Lactose intolerance can be managed well by avoiding dairy products and by taking lactase supplements. Food labels can feel completely overwhelming, especially if you've just discovered you have a sensitivity to a certain common ingredient.
To eliminate dairy from your diet, be sure to consider obvious sources (e.g. milk) as well as hidden, common sources where you will need to read food labels. Here are items you should be sure to avoid completely:
Milk, Cream, Half-and-Half (I'm sorry, that also means even a little bit in tea or coffee)
Butter
Yogurt or kefir
Sour cream
Creamy salad dressings (e.g. blue cheese, ranch, thousand island)
Creamy sauces
Cream-based soups or chowders
Cottage cheese and cream cheese
Most muffins, scones, cookies, cake
Definitely puddings, custard and related desserts (crème brûlée, key lime pie, lemon meringue pie) as well as nougat (in most candy bars)
Ice cream
All cheeses (includes those from cow or goat milk)
It's important to also consider what dishes contain these ingredients. For example, pizza or lasagna at a restaurant, or mashed potatoes most likely contain one or more of those listed ingredients.
Most challenging is when you're eating out or grabbing takeout and you're not sure if the item was made with any dairy products. When in doubt, simply ask the restaurant if the dish is dairy-free or if it can be made dairy free.
Another way to identify possible dairy ingredients is to look for the kosher symbols on the package. A “D” next to the OU symbol indicates that the food is classified as a dairy product for people who keep kosher.
Ready to start your dairy elimination?
Whether your dairy-free journey begins because you’re tired of not feeling well, or because your doctor has encouraged you to remove dairy from your diet – today you’re taking an important step in investing in your body, health and education.
Dairy is in so many recipes, hidden in product labels and such a part of our culture that it can be overwhelming and challenging to even know where to start. That’s why I’ve designed this complementary workbook to help you through your dairy elimination journey.
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