Why I Eat Butter When I Have a Dairy Allergy

Butter is the epitome of flavor. Just like bacon, butter makes everything better. While I say enjoy it if you can, my vote is to leave that lactose-free milk on the shelf!

This might seem like a paradox for some of you who are staunchly against dairy of any kind. And I’m glad so many people inquire about why I choose to eat butter in spite of my allergy to dairy because I’m always happy when I see people thinking critically and questioning conventional thought. It generates a conversation like this one.

Our Western minds want things to fit into boxes; make things black and white, but people and food aren’t like that.

It is all very dynamic and complex. We like to strictly adhere to any diet that has a name and lots of rules as if it is a dogmatic religion; Atkins, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, blah, blah, blah! No one cares.

The bottom line is this - when the body has an allergic reaction to a food, it has to do with the protein. Butter contains a lot of fat, a little water, and negligible amounts of protein. Since butter is a condiment, it is not consumed in large amounts and many people who suffer from a dairy allergy can enjoy butter for this reason. There just isn’t enough protein in butter to elicit an allergic response.

If I were to be a purist about it, then I would eat ghee or clarified butter, which has had all the water and proteins removed through a process of heating and straining. Under these conditions, butter becomes an oil.

One could also argue that when the body has a dairy allergy, it is saying please don’t give me any version of that food. This is why I am not an advocate for lactose-free milk. Your body has told you that it didn’t want the dairy, so why eat this? It is generally not a good idea. Just like my pecan milk, butter is a food that I could theoretically make in my home, which I have. Do you see the difference? And butter tastes so good.

A few years ago, I gave up butter for a month just to check in to see what was happening for me, and I couldn’t tell any difference. Food is such a personal journey. Everybody is different. Some people with a dairy allergy can’t eat butter, so you have to know your body.

Your body couldn’t give a hoot about your nutritional education or your opinions about food, but if you can learn to listen to your body, it will tell you exactly which foods help it perform best. It’s so smart!

While examining the potential role of food allergies in modern chronic diseases is an essential step to reclaiming your vitality, I take no pleasure in removing food from people’s lives. I prefer expanding options versus eliminating them. Food is a source of nutrition and energy but it’s also FUN and pleasurable.

Change Dynamics - A Guide to Getting Out of Your Own Way

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”

–Leo Tolstoy

Do you struggle with change? My struggle with change comes and goes. Sometimes I can roll with it. Other times, I feel like I’m losing my mind. On the days I feel resistance to change, I love to consult this chart. I have it hanging next to my desk as a reminder that our emotions are our teachers.

An unfortunate misconception in the holistic health movement is that if you’re not happy, something is wrong. I call bullshit. Every single one of our emotions teaches us something. Emotions are energy in motion. The only problem comes from failing to move through them. Getting stuck is a disaster.

Check out this amazing chart that is not only an effective tool for creating movement, but it also respects that our emotions are wisdom coursing through our bodies. Once you identify what you need, then you are in a position of power.

You can use this chart in your office, with your family, pretty much in any area of your life. It’s awesome.

If you feel confused, clarify your vision.

If you feel anxious, maybe it’s time to invest in developing some new skills.

If you feel resistant, create some incentives for yourself or your team (as a little side notes, sugary foods are not the ideal reward).

If you feel frustration, maybe you need more resources, which usually come in the form of time or money.

If you feel like you’re running on a treadmill, then develop an action plan.

As we move into February, we are another month into 2016. Most people have thrown their hands into the air regarding their New Year’s resolutions but before you give up, check out where you stand on this chart and maybe, just maybe, you will be able to identify what is holding you back from achieving your goals and can then do the next right thing.

I want to credit Shri Estes for sharing this chart with my husband and me. I call Shri our spiritual business consultant. We have been working with her for years and have benefited immensely from our time with her both professionally and personally. She also offers Quantum Healings. You can find her contact information Here among my personal care team.

I hope this information is as helpful to you as it has been to me over the years…

6 Really Good Reasons Homemade Nut Milk is Best!

Have you ever wondered how nutritious your store-bought nut milk might be? You read the nutrition information on the back of the carton, and think…hey, this isn’t so bad. At least it isn’t dairy, plus it’s low in sugar and has a little protein. Right?

Nah…

Aside from the fact some brands contain unnecessary filler ingredients and only contain a paltry ration of nuts then watered down to a thin liquid, making your own nut milk is more about what you are getting than what you are excluding. Here’s why:

1) Fresh is always best! Like store bought versions, homemade nut milks are not going to expire quickly, but think of how long something sits in a store and then your fridge before you finish consuming it. When you make nut milk at home, you know exactly how long it’s been on the shelf and can be certain you are enjoying the freshest milk possible.

2) You have control over your product when you make it yourself. You decide the thickness and the quantity you need to make. Have a big family or smaller budget? You can stretch the recipe to make your nut purchase go a long way by adding more water to your mix. Like a thicker milk or need a smaller quantity? Use a bit less water to enjoy a creamier version. It’s so incredibly easy to be the boss of your nut milk destiny.

3) It’s fast! How many times have we had to run out to the grocery store late at night just to grab a carton of milk? It’s so common it’s cliché. Obviously you would have to keep your nut pantry stocked up enough to whip up a jar of milk, but bustin out a batch of fresh nut milk takes less time than it takes my son to get dressed. He’s three, so make of that what you will.

4) Speaking of jars of milk…storing your milk in reusable glass jars is better for our tender planet than purchasing cardboard cartons that may or may not get recycled properly.

5) I must attest that the FLAVOR is one of the biggest reasons to blend your own batch. You’ll have to trust me enough to make your own, but once you blend your own nuts, you’ll never let someone else do it for you…ahem.

6) The least scientific reason to make your own nut milk is it is really, really Fun to make. I guarantee if you have kids, they will want to get their hands in on the action. So squishy! Watch the video…you’ll see.

To learn how to make your own Pecan Nut Milk, check out my new video on Eat in Peace TV HERE!