A Day In The Life Of A Lactose Intolerant

We often talk about the benefits of being dairy free, but what about the challenges associated with doing so?

A Day in the Life of a Lactose Intolerant

There is a wide range of dairy and lactose free food available nowadays, but when it comes to visiting friends or dining out, it can still be difficult to eat and drink ‘normally’, without feeling problematic or embarrassed. In this blog I'm going to share my own typical day of meals, whilst explaining how I overcome the issues associated with a lactose intolerance, whilst ensuring I don't miss out on any goodness.  

Breakfast

Unpopular opinion but breakfast is probably my favourite meal of the day. Whilst also the most important meal of the day, I try to pick something nutritious to replenish the stores of energy and nutrients in my body. 

During lockdown, when food trends on Tik Tok were the only thing keeping us alive, I discovered Acai bowls, which instantly had me hooked. Mostly inspired by The Juice Jar, I have begun creating my own version. First, we pick out our fresh fruit, usually I go for M&S Vitoria grapes but recently I've discovered mango grapes - if you don't know, get to know. Often accompanied with juicy pineapple chunks, a handful of raspberries and a kiwi chopped up. Next, I add the granola, I honestly believe I've tested nearly every type of granola on the market so please trust my opinion on this one and opt for Deliciously Ellas Nutty Granola - you won't regret it. After I add my soya-based yogurt, Alpro tends to be the most affordable and they have a wide selection of flavours to pick from, usually I go for blueberry or coconut. To finish off my bowl, I find that adding a pinch of cinnamon, a spoonful of peanut butter and a dash of honey goes a long way. 

Lunch

While most people stick to sandwiches or pot noodle, I’ve got my own portfolio of lunch options. But today I'm heading into university so it's a very quick mix of left-over chorizo, boiled white rice and mixed peppers. A very simple recipe, that requires no special alternatives, always useful if staying at a family or friend's house. However, usually when I have more time, I enjoy making a potato salad on the side, using both eggs and mayonnaise, most people are shocked to hear this but guess what? eggs aren't dairy! 

Recently, my friends and I have discovered homemade pizza wraps! the ultimate pizza that doesn't leave you feeling like a stuffed crust after. Whilst the girls plaster their wrap in gooey mozzarella, I watch in sadness. As an avid cheese lover, who consumed camembert on a weekly basis, finding a good lactose free cheese has probably been my biggest struggle. There are several types on the market, but not all of them are successful. I find they generally don't melt well, and whilst some do melt, they don't stretch, most tend to even lack any cheese flavour at all. However, recently Cathedral City released a new plant-based cheddar cheese which has so far impressed. 

Snacks

Before I go to work, I like to pop into Starbucks along the way. Usually, I order a Vanilla iced coffee, swapping regular milk for soya. Although as the weather gets progressively colder, I find myself opting for their signature hot chocolate, made with almond milk and caramel non-dairy creamer. 

Dinner

Tonight, I'm heading out for dinner with my family to Graze, I’m feeling a little anxious as I’ve never visited this restaurant before, so I’m not sure of the options for specific dietary requirements. Fortunately, the menu is available to browse online, so I spend some time looking over it. There are over twenty dishes, but I’ve whittled it down to a small handful that I can eat. Alot of the time, restaurants aren't very inclusive and expect those with a lactose intolerance to pick from the vegan options, this can be quite frustrating as I can still eat meat. 

At the restaurant I inform the waiter of my intolerance, and I’m so relieved when he explains the chef can alter pretty much anything to suit my needs. In sheer delight I treat myself to mushrooms on toast to start, cooked with oil instead of truffle butter, and then seafood linguine for my main course. Unfortunately, this dish is accompanied with a creamy white wine sauce, that wasn't easily replicated, but the chef was still more than happy to prepare a tomato- based alternative. 

 Dessert

Finally, as my day comes to an end, I head to the fridge one last time in hope of something sugary and scrumptious. As a girl with a severe sweet tooth, finding a tasty yet creamy dessert can often prove tricky. Nevertheless, one of my all-time favourite brands 'Gü' offer a range of free from puddings that ooze with deliciousness, such as Zillionaire Cheesecakes and Hot Chocolate Molten Middles. Despite being on the slightly pricey side, I don't mind as it's not something I indulge in every day and there often on Clubcard price in Tesco.

 

 

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to come and read my blog. Any other interaction or feedback is always welcome. Connect with me via the comments section below, or email (livinglifedairyfree@gmail.com). And don't forget to keep an eye on my Instagram for additional content, such as polls and stories (@life.afterdairy).