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Dairy-free starting today and having a little pity party


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Because of dd#2's chronic nausea, we are starting our two week dairy free trial. We're hoping it may also help with behavioral issues with another dc, so we decided on completely keeping dairy out of the house. My feelings about this may be in part due to the time of month, but this morning it seems so overwhelming.:sad:

 

I gave up gluten about a month ago, the thought of denying myself more is a little depressing, and I don't want to lose any more weight. After losing quite a bit due to illness, weight loss doesn't have the appeal it used to. I may do a little cheating with chocolate for the sake of inner peace. ;)

 

What makes this so ridiculous is that I consume so little dairy, just a splash in my tea, but it's enough to make the world look like a brighter place early in the morning. :001_smile:

 

The dd with the chronic nausea is the one who I've written about before who had the major back surgery. Starting another medical investigation, as benign as it is at this point, is traumatic for her. She cried in the GI's office even though the lovely doctor explained that this would never end up like what she went through the last time.

 

And, to be totally selfish, sometimes I think how nice it would be not to have issues for once--no medical problems, cooperative, easy-going children with perfectly wired brains who go with the flow--knowing at the same time that what we are dealing with is minor compared to the problems other families have. And we have insurance.

 

Okay, I guess I got it all out. Thanks for listening.

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Something to keep in mind - a couple years ago, while nursing dd, I went off dairy (and the rest of the top 8 allergens). I was off for a few months. When I tried to have it again, there was definitely an adjustment period - at first I couldn't eat it. Even pizza gave me a tummyache. It was as though my body stopped making certain enzymes or whatever was needed for digestion. Eventually, gradually, I got back to normal, but it took quite a long time. I just thought I'd mention this in case it happens with someone in your house, because (a) it was annoying, and (b) it was not an indication that I had any sort of permanent problem with dairy.

 

The only other of the 8 that had a similar effect was eggs. Only recently have I been able to eat eggs for breakfast (though eggs in baked goods didn't bother me as long as they were cooked)

 

Good luck with your experiment - you're very brave!

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:grouphug: I know it seems like a huge adjustment to go dairy free, but there are so many alternatives on the market, things have gotten much, much easier to find substitutes (and better tasting!). My ds is super sensitive to milk, and so we have pretty much had to make our house dairy free. That being said, for coffee creamer, Silk makes a good non-dairy creamer. Also, I would highly recommend the new coconut milk ice cream (the chocolate variety is a personal favorite). If you get addicted to it, it will be difficult to lose more weight!

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:grouphug:

 

Try some rice milk or oat milk in your tea.

 

Also, enjoy life chocolate chips are free of the top 8 allergens. I just eat them plain!!

 

I can only eat about 20 foods, it is tough the more you have to limit. At first, I was only allergic to 14 things, that was much easier. (I used to be able to make a sort of cookie with the chocolate chips, but all I really wanted was the chocolate, they are actually better plain than in a weird allergy recipe cookie.)

 

I just added back teff flour after avoiding it for 8 months. It is a nice, sweet, gluten free flour. I missed it, it is good to have it back. If you have not tried it, I recommend it.

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Thanks to all of you who so kindly responded to my post. I've been popping in to look at the responses and they've been very encouraging. I will check out all the tips, and so far almond milk hasn't been too bad in my tea. The kids like the chocolate soy milk, though it's probably not the best choice long-term.

 

I've been cheating by sneaking some Halloween candy here and there, and it's helped in a crisis, or two, or three. :D

 

Dd, who has sensory issues, has really been annoying over choosing what to eat, but we're getting by. Then yesterday she visited a friend and had ice cream without it clicking that she was eating dairy. What's funny is that last night was the only day she didn't complain of feeling sick this week. :confused:

 

Thank you all for your support. :grouphug:

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I agree about trying the Enjoy Life products - especially the chips and chocolate bars :)

 

I don't know if this is relevant, but I thought I'd point out that something like 50% of the people who have issues (allergies, I guess, as opposed to an intolerance) with dairy will also have an issue with soy. That's per my ped.

 

Coconut milk is a favorite, though it doesn't substitute for the protein of milk (in our house of picky eaters, getting enough protein is a challenge). I haven't used coconut milk in coffee/tea but it may be worth a try.

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You *can* get dark chocolate with no dairy! I am dairy-free and it's a lifesaver.

: )

I'm sorry it feels so tough right now, though.

If you don't want to lose weight, I would suggest eating nuts and avocados. It works for me.

 

:iagree: Dairy free does not mean chocolate free! I eat lots of great things that are dairy free.

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I don't know if this is relevant, but I thought I'd point out that something like 50% of the people who have issues (allergies, I guess, as opposed to an intolerance) with dairy will also have an issue with soy. That's per my ped.

 

This is true.. And also gluten.. This is because the proteins are nearly identical so our bodies respond in the same way. This is for people who are sensitive to the proteins, not for people who have immediate onset (anaphylactic-type) allergies.

 

Coconut milk is a favorite, though it doesn't substitute for the protein of milk (in our house of picky eaters, getting enough protein is a challenge). I haven't used coconut milk in coffee/tea but it may be worth a try.

 

To get extra protein in, try using quinoa flour, quinoa pasta, quinoa whole grain, etc.. It's VERY high in protein.. Also Amaranth is another grain high in protein.. I use at least one of them in some way every day. It's so easy... today I boiled some quinoa whole grain for 15 minutes.. Then I added some shredded chicken (from last night's dinner) and half a can of tomato sauce.. I also added flax seed. So easy and so cheap and SOOO HEALTHY.. When I bake anything, I always use a mixture of quinoa, amaranth, and brown rice flour.. I add a little tapioca flour to even out the texture..

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Kelli, when she says she feels sick, maybe what she means is hungry? Sometimes they're hard to sort between.

 

It could be but unlikely since she usually expresses both clearly.

 

The good news is that she's been dairy-free (except for that ice cream at her friends house) for 5 days and already it looks like she's improving. I don't remember her telling me once in the last few days that she's felt sick without me asking. And, when I asked, she said she felt sick in the morning one day, but this is very different from her usuall pattern of feeling sick later in the day, mostly the evening and night. She is telling me, though, that she doesn't want to give up dairy forever. :001_smile:

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