No more milk

Well, I am just starting to feel a little better after a sort of depressing weekend. The cause: It looks like Hannah is allergic to milk, and since I am nursing, I have to give up everything with milk in it. That includes everything! Can you think of any dessert that does not have milk in it?? If you can- think again because it probably does have milk in it. I even bought some dark chocolate at the store b/c I was told that it does not have milk. After I ate half a bar, I read the ingredients again. Hidden in the list were the words "milk fat" which means that it has milk in it. So, I just went did an on-line search to find out what dark chocolate is milk-free. Luckily, I found some!!! I am told you have to scrutinize labels if you really want to go milk-free.

I really have been in kind of a bad mood this weekend, and I finally came to the conclusion that having to give up milk is the reason. Think about having to give up all your favorite foods: pizza, coffee with half and half (my morning ritual), chocolate, did I mention chocolate, brownies, ice cream, cake, cookies, and every meal that you put cheese on. On top of that I have to learn what to cook for our family. No more skillet sensations, baked ziti, veggies with cheese, and basically everything else I make. Oh yeah, did I mention no butter! That alone is cause for depression.

After sulking for a few days, I am starting to focus on the benefits of having to give up milk. First, I always thought that if you really wanted to go on a diet you could pretend you were allergic to certain foods and that you absolutely could not have them. Of course you always know deep down that you are really not allergic to the food and would probably end up eating it anyway. Well, now I can lose the last few post-pregnancy pounds without having to really try and sweat it off or play mental games with myself. I have to do it for my daughter. Second, I have been doing a little research and it turns out that milk is not all that good for you anyway. Third, not being able to have milk forces you to find other healthier options. When I want a snack now, I go for apples and carrots rather than cookies.

So, I am going to need a lot of encouragement and support in the coming months. Feel free to send me positive reinforcements. And if anyone is looking for a new diet, give me a call, I know what you are going through.