The Benefits of Going Dairy Free

Introduction

For many people, dairy products are a staple in their diets. But for some, dairy can be difficult to digest, or allergies and sensitivities can prevent them from enjoying dairy products. Dairy free diets are becoming more popular as people realize the potential health benefits of reducing or eliminating dairy from their diets. Read on to learn more about the advantages of going dairy free and some simple dairy free recipes.

Benefits of a Dairy Free Diet

When you remove dairy from your diet, you may experience a number of health benefits. This includes improved digestion, reduced risk of allergies, and improved skin health. Additionally, going dairy free can help you to reduce your calorie and saturated fat intake, which can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Improved Digestion

For some people, dairy can be difficult to digest. Lactose intolerance is quite common, and dairy can cause digestive issues for those with a sensitive digestive system. Removing dairy from your diet can help to improve digestion and reduce abdominal discomfort.

Reduced Risk of Allergies

If you have an allergy to dairy, removing it from your diet is the only way to reduce your risk of a reaction. Even if you don't have an allergy to dairy, reducing your intake can help to reduce your risk of developing one.

Improved Skin Health

For some people, dairy can cause breakouts and skin irritation. Removing dairy from your diet can help to reduce inflammation and improve skin health.

Reduced Calorie and Saturated Fat Intake

Many dairy products are high in calories and saturated fat. Removing these from your diet can help you to reduce your calorie and saturated fat intake, which can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Sample Dairy Free Recipes

Going dairy free doesn't mean you can't enjoy delicious meals. Here are three simple recipes to get you started:

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups vegetable broth
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
Salt, to taste

Instructions:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the vegetable broth, pumpkin puree, nutmeg, and pepper. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt, to taste.
Serve warm.

Veggie Tacos

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 corn tortillas
1/2 cup salsa

Instructions:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the black beans, corn, bell pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat, about 1 minute per side.
Fill the tortillas with the vegetable mixture and top with salsa.
Serve warm.

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

3/4 cup coconut oil
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, cream together the coconut oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Conclusion

Going dairy free can be a great way to improve your health and well-being. You don't have to give up delicious food either, as there are plenty of dairy free recipes to enjoy. Try out some of the recipes above and see how going dairy free can benefit you.