Steve’s doctor told him he should try a dairy-free diet to help with his digestive issues.

He knew it was only a matter of time before he heard something like this. After all, his digestive issues had gotten much worse over the years, and he had been feeling far from his best. But he was worried about having to give up so many of his favorite things.

What was he supposed to put on his homemade granola, use to make creamy soups, toss in his smoothies, and worst of all, what was he going to enjoy in his cup of Joe every morning?

Wasn’t dairy supposed to be healthy? Afterall, how else was he supposed to get adequate amounts of calcium?

THE TRUTH ABOUT DAIRY

Dairy, while it is a staple food group in most developed countries, actually contains many molecules that can induce allergies or cause inflammation. (Crazy, right?)

The truth is, most people don’t have enough of the enzyme lactase to break down all that lactose sugar that is found in milk, which can lead to indigestion, bloating, and discomfort. (No fun!)

It’s also important to note that if you have another chronic disease or condition known to cause inflammation, such as many autoimmune diseases, it’s important to eliminate dairy altogether to ensure you don’t introduce more disease-causing inflammation into your body.

At ITN, we focus on personalized nutrition, and the importance of doing what’s right for YOUR body cannot be understated.

If you’re concerned about your calcium intake, it’s important to note that dark green, leafy vegetables contain quite a bit of calcium as do almonds, figs, seaweed, and even oranges.

It’s important to remember that if you remove something from your diet, finding a healthy replacement is beneficial!

If you’re still concerned about giving up dairy altogether, don’t worry! There are quite a few dairy alternatives, especially when it comes to milk, so give these 6 dairy-free milk options a try! Oh, and by the way, you can thank us later!

DITCH DAIRY WITH THESE 6 MILK ALTERNATIVES

1. ALMOND MILK

Almond milk is a good source of protein, unsaturated fats, flavonoids, and potassium. It is also rich in manganese, selenium, and Vitamin E!

Try adding it to your gluten-free granola for a healthy breakfast!

2. CASHEW MILK

Cashew nut milk is a great source of copper and magnesium, both of which are necessary to keep your bones healthy! It also has a lower fat content than many other dairy-free milk alternatives.

Use a dash of cashew milk to your oatmeal to make it creamier!

3. COCONUT MILK

Coconut milk is very creamy and contains minimal amounts of starch. This milk is cholesterol and nut-free and is high in lauric acid which has antiviral and anti-bacterial properties.

We can hear you now, “Sure, I’ll try using these alternatives everywhere except for in my morning coffee!” Trust us, adding coconut milk to your coffee is (in our opinion) far more enjoyable than creamer! Give is a try and let us know what you think!

4. HEMP MILK

Hemp milk is very rich in omega fatty acids and low in saturated fats. It is cholesterol-free and is known to be creamier and nuttier than rice milk.

Hemp milk is awesome to add to any meal and toss into recipes to add a dash of creaminess or fluffiness!

5. RICE MILK

Rice milk is known to be very hypoallergenic when it comes to milk substitutes and is the least fattening. It is also rich in magnesium but does lack a bit of creaminess and flavor when compared to the other milk options on this list.

6. OAT MILK

Oat milk has a very distinct oat flavor and high levels of Vitamin E. It is also a good source of phytochemicals and is usually tolerated well by those with multiple food allergies.

Oat milk is all the rage right now, and for good reason! Try oat milk in your latte, grain free cereals, or straight!

CONCLUSION

These milk alternatives are not only packed with good-for-you nutrients, but can be used to replace milk in all your smoothies, homemade cereals and granola, and even in cooking.

Try baking with coconut milk and use a nut milk the next time you make a creamy soup – you won’t be disappointed!

What are some of your favorite dairy-free recipes? Share them in the comments!

These delicious chocolate cupcakes are dairy free and made with coconut milk. Give them a try!