I recently found out that my stomach is very sensitive to dairy. And by recently, I mean about three weeks ago. And by “sensitive to dairy”, I mean on the verge of lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy. (We aren’t sure which, but we are definitely sure it’s caused by dairy.)

So I have gone from not really watching what I eat to having to literally check everything I eat. And if it’s not marked, but could possibly contain dairy, it’s better to stay away altogether. Some people say I’m being too picky, some tell everyone that I’m on a very strict diet, while others just tell me how they hope they never have to do that themselves. Needless to say, my variety of meal choices has greatly decreased. And with the holidays coming around the corner, filled with cheesecakes and corn casseroles and many delicious cream cheese dishes. Oh and let’s not forget those wonderful mashed potatoes with milk, butter, cheese, and bacon bits inside! It’s a struggle not to just give in and abandon my health for some amazing food. Sure I’ll be sick for the next few days, but I think it’s worth it!

To all my fellow lactose intolerant friends thinking the same thing, No, it’s not.

The wonderful thing about suddenly having an inability to consume certain ingredients in this day and age is that we have developed many good alternatives. I’ve also since found a handful of friends who have had to navigate the grocery store shelves for Gluten-free this, Soy-free that, and Dairy-free cheese for much longer than I have. They’ve taken me under their wings and supported me on my road back to good eating habits.

Although most of their encouragement sounds a lot like this: “Now do you really think it’s a good idea to eat that?” or “I know it’s hard, but you can’t have it.”

Since I’ve started this journey, I’ve found it easier to identify things I can eat with ease. I’ve become better at accepting that I can’t have things with cheese or butter. I’ve even started making a mental list of “Go To” snacks when I feel like I want to just throw my caution to the wind and eat whatever. I’m getting by just fine, but then I heard that word. That word that used to make my mouth water and excite me, but now only holds dread for me as it symbolizes much of what I cannot have.

Thanksgiving.

Yes, that beautiful time of food, warmth, and thankfulness. But all I can think about is the fact that I can’t experience it in the same way I always have.

But after hours of whimpering in the corner of my palate, I’ve resolved to make this Thanksgiving unforgettable! So, without further ado, here are 5 Tips to make sure you have a successful dairy-free holiday season!

1) Make sure “Dairy-Free” stays Dairy-Free.

When you find yourself using old or common recipes, it’s a great idea to substitute dairy products with other things, but be sure that what you’re substituting it with is dairy-free. Dairy has a way of sneaking onto the Ingredients list even after you read it.

Try using Almond or Soy milk. While these don’t generally taste good on their own or with your Wheaties, they work well with cooking.

Notes:

• Chocolate Soy Milk tastes SO good!
• I’ve never tried Lactaid, but that’s also a common milk substitute.

2) Keep Your Friends Close, and Your Snacks Closer.

This is a good habit to keep in mind all year- round. It’s often hard to watch everyone else eating something as simple as donuts or cheese cubes while you have to move along because you can’t have any.

This painful memory in mind, try to keep some snacks you know you can eat and like to be able to fall back on.

Notes:

• If you know you will be visiting a friend’s house, bring along a dessert or dish that you can easily make or eat.
• Don’t feel bad or annoying if you have to remind people that you are sensitive to dairy products. This will help them be more mindful of what they make or eat for you. We are all rooting for you!

3) “Dairy-Free” doesn’t necessarily always mean “organic” and “artificial milk”.

There are plenty of foods out there that already don’t come with milk! Instead of seeking out Dairy-Free Hot chocolate or trying to make Cheesecake with Tofutti Cream Cheese (which is really good, but you don't HAVE to use it!) , look for things without milk, cheese, or butter.

Some Foods You Can Try:

• Almonds, Peanuts, Mixed Nuts or any kind of trail mixes that don’t contain chocolate.
• Beef Jerky
• Chips and Salsa
• Salad- as long as you stay mindful of what dressing you use, have as much as you want!
• Boom Chicka Pop. salted popcorn- or any plain/salted popcorn
• Twizzlers and generally and sort of fruity or sour candy- (Smarties, Jolly Ranchers, Gummy Worms)
• Fruit Snacks!
• Pesto- my family eats a lot of cheesy pasta, pesto is a great sauce alternative. (Also good in place of mayonnaise)
• Or if you wanna be really fancy- Turkish Delight
• Fruit and Vegetables
• Quinoa or Couscous
• Beans, Lentils, or Peas

4) Get Creative with some Far Out ideas!

Find some weird and interesting recipes. Have your Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas, Pumpkin Corn Muffins, and Roasted Eggplant Tapenade. This is your time to try something new with no apologies. Be organic. Cut away from traditional. Eat something that sounds exotic. Do something with food that makes people ask you how you did you!

Notes:

• For More Awesome and Unusual Holiday Recipes, click Here.
  • For Even MORE Recipes, click... HERE!
• Don’t be afraid to drag your friends and family into your crazy dairy-free adventures!

5) Know that you are NOT alone in this.

Maybe you just found out that you can’t eat everything you used to like me. Or maybe you’ve been doing this for years and it’s starting to feel pointless. Maybe you want to just cry and find an easy way out of this so you can go back to your normal life with eating habits dangerous to your health. I don’t know when you found out you needed to make this change, and I definitely don’t know why- but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that you can make it! You can create normal eating habits and meal plans and be just fine. Sure, it’ll take some work at first- and a whole lot of wondering if it’s worth it- but it will pay off.

Notes:

• Ask for ideas and help from friends in planning meals
• Cultivate a curiosity for new ingredients
• Share your ideas with the rest of us! I promise you, nothing is too weird for anyone to eat.

Since starting this “Whole Food” (get it?!) change, my friends and family have tried their best to be supportive. My mom took me to pick out snacks I could eat at school and over the weekends. My friends that enjoy baking have taken it upon themselves to view my new “eating limitations” as baking challenges. (I’ve received very tasty dairy-free food as gifts!) And when someone offers me a piece of Hershey’s chocolate bar or a cheese stick, I’m not afraid to remind them that I can’t have it. I no longer feel like a nuisance or someone with a disorder. I’m a normal person... Who happens to eat pretty exotic food sometimes. ;)

Stay classy, my friends.

Note: If this article was helpful to you, or if you would like to share even more tips, advice, and recipes, post them in the comments below and share the love on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, or any other social media platform!