So we're vegan . . . and James David has been pretty much vegan for his life, too . . .
Except for 1.5 times when he ate cat food . . . at least one time definitely in the mouth (swallowing uncertain), another time or two where he MIGHT have eaten some but I'm not sure . . .
And of course, he nurses. Breast milk is an "animal product", but he is the one it is meant for! Personally I think cow's milk is great! For baby cows! And human milk is great, too! For baby humans!
Anyway, so he's never had cow's milk (or any non-Mom dairy). Well, he HAD never had any non-Mom dairy! But . . .
Me and Mariclare went to our 10-year high school reunion last week, and me and LJ slept over at my parents' house. It was . . . interesting to say the least! Of course the only people who showed were people who were relatively happy and secure with their current situation. All the haters stayed home, so we had a good ole time!
Such a good ole time that when some unknown and loving family member (ie, Kate), pulled the "awake and seeking attention baby" out of my sleepy arms at 6:30am, I felt nothing but gratitude and immediately zonked out.
So I woke up a few hours later feeling SO happy for the extra sleep, scooped up my cute baby, and my sister comes up like:
"Okay, don't freak out."
I look at the baby, he seems fine. "Okay? What?"
"Dad fed him Greek Yogurt this morning."
"What?"
"Yeahhhhh..."
And I did not freak out. I honestly was still in the mentality of "THANK YOU MYSTERY FAMILY MEMBER WHO RESCUED ME FROM MOTHERHOOD AT 6AM!!" So much so that I was like: "Oh well, at least I got to sleep in". LOL
Though for the record, my Dad did not do this on purpose. Though he is very smart about some things . . . he just did NOT realize. Basically I had brought these leftovers in a yogurt container. My Mom saw this, and told my Dad there was yogurt in there for him. So my Dad went to look for it, saw the leftovers, and then the only other yogurt in the fridge was the Greek Yogurt and he was basically like: "Okay here we go, yogurt".
It's pretty funny though, my Dad was saying that even though James was eating it . . . "it was like he knew he wasn't supposed to be." Hahaha, like he wasn't eating very much of it--and was sort of eating hesitantly? and let me tell you, he can PUT AWAY FOOD normally, so it's funny.
Though I was telling my Dad it probably had less to do with being DAIRY than being an unfamiliar food. He is a well-attached baby and definitely looks to me or his Dad when encountering an unfamiliar food, animal, person, etc. He looks at our reaction to see how he should react. I watch him do this.
So, though he KNOWS my Dad and sister, he doesn't trust them in the same way, so when they were offering him an unfamiliar (TOTALLY UNFAMILIAR) food, he just wasn't quite trusting them that he was supposed to eat it. It's just funny that he was right!
Anyway, the thing I was most concerned about is some kind of allergic reaction (immediately) which didn't happen, and then stomach upset (in the hours after) which also didn't happen. So it ended up being a non-event . . .
But there is the story of first (and perhaps only? Probably not I guess!) dairy!
Expecting our Little Brother in November!
Showing posts with label Dairy-Free. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dairy-Free. Show all posts
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Amy Says . . . More Vegan Foods
My friend Amy showed me a great link for finding vegan and dairy free foods:
Accidentally Vegan
This is basically a much better version of what I was trying to do here!
THANKS AMY!
Accidentally Vegan
This is basically a much better version of what I was trying to do here!
THANKS AMY!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Breastfeeding and Dairy Elimination
Up to half of babies exhibiting signs of colic, gas, reflux, etc, that cause discomfort and fussiness may be helped if the Mom eliminates dairy from her diet.
The recommendation with this is to cut out all dairy for 2 weeks, see if there is an improvement, and if there is, either avoid dairy completely or begin to reintroduce it until you see how much you can eat without it affecting the baby--most babies can handle SOME dairy.
On another note, there are significant benefits (to the Mom) to not eating dairy at all, including a reduction in colds and allergies, a reduction in daily calories, and less digestive issues overall. Most people are, in fact, lactose intolerant. Human bodies are not made to process lactose after the natural age of weaning (2-7 years), and so it can cause a variety of additional health problems when ingested often by teens and adults.
In terms of health, not eating any dairy, or eating it sparingly and for special occasions only, is generally better for most people.
The recommendation with this is to cut out all dairy for 2 weeks, see if there is an improvement, and if there is, either avoid dairy completely or begin to reintroduce it until you see how much you can eat without it affecting the baby--most babies can handle SOME dairy.
On another note, there are significant benefits (to the Mom) to not eating dairy at all, including a reduction in colds and allergies, a reduction in daily calories, and less digestive issues overall. Most people are, in fact, lactose intolerant. Human bodies are not made to process lactose after the natural age of weaning (2-7 years), and so it can cause a variety of additional health problems when ingested often by teens and adults.
In terms of health, not eating any dairy, or eating it sparingly and for special occasions only, is generally better for most people.
Dairy Free Superlatives: Best Substitute Products
The number one thing to dairy-free eating is knowing the best substitute products, and it seems to be pretty unanimous among the dairy-free community which ones are the best. I want to go on record that the brands matter here, that is the whole point of this post. If you get a random dairy-free milk or yogurt (not the brands I recommend here) and it is horrible, realize that I am recommending these SPECIFIC brands for a reason. Try them first and then compare with other brands.
One thing to note is that soy and dairy are very similar proteins. Many people who have issues with one will have similar issues with both. If you are still determining you/your baby's allergens, do NOT go too heavy on the soy products because it could confuse the issue.
Also, everything listed here is also gluten free!
Best Dairy-Free Butter: Earth Balance (or Soy Garden—same thing). Also there is a soy-free version available that's equally good.
This margarine has NO hydrogenated oils, and so does not have that weird mouth coating taste that most margarines have. This means it is healthier than most margarines. It is also less calories than butter, but does contain palm oil, which is a (more healthy) saturated fat. Therefore this butter substitute also has a rich flavor similar to normal butter.
Uses: On bread or toast, in any recipe that calls for butter, in any situation where you would use butter.
Cost: Around 3 dollars for a 15 oz tub
Best Dairy-Free Yogurt: Whole Soy and Co, Soy Yogurt
We like the vanilla best, plain is also good. I usually get it in the big containers but there are smaller ones with fruits like you would pack in a lunch. Very creamy and delicious and has the same health benefits as dairy yogurt because it has the same probiotics (acidophiles, etc). Has that tart yogurt taste.
Uses: As yogurt—NOT a sub for Greek yogurt, though. Soy yogurt has a much thinner consistency than a thick yogurt like Greek yogurt.
Cost: About 4 dollars for a 24 oz tub, 1.50-2.50 for small (6oz) flavored ones.
*soy-based, use sparingly
Best-Dairy Free Cream Cheese: Tofutti Better-than-Cream Cheese
This comes in several flavors and varieties. There is a non-hydrogenated version which I would recommend—it is harder to find but worth it in terms of health.
Uses: On bagels or crackers, in recipes that call for cream cheese
Cost: Around 3 dollars for an 8 oz tub
*soy-based, use sparingly
Best Dairy-Free Ice Cream: SoDelicious Coconut Milk Ice Cream
It is TO DIE FOR. Most people that I know agree that it is as good or better than dairy ice cream. Again, the coconut has healthy saturated fats that give it a rich and creamy taste. Comes in MANY flavors and varieties.
Uses: As ice cream—in rootbeer floats, in sundaes, in banana splits, you know.
Cost: Around 5.50 or 6 dollars for a pint—ouch! Yeah, it is expensive but totally worth it if you have an ice cream craving!
Best Dairy-Free Cheese: Vegan Gourmet Cheese Alternative
We like Monterrey Jack better than Mozzarella, and we like the Cheddar, obviously! Needs to be cooked at temps over 450 degrees (or in the microwave) to achieve melting—for some things like grilled cheese, I pre-melt it (in the microwave) before putting it on the bread or in a cheese sauce. We like to grate the entire thing when we open it, and then keep it in the freezer, and just break off some as needed.
Uses: As a MELTING cheese. On pizza, in lasagna, for grilled cheese, etc. Not really good as a cold cheese (not on crackers, sandwiches, etc). Good in hot cheese sauces for pasta or veggies.
Cost: About 3.50 for a 8 oz brick.
*contains soy, use sparingly
Best Dairy Free Cheese Topping: Nutritional Yeast
Believe it or not, nutritional yeast which is VERY high in Vitamin B 12, very low in calories, and delicious, is both dairy-free and tastes like cheese.
Uses: As parmigiana cheese—on pasta, pizza, casseroles, etc. Can also be used to flavor almost anything. Good on toast or bagels with butter, on salads, etc.
Cost: Depends on where you get it! A bit expensive but since it is used sparingly it lasts for a long time (think of it as a food supplement or spice).
Best Dairy-Free Sour Cream: Tofutti Better-than-Sour Cream
Uses: On Mexican food, on baked potatoes, in recipes that call for sour cream, and to add creaminess to just about everything: mashed potatoes, soup, cheesy pasta sauces, etc.
Cost: About 4 dollars for a 12 oz tub
*soy-based, use sparingly
Best Dairy-Free Milk*: Almond Breeze Brand Almond Milk
This is starred because there are a MILLION different milk alternatives. Again, I would not do soy, but would try Rice, Almond, or coconut milk first. Most people prefer one to the other, and they are very different in terms of sweetness, thickness, etc.
Uses: In recipes that call for milk, for dunking cookies, in cereal . . .. see my note about drinking milk below.
Cost: About 3 dollars for a half gallon. The cost of other brands and types of milk vary greatly.
Things there are, unfortunately, no adequate substitute for:
Cold Cheeses—you can find dairy free cheese slices, but it’s not really the same. There is no sub for a slice of cheddar cheese on a cracker, or fresh mozzarella, brie, etc. Something you have to learn to live without.
Milk for Drinking—If you are someone that straight up likes to drink milk, there is no perfect substitute. A lot of people like to drink Almond milk, but it will take an adjustment period. This is something else you just have to accept that it’s not going to be the same and see if there are things that you can like about your alternative milk of choice. Most people I know who liked drinking milk and then switched to a dairy-free milk did NOT like it at first (including myself). I just kept forcing myself to drink it and I hated it less and less and then I actually started to like it, and then I REALLY started to like it. Give yourself time on this.
I think that’s it, really! Most things are easy to substitute and live without once you know what to replace them with!
One thing to note is that soy and dairy are very similar proteins. Many people who have issues with one will have similar issues with both. If you are still determining you/your baby's allergens, do NOT go too heavy on the soy products because it could confuse the issue.
Also, everything listed here is also gluten free!
Best Dairy-Free Butter: Earth Balance (or Soy Garden—same thing). Also there is a soy-free version available that's equally good.
This margarine has NO hydrogenated oils, and so does not have that weird mouth coating taste that most margarines have. This means it is healthier than most margarines. It is also less calories than butter, but does contain palm oil, which is a (more healthy) saturated fat. Therefore this butter substitute also has a rich flavor similar to normal butter.
Uses: On bread or toast, in any recipe that calls for butter, in any situation where you would use butter.
Cost: Around 3 dollars for a 15 oz tub
Best Dairy-Free Yogurt: Whole Soy and Co, Soy Yogurt
We like the vanilla best, plain is also good. I usually get it in the big containers but there are smaller ones with fruits like you would pack in a lunch. Very creamy and delicious and has the same health benefits as dairy yogurt because it has the same probiotics (acidophiles, etc). Has that tart yogurt taste.
Uses: As yogurt—NOT a sub for Greek yogurt, though. Soy yogurt has a much thinner consistency than a thick yogurt like Greek yogurt.
Cost: About 4 dollars for a 24 oz tub, 1.50-2.50 for small (6oz) flavored ones.
*soy-based, use sparingly
Best-Dairy Free Cream Cheese: Tofutti Better-than-Cream Cheese
This comes in several flavors and varieties. There is a non-hydrogenated version which I would recommend—it is harder to find but worth it in terms of health.
Uses: On bagels or crackers, in recipes that call for cream cheese
Cost: Around 3 dollars for an 8 oz tub
*soy-based, use sparingly
Best Dairy-Free Ice Cream: SoDelicious Coconut Milk Ice Cream
It is TO DIE FOR. Most people that I know agree that it is as good or better than dairy ice cream. Again, the coconut has healthy saturated fats that give it a rich and creamy taste. Comes in MANY flavors and varieties.
Uses: As ice cream—in rootbeer floats, in sundaes, in banana splits, you know.
Cost: Around 5.50 or 6 dollars for a pint—ouch! Yeah, it is expensive but totally worth it if you have an ice cream craving!
Best Dairy-Free Cheese: Vegan Gourmet Cheese Alternative
We like Monterrey Jack better than Mozzarella, and we like the Cheddar, obviously! Needs to be cooked at temps over 450 degrees (or in the microwave) to achieve melting—for some things like grilled cheese, I pre-melt it (in the microwave) before putting it on the bread or in a cheese sauce. We like to grate the entire thing when we open it, and then keep it in the freezer, and just break off some as needed.
Uses: As a MELTING cheese. On pizza, in lasagna, for grilled cheese, etc. Not really good as a cold cheese (not on crackers, sandwiches, etc). Good in hot cheese sauces for pasta or veggies.
Cost: About 3.50 for a 8 oz brick.
*contains soy, use sparingly
Best Dairy Free Cheese Topping: Nutritional Yeast
Believe it or not, nutritional yeast which is VERY high in Vitamin B 12, very low in calories, and delicious, is both dairy-free and tastes like cheese.
Uses: As parmigiana cheese—on pasta, pizza, casseroles, etc. Can also be used to flavor almost anything. Good on toast or bagels with butter, on salads, etc.
Cost: Depends on where you get it! A bit expensive but since it is used sparingly it lasts for a long time (think of it as a food supplement or spice).
Best Dairy-Free Sour Cream: Tofutti Better-than-Sour Cream
Uses: On Mexican food, on baked potatoes, in recipes that call for sour cream, and to add creaminess to just about everything: mashed potatoes, soup, cheesy pasta sauces, etc.
Cost: About 4 dollars for a 12 oz tub
*soy-based, use sparingly
Best Dairy-Free Milk*: Almond Breeze Brand Almond Milk
This is starred because there are a MILLION different milk alternatives. Again, I would not do soy, but would try Rice, Almond, or coconut milk first. Most people prefer one to the other, and they are very different in terms of sweetness, thickness, etc.
Uses: In recipes that call for milk, for dunking cookies, in cereal . . .. see my note about drinking milk below.
Cost: About 3 dollars for a half gallon. The cost of other brands and types of milk vary greatly.
Things there are, unfortunately, no adequate substitute for:
Cold Cheeses—you can find dairy free cheese slices, but it’s not really the same. There is no sub for a slice of cheddar cheese on a cracker, or fresh mozzarella, brie, etc. Something you have to learn to live without.
Milk for Drinking—If you are someone that straight up likes to drink milk, there is no perfect substitute. A lot of people like to drink Almond milk, but it will take an adjustment period. This is something else you just have to accept that it’s not going to be the same and see if there are things that you can like about your alternative milk of choice. Most people I know who liked drinking milk and then switched to a dairy-free milk did NOT like it at first (including myself). I just kept forcing myself to drink it and I hated it less and less and then I actually started to like it, and then I REALLY started to like it. Give yourself time on this.
I think that’s it, really! Most things are easy to substitute and live without once you know what to replace them with!
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