Dairy free diet help!

[TinkGirl09]

It has been suggested that we try a dairy free diet with my 8 year old due to explosive outbursts that may possibly be linked to milk allergies. What I am asking for here is advice on what anyone on a dairy free diet may eat on a regular basis. It seems that the majority of what he eats includes milk or dairy products and I'm finding it overwhelming trying to think of anything he can eat... and I have to fix school lunches based on this diet for the next week as well.... anyone have any advice, suggestions, or ideas????

TIA!!!

 

[lovetoscrap]

You might want to ask on the disABILITIES Community board also, many there have special diets.

We did Dairy free with my dd for several weeks and while difficult for a cheese loving family we made it work. The hardest part is looking for hidden sources of dairy in pre-prepared/processed products. Do a google search to find out what to look for on food labels that you may not realize mean dairy. Meat, veggies, fruit, pasta, rice are all good options for meals. Lunch can be crackers and lunch meat, chips (not cheese flavored), fruit cup and juice. Pasta with tomato sauce, non cream based soups can go in a thermos.

While experimenting don't to got extremes and try things like tofu cheese. Just avoid pizza and mexican food that you might normally be eating. If this becomes a lifelong change then you can get fancy and try new things. Until then just stick with the basics and make sure you are recording everything in a food diary and making notes on his behavior.

 

[onelilspark]

I went totally dairy free for a week (I'm very slightly lactose intolerant.) There's actually a lot out there, so don't fret! The biggest thing is cooking with butter or milk at home, but using olive oil in a pan for sauteeing works just as well!

 

[Nancyg56]

My DGD lived a dairy and egg free diet for several years. Once you get used to checking labels it gets easier. I also think heading over to the DISabilities board will be helpful.

We used a lot of soy products. I used veggie cheese in place of our cheese on pizza and casseroles. I used Smart Balance Light for butter, there is no dairy in it. Chicken stock in mashed potatoes, italian breads generally are safe.

Kady liked SILK chocolate milk and she also liked several of the soy frozen desserts. Divvies has cookies that have no dairy. Check the labels on chocolate chips, there are several thata are dairy free.

Make sure that you check the labels, there is nonfat milk in a lot of products and dependant upon the severity of her allergy even less than 2% may affect her. Kady's throat would itch with just a bites or two if we missed that.

 

[Bilberry]

I eat a dairy free diet, along with being gluten/wheat free. Basically the main foods I eat are meats, vegetables, nuts and fruits. It's a plain diet, but I feel much healthier for it after having a long term gut problem. I learn new eating ideas from this sight.

http://thepaleodiet.blogspot.com/

 

[donac]

There are few good websites out there about being dairy free. My nephew has to be dairy free. YOu learn to read labels. There are some things that you would never believe have dairy in it. White tuna had dairy in it to make it white. Some companies make pot pies Turkey will have dairy while chicken will not.

My nephew does a lot with soy. There is margarine out there with no dairy in it. It is an unsalted margarine.

Good luck

 

[TinkGirl09]

Thanks guys!! Lots of help here... it actually sounds very doable!

 

[donac]

My sil has been doing this for nephew for over 10 years now. It will involve a lot more cooking since you can't just go in and buy whatever you want but it is doable.

 

[Nancyg56]

It is doable. At first DD adn I were worried that Kady would not have the variety that she was used to but after a little research it was fine. I went to a lot of vegan websites becasue she was also egg free and got a lot of information. I think that the most difficult part of this diet will be adapting at parties and when you are out for meals. My DMIL could nto understand taht a food allergy is not the same thing as a diet plan. DGD coult not "cheat this one time". She was well meaning but Holy Smokes! We had to watch what she gave kady.

 

[Tosie]

Once you get the hang of it - it's quite easy. My dd is milk allergic so I've been doing it for 10 years.

Our favorite butter substitutes are Smart Balance (read the labels though - some have milk proteins - we buy the pack of 2 tubs and that is safe) or Earth Balance.

For cheese and ice cream she like Tofutti but not every store carries their products.

Betty Crocker makes milk free cake mix (just mentioning this beause I had to make a batch of halloween cupcakes) and we use Pillsbury frosting.

Visit the Food Allergy and Anaphalaxis Network's website for tons of info.

The hardest part for us has been calcium supplements and now we do it in vitamin form.

Good luck and feel free to ask any questions.


ETA: Disney is incredible with dietary issues - my dd always has lots of options when we travel!