5 easy tips and tricks when becoming dairy-free

I started my health journey over seven years ago during graduate school when I started changing my lifestyle by eating more fruits, vegetables, and exercising on a regular basis. Things were on the up and up as I was feeling better on the inside and out. But, over the last several years I started to struggle with acne, sluggishness, and gallbladder attacks. I thought these issues were related to my thyroid but I still couldn’t explain my gallbladder symptoms. So, over the last six months I started eliminating both dairy and eggs from my diet. My husband thought I was crazy to eliminate these foods but I was willing to try anything at this point not to have another gallbladder attack. Not only have my gallbladder symptoms stopped but I noticed an improvement with my skin and energy levels. So here are my tips and tricks when eliminating dairy from your diet.

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Step 1- Dairy Free Alternatives

Thankfully there are Dairy-Free alternatives to your favorite dairy products like cheese, ice cream, sour cream, and cream cheese. These alternatives helped me when transitioning to a dairy-free lifestyle as I did not feel deprived both at home and when going out. Learn how to cook your favorite dishes at home but modify them to be dairy free. Be more mindful of restaurants that offer dairy free options. My kryptonite is pizza and there are many pizza places in Fargo but there are 3 places that offer dairy free pizza options. Knowing these tidbits helps when going out to eat as you know they cater to your dietary needs.

Step 2- Moderation, Moderation, Moderation

Some people are able to cut out items from their diet cold turkey while others have to eliminate gradually. Just know what works best for you and your body. It is helpful to eliminate items from your diet gradually as this will help your mindset and not feel defeated. Sometimes, when people eliminate items from their diet all at once they slip up and then have a mindset of a self-defeating prophecy.

Step 3- Be Mindful of Your WHY

Be mindful of WHY you are going dairy-free. For me, I wanted to eliminate dairy from my diet to stop ending up at the hospital every other month with horrible gallbladder attacks. Being mindful means tapping into your emotions and physical sensations when you have cravings for dairy. Don’t get me wrong, I have cravings of going to my favorite local ice cream shop but in that moment I am mindful of why I am dairy free. Know the reason of WHY you are choosing this lifestyle choice. Is it because of an ethical decision or dietary; either way know the WHY behind it.

Step 4- Ask for help or support

Know that everyone needs help and encouragement. It is hard to change your lifestyle especially when you have been doing something different for years. Asking for help and support is just another tool to help you maintain a change in your lifestyle. Ask a friend, sibling, partner, or coworker to help and support you during this change. We are more likely to cheat on our diet or exercise routine when we are feeling emotionally down. That is the time to ask for help and seek out someone who understands the changes you are making.

Step 5- Learn how to eat Dairy-Free when in social situations

This step is by far the hardest step for me. It is easy for me to control what I am having at home for meals and to adapt them to be dairy free. But, when going out to eat you have temptations and have to tap into your highest level of will power. Just the other day, I went out with some friends and they ordered spinach and artichoke dip and salmon lox for appetizers. As I was salivating watching everyone else eat two of my favorite appetizers I realized that it is impossible to control other people’s behaviors but I CAN control my own. In that moment, it is important to distract yourself from the food and to focus your attention on the people and conversations around you. When going out to eat, most restaurants are willing to modify their menus for dietary restrictions all you have to do is ask.

#dairyfree #dairyfreealternatives #foodinterolerance