I haven’t talked much on here about the nutrition classes that I’m taking, because, frankly, I’m behind…but one of the things I’ve heard a lot about so far is lactose intolerance. More than half of the world’s population don’t have the ability to digest lactose(the sugar found in milk) after childhood, yet American culture is dairy-heavy.
When I first started trying to lose weight, Joel suggested I give up dairy because it caused inflammation (basically, your body holding onto harmful stuff, which inhibits its ability to fight disease and take care of itself.) I loved yogurt and cheese, so it was difficult for me at first, but I found that my stomach calmed down quite a bit.
I know it’s for the better, but I LOVE CHEESE. I don’t have much of it any more, though, because I like not having stomachaches better. This week, I’ve been giving into a lot of my cheesy cravings, and…let’s just say my stomach hasn’t been happy with me.
Like these tacos I had last night. I’d gone to happy hour after work (AND managed to work out at lunchtime so I could do so–WOOT!), and I was starving by the time I got home after 9. I almost went to pull out my computer and go for some SeamlessWeb, out of habit. but I realized I had a pretty full fridge, and I threw these tacos together for a fabulous after-happy hour dinner.
Sure enough, they bothered my stomach, and I decided to go for some stabilizing oatmeal in a a jar (aka OIAJ) this morning. I used a mostly-empty jar of sunflower butter and added some almond milk, raspberries, blueberries, water, and, of course, oats and microwaved it for 90 seconds when I got to work. Meghan and I talked last night at happy hour (Theodora + wine = serious conversation. Always.) about how there are so many emotions and feelings tied up in food. It’s really easy sometimes to eat something cheesy or otherwise bad for me just because everyone else is. I need to remember that I need to do what’s best for me.
Which usually involves snuggling with this little man. I dare you to tell me you’ve seen something cuter today.
Oh, and my first takeout meal in a few days yesterday, turkey meatballs with Brussels sprouts and brown rice, was amazing and worth it.
What about you? Can you handle milk/dairy? If not…do you still eat it sometimes, too, because it tastes so damn good?
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I've been lactose intolerant for most of my life -- but I love milk and cheese :-) I'd recommend Lactaid pills for those times you don't want to forgo the dairy. Despite my severe reactions to dairy, Lactaid typically allows me to enjoy my yogurt and pizza without problems.
Yeah--I should get those. I've also tried probiotics/digestive enzymes in the past, which have been pretty helpful.
Hi! Just found your blog through Carrots N' Cake, I believe. I am really lactose intolerant and in years past have always used lactose pills which work pretty well. Last year, I decided to cut more out and lessened my tolerance for it even further. I figure it's better for me, in the long run. BTW, did you know most Kraft cheese pre-shredded packages are lactose free? It lists it on the back, under ingredients. They don't taste any different either!
Whoa, good to know! I bet they have lots of other not-so-great ingredients, but...still worth a try!
oooooooooo i couldnt give up cheese!!! I dont drink much milk, and- even though I lurrrve greek yog- it kills me.
Uhmm yes. Anything fried. I eat it in serious moderation but holyyy lord that never feels too great after :)
XOXO
S
Yeah, I'm just too scared to look into the whole lactose thing and find out that I'm intolerant or something so I embrace dairy...although I've had some digestive issues recently...wondering if that could be the culprit?
I can not have eggs....which is in I swear everything!!! I sometimes will eat and plan on going to bed so I don't feel all the pain I self induced, if it is something I really want to eat. Then other times I will remember to look prior eating for and eggs and sometimes I will remember to look when my stomach is in knots. I love dairy but could go without.
I could never give up cheese. I love it toooo much. I'm probably half lactard but I don't care. Can't give it up. I don't really eat other dairy products though and I've learned what cheeses really hurt me. Ps your wrap looks, perfect to me!!
My body digests dairy fine (I have a stomach of steel), but I eat an 80% vegan diet, so I don't have it too often. I'm with you on the emotions and "everyone else is doing it" feeling, though. I have SUCH an issue with not eating sweets if they're in front of me, even if I'm already full to the point of feeling sick. It's tough to find that balance between indulging and eating what makes you happy, and listening to your body by giving it the foods that will make it feel its best.
@Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine: You are so lucky to have a stomach of steel. I am very envious :) Although I will say that my sensitive stomach makes it pretty easy to eat healthy because that is when it feels best.