Milk was one of our staple items in our refrigerator growing up. As a child, I had plenty of cereal options and a huge jug of milk to go with it.
Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, we were told from the television ads and from other sources that “milk does a body good.”
Looking back, I can remember consuming a lot of milk and a variety of cheeses. Now that I know that dairy can create “mucus build up”, I can see why perhaps this could be the reason sinus infections and other related “ailments” were a part of my childhood.
To this day, eating dairy periodically causes the same symptoms in my body.
Common In Children
According to FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), milk is a common food allergy in children. If you are like me and have children with a milk allergy, milk isn’t really working in their best interest.
There are so many other options other than dairy milk that you can explore for your child. Just one lick from dairy ice cream and my son’s lip starts to swell.
He is 10 years old and still hasn’t ‘grown’ out of this. Will your child grow out of their milk allergy?
Maybe around a quarter of children in the US outgrow their food allergies, but this varies. Every child and their environment is so different.
Substitutions for Milk
Mom, don’t get discouraged, there are plenty of substitutions for dairy milk. In addition, as you introduce other fun foods to your children, milk will become less of a ‘need’.
Please make sure you read all food labels. Sometimes we can miss the verbiage, “derived from milk”…so make sure you take your time and do your research.
Coconut Milk is a great option. It is creamy and so yummy. If you don’t want to buy the coconut milk in the carton or cans, you can always make it.
Coconut Milk
1/4 Cup of shredded coconut or coconut meat
1 Cup of Water
4 dates (presoaked)
strainer/cheese cloth
Presoak your dates a few or overnight for best results. Put all ingredients it a Vitamix or power blender. I like to add the date ‘juice’ in with the coconut for added flavor.
Add the water a little at a time. You may want to add more or less depending on how thick you want it to be.
Vitamix it/blend it until the mixture becomes “milk”. Strain with a strainer or cheese cloth. Whatever you don’t use, put it a mason jar in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
It’s time for your to make coconut milk. Share this recipe and send me a picture of your freshly made coconut milk.
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Relevant Resources
Featured Foodie: Timothy Lamm
Hicunni Chandler, Certified Mind Body Eating Coach & Food Strategist
HEALTH DISCLAIMER:
Certified Eating Psychology & Mind Body Nutrition Coaching is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. The information provided on this website, one-site and virtual coaching sessions, workshops, programs, classes, podcasts, and products is intended for educational purposes only, not as medical advice. Always check with your health care provider, practitioner, or doctor before changing your diet, eating or health/care program.
Tags: allergy friendly, coconut milk, dairy free, milk