During quarantine, being stuck inside all day made snacking all too easy. Without a lot of healthy options especially with fruit and vegetable shortages, people are reaching for alternative options for watching their diet. Cutting dairy was a trend I was familiar with after reading about it on a lifestyle blog I subscribe to and regularly read. One of the many benefits of becoming dairy-free is a lighter feeling in your stomach and also visually less bloating. About 75% of the world’s population struggle from being slightly or severely lactose intolerant, many are unaware. Lactose intolerance is a digestive problem caused by the inability to properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk.
On top of the dairy-free diet helping people shed unwanted pounds, another benefit can be the rejuvenation and transformation people see in their skin. Since I’ve gone dairy-free, not only have I seen a dramatic weight loss, I also have been more energetic and less stressed. My skin has never looked better, free of most blemishes, and smooth to the touch.
In addition to the easily recognizable results, changes also take place when dairy is cut inside your body such as increasing your metabolism and improving the condition of your thyroid. Thyroid health is imperative to maintain a healthy weight as well as a healthy mindset. As someone who grew up with thyroid issues, I struggled to find a sustainable diet. After looking into different options, cutting out meat or carbs seemed almost impossible. Although I love dairy, the substitutions are more accessible and better tasting. At the local ice cream shop, dairy-free options have been introduced and this is seen as more and more people discover their intolerance for dairy.
Here are three of my favorite dairy-free substitutes that I include almost every day in my diet. Just these three alternatives I have implemented have made all the difference.
Earth Balance Butter
Earth Balance Butter is a blend of non-GMO, organic vegetable oils, pea protein isolate and a hint of salt.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is most simply made from combining oats and water and blending them and then straining the mixture.
So Delicious Dairy Free Icecream
This ice cream brand is made from coconut milk and comes in a variety of flavors. My favorite is Mint Chip.
