Why Make This Blog?

     I found out I was most likely lactose intolerant when I was 18.  I started using the lactase pills and it took care of my symptoms for a time.  After a while, I started getting the symptoms back even with the pills.  I decided in April of 2012 to cut out dairy entirely.

     This was not due to any belief in "dairy is bad for you" or "trying to be healthy" but out of the necessity to stop my body's reactions to dairy by cutting it out of my diet.  This includes anything made with milk, butter (you'd be surprised how many people forget it is made from milk), milk protein (casein), milk fat, whey, or milk by products.  The only thing I can tolerate is if a products says it may contain milk due to being processed on the same equipment that handles milk.  I believe that is only a problem for those who have extreme allergic reactions.

    I then was presented the problem of modifying my dairy addict habits to a dairy free lifestyle.  This is easier at home than when eating out.  Yes, I am one of those freaks who will order a burger without a bun if I am not sure if it contains milk.  If carb conscious people do it, I'm sure restaurants are used to it by now.

     Again, I am not extremely health conscious so I am fine using butter flavored shortening as a substitute for butter in baking (All the hydrogenated oil police probably just deleted this blog from their history).  I am trying to find delicious ways to eat the foods I love while keeping them dairy free and try new things as well.  Yes, I love salads, fruit, and working out but I am not going to sacrifice taste as long as I use moderation.  :)

     I have been learning tricks of the trade to avoiding dairy and I would like to start sharing my knowledge and keep everything in one place.  This blog is a way for me to organize my thoughts, keep recipes, share tips and it will hopefully help a few of you who are also dairy free.