For the last 18 years, cheese, sour cream, milk, and ice cream were my four main foods. Basically, if it was made with anything dairy, I would eat it. So you can imagine the shock on my face when my doctor tells me that I am lactose intolerant after eating all things lactose for the last 18 years. Little did I know, that this diagnosis would be a blessing in disguise.

Being lactose intolerant has taught me to be cautious. I am constantly having to check ingredients on any food item I buy from the grocery store or checking menus at restaurants. Although it's not as easy as it used to be, it is so relieving being able to enjoy a night out with friends and not having to leave early because "my stomach hurts." Not only has this taught me to be cautious with my food, its taught me to be cautious in life. If you don't stop and look at what is happening around you, you could miss a beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Being lactose intolerant has proved to me that God will always provide. When I first got my diagnosis, I thought my world was ending. I couldn't understand how I could go 18 years having stomach problems my entire life and no one realize that I have an intolerance to lactose. I didn't know how I was going to live my life constantly worrying about what I was eating. Then, I discovered the wonderful medicine, Lactaid. Lactaid contains the enzyme, lactase. Lactase is an intestinal enzyme that splits lactose into 2 smaller sugars and allows it to be absorbed from the intestine. Someone who is lactose intolerant has a lactase deficiency. Thanks to Lactaid, I am able to enjoy the same food that I always enjoyed without the pain and discomfort. Like I said earlier, God always provides.

Lastly, being lactose intolerant has challenged me to learn my body. Because I have an intolerance and not an allergy, my body can tolerate little amounts of lactose at a time. I have challenged myself to learn just how much I can handle since my diagnosis. This meant trial and error. Eating a certain amount of lactose and waiting to see how my body would react. It was exhausting, but in the end, I've come to know and love my body more than I ever have.

Being lactose intolerant was something that I never saw in my life's plan. I never expected to be the person who would ask for "no cheese and no sour cream" on her tacos because I love both of those foods, and many more that contain lactose, oh so much. This diagnosis has proven to be such a blessing. This journey was just a bump on God's big journey, and I can't wait to see where He takes me next.