The Start: Dairy Free Soy Free

​I stopped eating dairy when I was breastfeeding my daughter Mini. 4 months into breastfeeding we found out that her body was not properly digesting dairy protein. My choices were to stop breastfeeding, buy expense formula to feed her or I would need to stop eating all forms of dairy.

My heart was already set to breastfeed for as long as possible. Immediately I thought I’ll stop eating dairy, I was already drinking almond milk because I’m lactose intolerant. How bad can this be?

Week 1 

What has dairy in it? EVERYTHING! I lost 20lbs in a week between breastfeeding and trying to feed myself. I was lost confused and starving. 

Week 2

Fruits and vegetables were the obvious go to foods but as a “healthy” eater my diet and taste buds were not accustomed a lot of those. Plus I was a foodie! Full favored meals with cheese, bread and any new restaurant I could find. Japanese food, Mexican food, Thai food, Southern Carolina soul food. I knew there had to be a way to cook without being a vegan. Which I may go to eventually with baby steps!

Week 3 

I started reading labels again and visiting the site http://www.godairyfree.org which provided great assistance but again I learned I need to stop soy protein too. What has soy protein? Everything! 

Week 4

No fast food. Why?

No eating what others at home cooked. Whyyyyyyy?

No more food trucks. Sad!

I can make a long list of no mores… let’s roll on to why.

This is the part that I learned slowly, the hard way and for those who want to go dairy and/or soy free or have to then stay tune. I will post building blocks quicker than my journey took me. Below are major eye openers. 

1. Keep it simple when starting.

Do not try to cook a full out dairy/soy free mmeal you, will be lost and hungry. 

Small snacks throughout the day and think foods without labels. 

Single spices and oils. 

2. No more Vegetable oil

This is why most fast foods are no longer in my diet. Vegetable oil is soy bean oil. I use:

Canola Oil (Frying), 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (baking), 

Peanut Oil (Turkey fried whole) 

• More tips to come!