As you may know, I have been struggling with a dairy allergy over the past few months.
For someone who loves cheese and chicken alfredo as much as I do, this has been a MAJOR catastrophe.
However, it is through these moments of desperation and vulnerability that I’ve noticed that friends struggling with the same conundrum have stepped up for me in quiet ways.
Empathy, compassion, and of course, dairy-free food suggestions.
I think it’s really beautiful how shared experience and struggle tend to bring people together and deepen a relationship. While of course I never hope for the worst – for myself, or for anyone – there is something profoundly special about being seen in moments of hardship.
At this point, I’m talking about more than just life without cheese.
Throughout my time as a wellness coach, I worked with individuals whose struggles mirrored things I had experienced in my own life: loss of a loved one, sexual violence, complicated family dynamics, debilitating mental health challenges.
Somehow, one of the most painful parts of experiencing these things that are often not talked about out loud is the feeling of going through it alone. Worrying that saying something will bring down the mood, or that people won’t know how to respond. The shame of it all.
However, when we share our struggles with others who understand, it truly is a burden lifted.
Even when they don’t have advice, the fact that they just get it is an infinitely valuable gift.
So, here is my encouragement to get honest and vulnerable with your friends. Say the quiet things out loud, because you might just realize that you’re not the only one going through a challenging time, and in those moments, you may just experience a wealth of comfort, relief, and motivation to keep going, knowing somebody in your corner understands.
And of course, I haven’t forgotten about the dairy free things.
Thanks to the suggestions of my other dairy free friends (and a very concerned Cooper), here are a few of my favorite dairy free substitutes/alternatives that are getting me through this difficult time:
- Nocciolata spread (Nutella dupe) from Whole Foods
- Coconut milk from Aldi and Costco (higher in calcium than almond milk, soy milk, or rice milk!)
- Dairy-free Boursin (legitimately just as good as the dairy version)
- Shredded Parmesan and Mozzarella from Trader Joe’s (the mozz actually melts!)
- Cocowhip – can be found at Kroger and Meijer
- Vegan pizza from Issa’s Pizza
with love,
ana
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