Mmmmm cheese. One of the things I miss most since discovering my body no longer likes dairy. I never quite realized how many things included dairy before since I was able to eat them. I give a mad shout out to all those a living with a life long allergy like nuts or gluten. Man if it was one of those two I think I would actually have died by now. No I probably really wouldn't die but you definitely have to learn to adapt. I find it hard since it's something new for me. I find now I just sum it by saying no cheese, no butter and no fun. That's not really all true. It's has been kind of fun discovering new dairy free products to replace those things I can't have.
So you might be wondering... Now Michelle if you used to be able to eat dairy what happened? How did it change? Ok I'll tell you the story. It all started a few years ago when I was helping out and starting to work in a new location. So as I didn't know what stores would be around I packed lunch and made sure to make a batch of Shakeology balls to have as a snack. Now for a little TMI... I wasn't sure if I was having an IBS flair up (which is a complete other blog topic to cover) or just a nervous stomach/gut from working in a new location; but me and the bathroom got real acquainted and I basically lived on Pepto for the week. I couldn't figure out what the issue was. So the weekend rolled around and I was finally feeling a bit better. So as one does I was scrolling thru my Facebook when a post a friend had shared caught my attention. It seemed that the brand of Almond butter I had been using had been recalled for Salmonella. So I went to the website and checked it out and sure enough the jar I had was in the contaminated bunch. So guess what I threw out, the jar of Almond butter as well as the batch of Shakeology balls I had been eating all week since it was that almond butter I'd used to make them.
Now it took me probably another 6 months or more to really figure out that it was in fact dairy I had a problem with. Let me tell you those months were hard, I lived in fear of going out because I didn't know what would make my stomach and gut upset. I never thought it was something I was eating! I had already cut out really creamy things like ice capps and cream in my coffee but it dawned on me one day that it seemed like anytime I had any dairy I was having some sort of issue with it. So I decided to cut it out all together and see what happened. Sure enough I started to feel better without any more symptoms I had been suffering from. I decided to talk to my doctor about it just to see if there was any testing that could be done. It basically went down like this; if I was finding that dairy causes those issues and I was feeling better by not having dairy then yes you are lactose intolerant lol. The doctor also told me when a person has a seriously bad flu or something like salmonella it can strip your gut causing you to become lactose intolerant. Great. Anyways so once I cut dairy I did start feeling alot better but it has been hard. Alot of things I never would have thought of actually do have dairy in them. A few of the things I miss the most, dill pickle chips, cheesecake, ok actually any dessert, grilled cheese, lasagna oh and chocolate. CHOCOLATE! Guys for real it's a struggle some days. Yeah I know it's not exactly the most healthiest of lists so maybe in hindsight it's a good thing I can't tolerate dairy. I gotta say though I still do miss that stuff I can't have.
Do you want to know something else I haven't had since I've went through this whole process? Almond butter and I really liked it! I think I'm going to have to get over my fears and buy a jar. Maybe just not the same brand lol. I will say it has been fun to discover new products that are dairy free and delicious. I was able to switch out my regular chocolate Shakeology for vegan chocolate Shakeology. Another swap I made was with my coffee and although I could definitely buy lactose free milk and add sugar to it, one of my favorite finds has been Silk almond creamer in vanilla, so good! The day I found lactose free greek yogurt by my fave brand Liberté oh lord was I happy! I probably did a dance in the grocery store lol. Also the brand So Delicious makes the yummiest cashew milk ice cream. And thankfully Daiya has Alfredo mac and cheeze as well as frozen pizzas. I haven't had the courage to buy a bag of the shreds myself and I should try the slices so that I might be able to have a grilled cheese again. Another saving grace has been that little gem I told you about in a previous blog post (click here to check it out). The Minga offers up all their goods dairy free and now have a margherita pizza that I can get with Daiya and I'm slightly obsessed with it as well as a baker who makes Vegan donuts. You'd better believe I've had a few of those lol. Who knows maybe one day I'll even make a dairy free lasagna! Watch out world I'm exploring your dairy free offerings and there's no stopping me now!
Oh another thing I miss buying a frozen dinner. I totally used them as a quick cheat but just about every single one of them has dairy in it. So I now just make my own. Cooking for one I usually have enough for a few meals, so then I portion them out and freeze them for later. I am finding it really fun to cook. Not so much the dishes but the cooking is fun. Going out to a restaurant itself can be challenging. Is there going to be something I can have or am I going to have to take a lactaid and still possibly suffer later? So yes there is a pill I can take before I eat dairy to help me be able to digest the lactose better. However I don't like to take them as I figure the more you take them the more of an immunity I will build up causing me to have to take more pills to tolerate dairy. I'd rather just avoid dairy if I can all together. So I talk to the waiter/waitress and ask questions. I put it out there that I'm lactose intolerant and can't have dairy. Can I get my veggies with no butter, can you substitute the mashed potatoes for something else. Do you offer a dairy free dessert? Most cases they work with me and I have an enjoyable meal. Of I'm in doubt I will take a lactaid and still eat. So when others say pass the cheese, I say pass the wine! I might as well enjoy something right! Lol
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