9 Ways to Survive Giving Up Dairy

Mara KofoedI recently went dairy-free, and I'm never going back.

Going dairy-free cleared up my adult acne, made me feel younger, and even seemed to remove some wrinkles...but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little scared about how my diet was going to have to change before all that happened.

Here are my top 9 tricks of the trade that don't creep me out and have helped me survive giving up dairy:









Mara KofoedBanana Soft-Serve
You guys HAVE to try this banana soft serve. Frozen bananas magically turn into gelato in the food processor. This is one of our favorite treats (we top with toasted coconut and nuts -- serioulsy delicious -- or cocoa powder mixed with a bit of agave or honey.) I also love this line-up of additional soft-serve flavors.









Related: The 5 WORST foods for weight loss











AmazonAlmond Milk (Chocolate, please)
I was scared to try a milk alternative. I never was a big fan of just straight up milk, anyway. BUT, I decided to give almond milk a try as it has so many health benefits. Plus, every friend of mine that drinks it LOVES it. And well - - it's great. I totally recommend it. And for a treat, the chocolate almond milk is amazing.















Earth BalanceEarth Balance Spread
This butter alternative tastes just fine, if you ask me. I put it on my gluten- free toast from time to time and it's buttery yummy. (I get the soy-free kind.) Just as I was preparing this post, I saw they have a coconut spread. So excited to try it.














Michele SaraphimAvocados
Avocado is just all around a secret weapon. And it's because it's creamy. And that makes it a great alternative to cheese say in a salad or on a sandwich. And it's delicious on chili, instead of sour cream.












Related: 17 recipe tweaks to help you slim down this year









Mara KofoedPumpkin Spiced Lattes
Last fall I saw that one of my favorite bloggers posted a recipe for pumpkin latte. This stuff is seriously amazing. (Easy way to use almond milk.)


















So DeliciousCoconut Milk Ice Cream
If you're an icecream lover, even if it's once a month...you really, really must try coconut milk icecream. It has become our favorite icecream around here....and even my foodie (non-dairy-free) husband just LOVES this stuff. This brand is awesome (we love the chocolate peanut butter swirl).
















Mixed ThreadsNacho Dip
I have yet to try any dairy free cheeses (I'll admit I'm terrified of them) but this dip my sister-in-law makes is as yummy as you can imagine. And it's made with real ingredients: cashew nuts, red bell peppers, and yummy spices.












Related: 9 surprising reasons why coffee is good for you








Mara KofoedTikka Masala
Oh, the joys of Indian food made with coconut milk! Check your local Indian restaurants to see if they have some coconut milk dishes.













Mara KofoedHummus
Hummus is like a secret weapon. It's another way to satisfy that craving for something creamy. It's also a great alternative to using cheese on a sandwich. (We love Trader Joe's Roasted Red Pepper).










- By Mara Kofoed
Follow Mara at Babble

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Mara KofoedMara Kofoed, a Brooklynite of 12 years, is founder of A BLOG ABOUT LOVE. She writes her heart out daily sharing real stories about love, marriage, divorce, self-worth & trials. Because of her own divorce & 8 years of infertility, she learned something revolutionary: to choose happiness - even amidst obstacles - by living a life motivated by love.


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