Let’s get this out of the way: I grew up in Wisconsin, the land of cheeseheads and dairy farms. So when I tell people I’m mostly dairy-free, the reaction is often disbelief, followed by, “But… how do you live without cheese?” (Spoiler: You can survive without it, but it takes a little effort.) For me, the decision wasn’t trendy or part of a fad diet—it was a matter of my stomach staging a long-term protest. Here’s how I ended up here and why it works for me.

1. The Dairy Disaster Zone
   I’ve been battling my stomach for as long as I can remember. Dairy and I never got along, but for years I powered through, thinking the discomfort was just normal. Stomach cramps, bloating, and that delightful post-dairy lethargy were my constant companions. Finally, at 15, after one too many miserable stomachaches, I decided enough was enough. Goodbye dairy! Or at least, goodbye to the worst offenders—milk, cheese, yogurt, you name it. (I held onto butter and a little milk in baked goods because, well, I’m only human.)
2. Going Dairy-Free in Wisconsin… Yes, Seriously
   I know. I live in Wisconsin. Giving up dairy here is like renouncing pizza in Italy or refusing coffee in Seattle. Everywhere you turn, there’s cheese curds, ice cream, or some form of butter-drenched deliciousness. But I persevered, armed with almond milk, dairy-free cheeses, and a whole lot of willpower. It hasn’t always been easy, though. There’s been a lot of trial and error (and error… and more error) with products and recipes. Some dairy substitutes are great, and others, well, let’s just say I’ve had some interesting texture experiences along the way. (Coconut milk cheese… yeah, not for me.)
3. The Restaurant Struggle Is Real
   If you’ve ever tried to order a dairy-free meal at a restaurant, you know the pain. “Could you hold the cheese?” I’d ask, and the server would look at me like I’d just committed some unspeakable sin. “Are you sure?” they’d ask, and I’d nod bravely. I’ve learned to be that person—asking about every ingredient, checking for hidden butter or cream. My friends have been super supportive, even though they’ve had to sit through some awkward moments of me explaining casein intolerance to confused waitstaff. But hey, it’s all part of the journey.
4. Keeping Friends Fed
   Speaking of friends, I’ve become a master at finding foods that we can all enjoy—whether they’re dairy lovers or fellow lactose rebels. I’ve whipped up dairy-free versions of pizza, pasta, and desserts that don’t make you feel like you’re missing out (or like you’re eating cardboard). The key is experimenting and keeping an open mind—yes, there are bad products out there, but there are also some surprisingly good ones. My dairy-eating friends have even admitted that some of my dairy-free creations are just as good as the real thing!
5. Not Here to Convert
   Listen, I’m not here to convince anyone to give up their beloved dairy. I get it—cheese is magical, and milk is great for cereal. But if you’re like me and dairy doesn’t love you back, there’s hope. I’m just here to share my story and let you know it is possible to live mostly dairy-free without feeling like you’re missing out on life’s culinary joys. There’s no pressure, no judgment—just a fellow dairy-free traveler who’s found balance.
6. The Mostly Dairy-Free Life
   So why mostly dairy-free? Because let’s be real: I’m not a saint. Sometimes, a little butter sneaks into my life, and on rare occasions, I’ll indulge in a bite of something delicious that’s probably got a splash of milk in it. And you know what? That’s okay! My goal has always been to do what makes me feel good, and if that includes the occasional buttery baked good, then so be it. Life’s too short to be overly strict, and for me, this balance works.

Photo Credit to Anastasia Shuraeva @yaroslav-shuraev