Going Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, and/or Adopting a Vegan Lifestyle

Going Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan

If you prefer a dairy-free or gluten-free diet, you've found the right article. Whether you have an allergy, intolerance or are simply choosing an animal-free or wheat-free diet, there are plenty of options on the market for you. Essentially, you may want to look into vegan products when trying to avoid dairy, as there are a bountiful variety of vegan products on the market. Here's a look at some of my personal favorite options when it comes to both dairy and gluten free.

In case you didn't know...**Lactose is a sugar in milk. It must be broken down into two simple sugars, galactose and glucose in order for our body to use it as energy.  Lactase, the enzyme, breaks down lactose. Many people struggle to break down this sugar properly, if even at all.**

Dairy-Free Alternatives (that taste good, too!)

Photo Credit to silk.com

 I used to add heavy whipping cream into my daily cup of joe... not anymore! Lactose Intolerance does not have a set level of diagnosis, it can fluctuate over time in the human body.  Some people have noted being intolerant for just one year, and growing out of the phase, being able to digest lactose properly again. Whatever it may be...,an intolerance, an actual allergy or just a choice to go dairy-free, Silk has created a beautifully crafted Vanilla Almond creamer. Try it!

Photo Credit to samsclub.com

 If you prefer your coffee to taste like a simply plain (and delicious) cup of joe, try Coffee-Mate non-dairy creamer.  It comes in small to-go packs as well...perfect for travel.  WARNING.  The term 'non-dairy' is not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, Coffeemate Creamer does contain 2 milk proteins: Whey and Caesin.  The term 'dairy-free', is regulated by the FDA, and therefore contains NO milk proteins.

Photo Credit to godairyfree.org

Check out these delicious cold coffee's, if you're missing that tall iced to-go cup.

Photo Credi to amys.com

If you're going dairy free, you can still have pizza! Personally, I think this pizza is bursting with flavor.  Amy's brand also has lactose-free cheese on a variety of her dairy-free pizza's.  The lactose-free cheese tastes quite different from "normal" cheese, but it isn't too bad! Amy's brand also has a rice-based lactose-free mac n' cheese dish. Check it out!

Photo Credit to coconutgroveyogurt.com

You can still eat yogurt, too! Some people have an easier time digesting regular, milk-based yogurt, due to the culturing process of yogurt being substantially different the culturing process of milk.  If you want to avoid a lactose yogurt anyhow, Coconut Grove makes multiple flavors of yogurt using coconut-milk instead! Although the word "milk" is present, coconut-"milk" does not contain the same dairy protein as from the animal.

The yogurt here, Silk, is soy-based (plant-based) and really does taste like "normal" yogurt! It's smooth and creamy... (there is no underlying coconut or almond flavor)

Photo Credit to grazingmind.com


 Check out the brand Daiya... the brand of dairy-free cheese!  From pizza's, to "cream cheese" spreads, to macaroni, to "grilled cheeses", to slices and wedges of "cheese"... you'll want to invest your money here.

Photo Credit to godairyfree.org

I have not yet tried, but have been told that "Tofutti" is another good brand for substituting dairy..."feeding the world with one soy bean at a time" (2015, Tofutti). 

Photo Credit to vegnice.com.br

Don't forget to enjoy life.... with "Enjoy Life" products, too!

Photo Credit to enjoylifefoods.com

Jumping to desserts....

Photo Credit to sodeliciousdairyfree.com

This is what it sounds: completely cashew, completely tasty. 

Photo Credit to sodeliciousdairyfree.com

Yes, you can still enjoy "ice cream"... These mini treats are pretty addicting! 
(So Delicious also makes an almond milk yogurt if you prefer that over coconut milk.)

My absolute favorite brand of real milk, without the lactose, is Lactaid! I use it for cereal, for drinking, and the ice cream tastes like "real" ice cream! I definitely miss frozen custard... so I will substitute this for that if it is a close as I can get!

Photo Credit to traderjoes.com 

Also, check out sorbets. This one happens to be from Trader Joe's.  Highly refreshing.  I also recommend...

Photo credit to caloriecounter.com

Photo Credit to locobelly.com

Udi's brand is fantastic for gluten-free foods, they have a large variety of gluten-free options to pick from.  Some may argue that going gluten-free is just a fad.  Maybe it is. Some people are genuinely allergic, and intolerance to gluten is also termed as "Celiac Disease".  Thankfully, I personally do not contain this allergen, but a good portion of people I know, do. 

Here is a product that is not only gluten-free, but it is certified non-gmo and organic! Great choice.
I would not say I have completely gone vegan...  What I am, is a "Flexitarian".  I mostly eat fruits and veggies, and  just a little bit of meat occasionally.  How about you? 

Photo Credit to (1) samitrinchetto.com (2) veganfoodpyramid.com 

Hey, there are plenty of great recipes that you can make, VEGAN! Comment if you are interested in these absolutely delicious recipes, with some Mediterranean flare.  Credit to VegMichigan. 
Photo Copyright by Julia S. Copyright.

"Dilly Cabbage Soup", "Spicy Buckwheat Salad", "Blackberry Clafoutis"

Vegan Desserts are pretty yummy, too! They do exist! They're becoming more and more popular, you just have to look for them! I stumbled upon a "cupcakery" like this one by luck.  

Photo Credit by Julia S. Copyright.

{{Side note: My favorite cupcake flavor is Lemon, particularly from Rockin' Cupcakes, Rochester... (which has been taken over by a new owner)... ever since I have begun a dairy-free lifestyle, I was elated to have come across an amazing "Lemon Mediterranean" lightly salted vegan cupcake at Yummy Cupcakes, Bloomfield, MI. along with their cupcake push-pop!}}

Hey, if you're missing those homemade peanut-butter or chocolate-chip cookies you once loved to bake, worry no more!! Earth Balance brand has Vegan butter out on the market for you to bake with, or  even spread on a loaf of warm bread.  [Of course, remember to substitute normal baking chips out for dairy-free or gluten-free baking chips, depending].

Earth Balance also offers various spreads, snacks, dressings and meal foods.

Photo Credit to greenveganliving.com

Try the green tin  by EB.  It is an olive oil butter spread that therefore contains no dairy, no egg and no soy.