Dairy Free For Beginners: Embracing the Dairy Free Lifestyle

Starting a dairy-free journey can be both exciting and a bit intimidating, but fear not – we’ve got your back! Whether you’re swapping out milk for plant-based alternatives or giving up your beloved cheese, these helpful tips will make your transition to a dairy-free lifestyle a breeze.

​RELATED ARTICLE: Your Guide To The Best Dairy Free Butter

Reasons to Give Dairy Free A Chance

• Lactose Intolerance 
• Dairy Allergy – Unfortunately, you may not have had a choice.
• Dairy Intolerance – Dairy intolerance is a broad term but it usually means you are intolerant to one or more dairy ingredients. For example, it may be Casien, It’s important to know what you are specifically intolerant to because ingredients like Casien can sometimes be found in “dairy-free” products.
• Vegan diet or Overall Health Benefits – Not everyone needs to be dairy-free, but many people find that their digestive issues and energy levels are improved when they remove dairy foods. If this is you, be sure to mention it to your doctor. 

How Do I Transition To Dairy Free?

1. Start Slow and Small: Transitioning to a dairy-free lifestyle doesn’t have to be done cold turkey. Start with simple swaps, one dairy product at a time. Replace your usual cow’s milk with almond milk, soy milk or oat milk in your morning coffee or cereal, and go from there. Small changes over time are more likely to stick. If you are feeling overwhelmed, search for a dairy-free meal plan online or order dairy-free options from meal delivery services. This will give you an idea of what a dairy-free meal can look like. 
2. Explore Dairy-Free Alternatives: The world of dairy-free alternatives is vast and delicious! Dive into the dairy-free section of your local grocery store and experiment with different plant-based milks, cheeses, yogurts, and butters. You might be surprised at how many tasty options are out there. You may also be surprised at how different each brand is from one another. For example, Miyoko is my favorite vegan cheese. They use clean ingredients like coconut oil and it is free from ingredients I otherwise avoid, like vegetable oils and fillers. It has the closest flavor to dairy butter and I prefer it over any other vegan butter.  Give yourself some time to discover your favorites!
3. Get Creative in the Kitchen: Going dairy-free is an opportunity to flex those culinary muscles! Experiment with dairy-free recipes, and don’t be afraid to try new ingredients. Coconut milk in curries, cashew cheese on your pizza (or pizza with no cheese), and avocado in your smoothies – the possibilities are endless, and your taste buds will thank you. Our website is full of Dairy Free Recipes, so be sure to check it out! 
4. Read Labels Like a Pro: Reading labels is your secret weapon. Scan ingredient lists carefully to catch sneaky dairy derivatives. Keep an eye out for words like whey, casein, and lactose. As you become more label-savvy, navigating the grocery aisles will become second nature.
5. Connect with the Dairy-Free Community: You’re not alone on this journey! Join online communities like our Dairy Free Facebook page, follow dairy-free bloggers (be sure to follow us!), and engage with like-minded individuals on social media. Sharing experiences, swapping tips, and discovering new recipes together can turn the transition into a fun and supportive adventure.
6. Don’t Stress the Slip-Ups : We’re all human, and slip-ups happen. If you accidentally consume something with dairy, don’t beat yourself up. Learn from the experience and move forward. The goal is progress, not perfection. Celebrate the wins and keep smiling. We have been dairy-free for over 10 years and we still enjoy a good pizza on vacation or a treat at a birthday party. Unless you are allergic to dairy, it is all about balance!
7. Educate Yourself on Nutrient Alternatives: Cutting out dairy means finding alternative sources for essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D which are essential for strong bones and overall health. Leafy greens, fortified non-dairy products, and nuts are excellent substitutes.  These can also be a good source of protein but make sure you are paying attention to all of your dietary needs. Educate yourself on these alternatives to ensure you’re maintaining a well-balanced diet or work with a licensed nutritionist. 
8. Celebrate the Wins, Big and Small: Transitioning to a dairy-free lifestyle is a personal achievement, so celebrate it! Whether it’s successfully baking a dairy-free cake or finding a go-to non-dairy ice cream, acknowledge and revel in your wins. Positive reinforcement makes the journey all the more enjoyable.

So there you have it – a friendly and helpful guide to making your dairy-free transition not only manageable but downright delightful. Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and embrace the vibrant world of dairy-free living with a smile on your face. You’ve got this! 

​Be sure to follow us on social media for dairy-free tips, tricks, and recipes, or drop a comment below and let us know if you have any questions or any wins that you’d like to share! 

RELATED ARTICLE: Ka’Chava Review, A Woman’s Perspective

Frequently Asked Questions About Going Dairy-Free

Here Are Some Easy Dairy Free Recipes For Beginners:

• Dairy-Free Yogurt Parfait
• Chicken and Green Beans
• Easy Homemade Beefaroni
• Chocolate Sauce Recipe
• Freezer Breakfast Burritos
• Healthy Fall Pumpkin Oatmeal