you only have at special events.
But it’s official. I’m dairy-free.
Don’t worry, I still get plenty of calcium.
And if you think it was easy (to do or decide), I have news for you. I’m well aware that dairy things are delicious.
Shall we highlight a few dairy delights and discuss my unintentional (but amazingly beneficial) journey of becoming 100% dairy-free? Okay!
Update: Here’s a quick video about my most recent feelings about milk. Enjoy.
Admittedly, Dairy Things are Delicious (and awesome)
What was the first thing you learned to cook as a kid?
- Mac and cheese?
- Grilled cheese?
- Nachos (and cheese!)?
Those things are easy to make and are tasty as heck. Great for hungry people of all ages.
How about chocolate milk? It’s like an ice-cold cookie you don’t have to chew.
What about yogurt?
Or Dairy Queen. Dairy Queen!
Or pizza!? Pizza is a staple in every social situation for every stage of life.
Like you, I’m sure, pizza and I go way back.
- School lunch served Papa John’s.
- In college, frozen Tombstones and fresh Ian’s were all I ate.
- After after college, I survived on pizza! I used to order whole pies from My Pi (two for one after 9pm) and eat it for days.
At this point, I had no clue about being dairy-free.
Why would I consider such a thing?
Maybe I’m a Little Lactose Intolerant?
It didn’t take much.
I started by eating a little less dairy by choice. It was an experiment. Maybe it will:
- Make me feel better?
- Help me be more energized?
- Keep me from getting sick so much?
Eventually, it wasn’t a choice. I was losing my lactose tolerance.
So I set limits.
Just one slice of deep dish (instead of two), for example.
Until one day…
You’re Mostly Dairy Free
You’ve had it. The cost of eating deep dish pizza far outweighs the benefits.
But you make some exceptions. Some dairy items are easier to digest.
- Goat cheese or feta.
- Lactose-free milk.
- A little bit of butter that you can’t see (on fish or in baked goods).
Because let’s face it: Sometimes it’s really hard to avoid dairy all together.
That, or it’s an overwhelming social inconvenience.
“You can’t eat the bars I baked? There’s just a tiny bit of butter!”
“Want me to get you a spinach feta wrap from Starbucks? You can eat those, right?”
“What kind of pizza should we get for our meeting. You can have a slice or two, right?”
But the costs begin to add up.
Being “mostly dairy-free” is hurting your mind, body and soul.
Until one day…
You’re Over it (and now 100% dairy-free)
It took a lot of years. It was a gradual process.
But it’s official.
You’re dairy-free.
That’s how it happened for me. Gradually then suddenly.
Do I miss pizza?
Sure. But vegan slices are pretty easy to find these days.
Do I miss cow’s milk?
Not really. Almond milk fills in perfectly when needed.
Do I miss having an easy time finding things to eat while out and about?
Yes. I was at Dairy Queen with my family recently and all I got was a few cleaned-off cookie dough bites fed to me like a bird.
But overall, eating out is getting much easier for people who are totally dairy-free.
And there are several things I don’t miss.
Now That I’m Dairy-Free
Here’s what’s awesome about being totally dairy-free.
1) I’m sick a lot less.
No, dairy (contrary to popular belief) does NOT make you develop more mucus. But it does cause inflammation. And while there’s no proof that avoiding prevents you from getting sick, I feel like I get colds a lot less often.
2) I’m more energized.
It takes a lot of energy to process dairy. Now, I can use it for exercising, being social, and working on important things.
3) I am more lean.
Want a lean body? Cut dairy from your diet. You’ll be blown away by the results.
4) I smell better.
I can work up a sweat with the best of ’em. But that sweat is much less gross with a dairy-free diet. Also, I produce far less foul-smelling flatulence. (Seriously, last time I accidentally had a bit of cheese, my gas was so bad it was like a crime against humanity. Insert horribly inappropriate Bashar Assad gas joke here.)
5) I’m saving the world.
Dairy products require lots of cows and therefore, lots of manure management. The potential for pollution here is huge. Dairy-free, thus, means I’m being “green” and that makes me happy.
But can’t you take a pill?
You’ll still get asked this when someone finds out you’re dairy-free. “Why don’t you take a pill? Doesn’t Lactaid work?”
I could, sure.
But why?
The way I feel, perform and smell after eating dairy is a sign from my body.
Why would I cover it up?
In the End
I didn’t choose to be dairy-free. I chose to listen to my body.
It said, “Let’s phase this out.”
And, “Eventually you can write about the experience and give hope to others considering it, too.”
***
References
The Dangers Of Dairy http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8646/the-dangers-of-dairy.html
Why body odor reveals your true health habits: Here’s how to reduce odor and enhance health http://www.naturalnews.com/019777_body_odor_deodorant.html
As Dairy Farms Grow Bigger, New Concerns About Pollution http://e360.yale.edu/feature/as_dairy_farms_grow_bigger_new_concerns_about_pollution/2768/
Relationship between milk intake and mucus production in adult volunteers challenged with rhinovirus http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2154152
Related
Here are some hand-picked, dairy-free-themed originals you might appreciate.
Calcium Clarified (8 things you ought to know) https://lifeisnoyoke.com/calcium/
The Problem with Cow’s Milk https://lifeisnoyoke.com/cows-milk-vs-almond-milk/
An assortment of dairy-free recipes https://lifeisnoyoke.com/allergen/dairy-free/
How to make no-cheese queso dip https://lifeisnoyoke.com/cashew-queso/
Thanks for sharing your experience, but what if your want to go dairy free and are also lethaly allergic to all kinds of nuts, almonds, cashews, coconuts and peanuts?
Most recipes use nuts as a milk replacement… It’s actually really upsetting.
On a side note, I’m also allergic to chocolate, so… As you can imagine dessert is something I usually cannot eat in a restaurant.
What about soy? Soy milk okay?
Tofu can be a good substitute when cashews are used.
Definitely a tough situation…
This apple cinnamon cake could be a good dessert for ya?
Hi Lenny,
Thanks for the quick answer!
I can eat soy, actually that’s the milk I use with my cereal and to cook (soups mainly), but haven’t being able to make it work as “melted cheese” or “queso” yet, there’s always something *off * about the texture. As crumbled cheese is fine though.
Maybe I just should keep experimenting?
About the apple cinnamon cake, it sounds delicious and I got really exited about it being a family recipe (those are always the best), but what would be a good substitute for the almond flour (and the ratio)?
I’ve found out that is not as easy as just use garbanzo or rice flour on a 1:1 ratio.
You’ve got me thinking on this ?. Thank you! My vegan teen has been persistent in her decision to live this lifestyle. Initially I yelled about the costs ?. Then I started to try the foods and cut the dairy. I realize I eat little dairy and have been much healthier the last year. Super excited to try your cashew queso recipe! Thanks!
Yes! Our queso is the best. Thanks for the comment!