Living a dairy-free lifestyle may sound like a wonderful idea. After all, dairy can come with a slew of unhealthy side effects, like digestive problems, weight gain, and imbalanced hormones. But before you commit to dairy-free living, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to ensure it’s the right decision for you. Here, we discuss five potential disadvantages of going dairy-free.
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Common Food Disruptions
Living without dairy means having to cut out many of the common, convenient foods you may have enjoyed before. This includes things like cheese, cream-based sauces, desserts, and creamy condiments. You may need to find the best dairy free foods, like alternatives to things like cheese on pizzas or macaroni or cream-based soups.
Nutritional Disadvantages of Being Dairy Free
Dairy is an easy way to get certain nutrients into your diet, such as protein, calcium, and Vitamin D. Without dairy, it can be harder to get enough of these nutrients, and you may have to rely on different sources, such as fortified foods and/or supplements. This can be one of the major disadvantages of being dairy free.
Financial Implications of Being Dairy Free
Replacing the lost dairy products in your diet can add up, leading to an increase in grocery bills. For instance, you may need to buy more costly best milk alternatives, such as nut or oat milk. As well, so-called ‘health’ foods, such as vegan cheese, can be pricey and hard to find.
Social Disconnect
Living without dairy can be a challenge when going out with friends or attending social events. Food choices may be limited, making it harder to feel included. And dining out can be especially difficult, as some restaurants may not have as many dairy-free options available.
Cultural Disadvantages
Many popular cultural dishes, including some Italian-cuisine favorites, are rooted in dairy products, like cheese and cream sauces. So, if going out for Italian, it’s likely you’ll be served a dish with these ingredients. Because dairy is so integral to Italian food preparation, it can be difficult to find a dairy-free option.
The Bottom Line
It’s critical to point out that being dairy-free has its advantages, as well. Throat infections, for example, have been linked to the presence of dairy, so eliminating it can reduce irritation and inflammation. In terms of nutrient intake, a dairy-free diet can lead to a greater variety of nutrients, as non-dairy sources of proteins and calcium exist.
Ultimately, it’s important to think carefully about whether ditching dairy from your diet is necessary. Dairy can be a source of healthy, natural nutrients, such as calcium and Vitamin D, so eliminating it entirely isn’t recommended unless you absolutely need to. Consider talking to your doctor first and weigh the pros and cons before making your decision.
If you choose to go dairy-free, it’s okay! The key is to ensure that all your nutritional needs are met, either through dairy-free substitutes or fortified foods. It can be comforting to keep in mind that you don’t have to eliminate every single food that contains dairy — there are plenty of lactose-free and low-lactose alternatives out there. As long as you’re conscious of your choices, you can still enjoy delicious meals without the discomfort of dairy.