I have been working on being gluten and dairy free for almost a month now. Surprisingly, the ridding your diet of gluten isn’t that hard. There are tons of gluten-free products out there, and just as many of you said, tons of options at restaurants. I have only had a handful of slip-ups this past month and each time I have made the mistake of consuming gluten, I have noticed a negative side effect. The biggest gain from removing gluten has been the state of my acne. While I have still broken out a few times, I am no longer getting the huge, painful cystic acne on my jaw and my skin seems to be recovering quicker. I have also noticed that each breakout has always been about three days after a slip-up. My doctor said that my acne along my jawline was caused by my diet, and now I fully believe her. I haven’t had a slip-up in over a week, and I hope not to have any more.
The dairy, on the other hand, hasn’t been so easy to remove. I can go days without dairy and then give in to a pizza (with a gluten-free crust!), or queso at a Mexican restaurant. I am trying to really limit my dairy because I notice that I do much better without it, but I don’t think I will ever commit to being entirely dairy-free. Or at least I am not yet ready to give it up entirely. For now, limiting it to a couple times a week seems to be working.
Thank you for all your suggestions and comments on being gluten-free. I think without the kind words, I would have never taken the plunge.
Oh man, I feel ya on this! I found out about two months ago that I’m allergic to a whole panoply of things, but chief among them is dairy. I’ve been shocked at how much better I feel since changing my diet, but also by all the other physical things that have improved since I cut out dairy: my skin is happier, my hair is shinier and fuller, I sleep better, etc. It’s crazy how systemic and connected all these things are, you know? Anyhow, I also know how hard it is to keep off the delicious, delicious dairy (hello, quesadillas, how I miss you), but I’ve found that my allergic response is strong enough that I’ve only had one slip-up — the repercussions were uncomfortable enough to keep me on the straight and narrow since!
I’m so glad to hear you feel better! Have you been using any dairy substitutes?
I have! I’ve mostly used soy milk, but I’ve cooked with coconut milk (and enjoyed some delicious coconut milk ice cream). I’ve found that I can make pretty much anything (including a delicious “cheese”cake) with egg substitute, applesauce, silken tofu, and other little substitutes. I did not, however, like the fake cheese stuff; too rubbery for me. What about you?
I don’t drink milk; I haven’t for over 15 years. I used to use soy milk, but now I use almond milk. I have used Diya cheese, which is good, but not great. I went through a period where I used soy alternatives for everything, but now I use real butter and real cheese, sparingly. I have made a great vegan queso using nutritional yeast and cashews. Eating no cheese at home is pretty easy, it is just out at restaurants, so I think I am OK with eating it there.
What? Queso with nutritional yeast and cashews? That sounds divine. I wouldn’t mind at all borrowing the recipe for that.
Go Sydney! I think you’re doing great with the diet. It was easier to cut out gluten that we originally thought. You just have to be very strict with yourself (i.e. don’t give into your cravings) and creative in the kitchen. I’m glad your skin is getting better.
I admit I don’t consume much dairy besides a couple cups of yogurt a week and coffee creamer. Vanilla Soy Milk or Chocolate Soy Milk are good alternatives for the real stuff.
Yay, Sydney! Glad you are having success with going gluten and mostly dairy free. We are all rooting for you! Also, have you tried Udi’s bread products? They have good gluten free breads, muffins, granola and other stuff. I’m not sure if they’re also dairy free, but they are my favorite gluten free bread that I have found so far (I get them at Kroger). Keep us posted on your results!
I have terrible eczema, and I’ve tried every product under the sun to keep it under control. Luckily for me, I was shopping this weekend (!!) and a sales associate suggested going gluten-free. He said his friend suffered terribly from eczema until she went gluten-free and hasn’t had a bout with eczema since.
Whoa. Really? Are you going to try it?
I am. But not until my daughter returns home to DC tomorrow! Tonight, it’s center-cut pork chops, red potatoes with garlic and olive oil, steamed broccoli….and brownies for dessert!!