Photo Public Domain Courtesy U.S. Library of Congress. Remixed by Duct Tape and Bubblegum

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? If so, then I know how you’re feeling. This was my story before I discovered all the wisdom there is in using food as medicine. The most transformative part of my wellness hero journey has been experimenting with foods that may, or may not be healing and energizing me. The proof is in the superfood-puddin’.

By now, you might have been reducing, or fully eliminating gluten from your diet and are ready for the next phase: dairy and sugar. In my opinion, these two guys are probably the toughest to kick. Because there is so much I want to share with you, today we’ll just dabble in the dairy free process…

I should make note now, that I am talking about commercialized dairy (pasteurized/homogenized). If you’re anything like me, you eat one cheddar bunny and BOOM, the whole box somehow disappears. Why can’t I stop eating those dang bunnies? I kept asking myself why it was so hard. Why dairy?

According to one of my favorite wellness chicks: Kris Carr, there’s an explanation for my madness.  Cheese actually has “trace amounts of morphine”  which makes it understandably difficult to eliminate. Crazy, right?! Beyond these findings, my Naturopath opened my eyes to the fact that mucous feeds on dairy! As a sinus-infection pro, I’ve gone from needing Z-Pak antibiotics every four weeks to maybe once a year (if that). It has been truly a life changing experience for me to kick dairy. And, of course, nobody’s perfect – so the journey is ever evolving!

Photo Public Domain Courtesy U.S. Library of Congress. Remixed by Duct Tape and Bubblegum.

Just this past year, I’ve started to incorporate raw milk into my diet. After much research and witnessing friends health transformations – I decided to give it a try. I’ll admit, I was a bit fearful after all my non-dairy progress and being free from infections for so long. You’re talking to a girl who would have (commercial) cheese or milk and literally wake up the next day with a sinus infection! I was very surprised after my raw milk trial (3 glasses per day for a week). I felt great. No sinus side-effects. And actually, most of the time I felt even better than the norm. This can only lead me to believe that over processing (and killing live enzymes + nutrients) regular milk isn’t nourishing us. Here’s more info on drinking raw “real milk”.

Whatever your motives are, below I’ve listed a few options for going dairy free:

• Pacific Almond Milk (Organic, Non-GMO. Great on cereal or in smoothies.)
• So Delicious Coconut Milk (Organic, Non-GMO. Great on cereal or in smoothies.)
• Nutiva Coconut Oil (I use this in place of butter! It’s divine. Organic, Cold Pressed, Virgin, Non-GMO.)
• Artisana Coconut Oil (My 2nd fav! Organic & Raw.)
• Coconut Bliss Ice Cream (Organic & delicious.)
• Artisana Coconut Butter (More like butter than coconut oil, Organic & Raw)

You can look for nut-derived milks along with all other alternatives, available at: Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Amazon or any other health food stores.  As always, watch for labels and ingredients because Organic and Non-GMO are always the best choice. When removing dairy, remember: overall thrive-ability and balance are the goals. Take a look at your meals during your day. Do they mostly fit into one food category or another? Are you able to fit in fresh fruits and greens at least once per day?

My personal goal is to eat greens 2-3 times a day. Even if it means sneaking a handful of spinach into my smoothie!

It might be helpful to add in some meditation or calm breathing techniques to your routine. Sometimes emotions can arise when we switch up our regular diet, or cut out items we’re attached to. Try and remember to be patient and compassionate with your lovely lil self. 🙂

Would love to hear how you’re feeling with or without dairy.

Much love