Dairy Free

I have been (mostly) dairy-free for the last six weeks. I never realized how difficult it would be to not eat dairy. Sometimes when I pour a cup of milk for James or Anna I have an overwhelming urge to just guzzle it out of the carton. It is only the thought of being up with a colicky baby that helps me overcome the urge. But giving up dairy is so much more than not drinking milk; it is cheese, yogurt, pizza, butter, sour cream, ice cream, cream cheese, cream cheese frosting on carrot cake, most baked goods, and (gulp) chocolate. I know there some non-dairy chocolates but they can be hard to find and expensive, and as it turns out, chocolate also irritates dear Seth so I can't even eat the non-dairy variety. Having to avoid dairy has made me realize how much dairy I eat and how much I like it.

When I first stop eating dairy I though ice cream would be what I missed the most. It's not—I miss butter more. Butter is used in cookies, cakes, pies, and many other yummy things that I cannot eat. I know there are butter substitutes but I try not eat things with the word "hydrogenated" in the ingredient list. I did find a butter substitute the other day that does not contain hydrogenated oil that I will attempt to make an apple pie with tomorrow. I know that giving up dairy does have benefits, not just for Seth but for me as well. I am not eating as many goodies as I usual which should help me lose the baby weight quicker (I really hope this is the case). But it has also made me more conscious about how and what I eat. For example, going out to eat. Do you know how difficult it is to go out to eat when you have no idea what is used the food preparation and the server is no help? Helpful hint: do not go out to Italian or Mexican—everything has cheese on it. Asian restaurants are much safer choice. Japanese, Korean, and Chinese food very rarely contains dairy. I also have to plan ahead when I run errands with the kids and bring a snack or even a lunch for myself since just grabbing something as I go about my business is not a safe option.

It is getting easier the longer I go without dairy but I must confess I am getting apprehensive about Thanksgiving. I will be at my parents' house for the holiday and know how my mother cooks. As I think about all the yummy food she prepares for Thanksgiving I keep thinking, I can't eat the green bean and mushroom dish (my favorite side dish that my mother makes) it has butter; nope can't eat the candied sweet potatoes, they have butter; no I can't eat the apple pie, the pumpkin pie, the pecan pie, or the banana cream pie (my favorite); no mash potatoes either. I'll be able to eat the turkey, the veggie platter, the fruit, maybe the rolls depending on how they are made, and stuffing. Those are all good things but I cannot eat my favorite Thanksgiving dishes. I hope the non-dairy apple pie that I am making tomorrow turns out well then at least I can eat at least one dessert on Thanksgiving. But on the bright side, not being able eat dairy should help me resist the temptation of all the fattening things my parent have around the house.