Wow! It's been a while since I've posted anything. I've been at college this fall, it is the night before final exams and I've decided to give a quick update (smart, right? ;) ).
I've been reading drmomma.org, a blog focused on different aspects of "peaceful parenting" recently. A few posts I've read have made me question the human consumption of dairy. I'm considering taking a Dairy-free challenge where I'll go a specific amount of time without dairy products (most recommend somewhere between 10 days to a few weeks), keep a daily record of the way I am feeling, and then after the time is up, have some foods with dairy and see how I feel.
Why? I've never been able to link any health problems to dairy consumption, but many food allergies go undiagnosed, especially if the symptoms are slight, or not something usually associated with a particular allergen. My family does have allergies. My brother was even tested for allergies and given a whole list of things he was allergic to. Interestingly enough, dairy products were not on that seemingly endless list, but when reading about common symptoms of milk allergies I noticed one that stuck out to me. . . "shiners". My brother has had dark rings around his eyes all our growing up years. He was a big milk drinker. My other brother had bad skin problems when younger. His skin seems to be better than it was back then, but again, problems with eczema, acne, and itchy skin are usually treated with prescription medicines, ointments, and cleansers rather than elimination diets.
What will I eat?
Simply put, dairy is in practically everything these days. I am wary of the excess use of soy products, so I normally try to avoid soy products, which makes soy milk (a common milk substitute) out of the question. I have been considering oat milk, rice milk, and coconut milk.
What about my calcium?
As I've seen others say, "I'll get it the same place cows do. . .my vegetables!" In fact, what many people don't realize is that a lot of the nutrients naturally found in cow’s milk are killed in the pasteurization process. By law certain things have to be added back in, which is why milk will say "fortified with Vitamins A & D."
Once I start this (if I do), I will try to keep posted on what I am eating (including any recipes I try), how I am faring, and if I decide to go dairy-free for good. (As previously stated, I have no serious reactions to dairy, so eating the occasional dairy-laden dish would not kill me; it would be a lifestyle choice.) I fear that the cleansing period of the challenge might be the most difficult. For many years I have called ice cream my favorite food. Might need to find another favorite. :)
