For a few months now, I've eliminated dairy from my diet to improve my health. For me, dairy has always made me sick to my stomach, ever since I was a newborn. As I got older, it still made me a bit sick, but I found that it was actually contributing to my acne problems. At first, it was a challenge to say goodbye to some of my favorite foods, especially cheese. If you yourself are struggling with eliminating dairy from your diet, here are a few tips and tricks on how to most effectively remove dairy from your diet.

1. Find Your Favorite Milk Substitutes

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It's important that you find the milk substitute that's right for you or the recipe you need it for. Coconut milk is filled with nutritional value and is great for your skin and hydration. Almond milk tastes great in coffee or oatmeal and has that creamy texture many people miss. You can also try different flavors or levels of sweetness.

2. Look Out for Casein

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Casein is a milk protein that is found in lunch meat or several other “dairy-free" products. While it isn't lactose, which is the milk sugar, it is considered a dairy product and may interfere with the results you are trying to achieve.

3. Experiment With Recipes

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There are so many different recipes out there for your favorite dishes without dairy. I recommend checking out Detoxinista! She has several recipes for vegan, dairy free, gluten free, or paleo options.

4. Nutritional Yeast is Your Best Friend

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Nutritional yeast is going to save your life, especially if you love cheese like I do. It’s got a naturally cheesy flavor, and when combined with cashews, makes a tasty cheese alternative. There are many recipes out there for cream cheese, nacho cheese, and even Parmesan.

5. Try New Foods

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After becoming dairy free, it almost becomes necessary to start trying and experimenting with other foods you may have never before, try looking at options at your local farmer's markets, restaurants, and even at your local grocery store.

6. Homeade Ice Cream Isn’t That Hard

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Dairy-free ice cream can often be expensive and filled with preservatives. Homemade dairy-free ice cream doesn't always require churning, I recommend using canned coconut milk to get a thick creamy texture, and adding whatever flavors you want, sorbets are also good alternatives as well.

7. Vegan Options Are Always Safe

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Vegetarian options often come with cheese, if something is certified vegan, it’s safe to assume that the whole food is free from dairy. Whether it be lactose or casein.

8. Other Foods Have Calcium

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A common misconception about a dairy-free lifestyle is that you don't get calcium. Leafy and dark green vegetables are actually filled with calcium, so stock up on broccoli and kale, as it will provide the essential nutrients you need. Orange juice and dairy-free milk are also fortified with calcium as well.

9. Ask Questions

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Don’t hesitate to ask the people making your food about the ingredients in the dish. Doing your research before going out with friends can alleviate any anxiety about deciding what to eat. Being dairy-free for health purposes should not make you feel like an inconvenience, and don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s important to put the right foods in your body.

10. Be Gentle With Yourself

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Perhaps the hardest thing to get over is when you slip up. Remember that a step back does not mean you won't ever go forward. Having a slice of pizza at a party won't mean that you have failed, and your mom slipping a couple tablespoons of milk in her homemade muffins is not the end of the world. In The Western World, we are trained to consume milk and other dairy products. This is a lifestyle change, and it takes time to get used to.

From my experience, college students are more likely to discover that they have developed an intolerance or allergy to milk over the course of their education. Even if you think you couldn't go without cheese, there are variations for everything. The most important part of any lifestyle change is your wellbeing, and to listen o your body.