In addition to seeing Dr. Frank Lipman, I'm also reading his book Revive, a life-saving manual that helps readers understand what causes energy depletion and offers ways to combat it. Specifically, Dr. Lipman outlines a six-week, 42 step process that makes it easy for committed readers to start restoring both body and mind. I've recently started on Step 15: Eliminating Dairy Products. It's been challenging.
A few weeks ago I went to Barclay's iShares party and ran into the guys from the WallachBeth trading desk, where newly Vegan, Will Dersch, openly discussed the changes he experienced with his new diet and his urgency to convince his co-workers to follow his lead. He claimed reading the China Study freed him from feeling his health was predetermined, and after becoming fully vegan he watched his cholesterol drop from 230 to 180 in 10 weeks time. He boasted of more stable energy levels and a much healthier lifestyle: "I started on the path to search for answers about what foods are actually good for me, my wife, and my son."
But he also admitted to certain challenges, including some of the pressures he faces in a line of work that requires frequent entertaining of customers. Even as he proudly discussed these positive lifestyle changes, some of the other guys began to taunt him about his choices and joke about their preference for meat and all things dairy. This discussion couldn't have come at a better time. Having already given up meat, it was only one week after I started my non-dairy diet, and I still had reservations about it. I was very interested in hearing what he had to say specifically about dairy and could certainly identify with the challenges he faced overall.
In fact, for me, the social component is probably the most difficult. Part of my job requires my having dinner with various entrepreneurs and investment professionals. When I'm traveling it is not uncommon for them to want to meet at their favorite restaurants. This, of course, comes with various "you must try this!" recommendations, most of which fall outside of my diet plan. At times, people can be quite persistent and new food suggestions can indeed be quite tempting.
Frankly, it is still too soon for me to claim that the benefits of giving up dairy far outweigh the difficulties I'm facing in giving it up. Traveling for work is particularly difficult. I can't ensure many selections on planes and in airports are dairy free, so it's important that I travel prepared. To do this, I'm following Ashley Koff RD's "Flight Kit." Here Ashley outlines some necessary tips for flying, such as proper hydration and sensible travel snacks, as well as details about what actually happens to our bodies when 30,000 feet in the air for extended periods of time. 


But there are always the unforeseen circumstances that test my will power; such was the case a few days ago. After having checked into my west-coast hotel (still functioning on east -coast time, I might add), I found a place to eat and ordered some red beets. Following a series of annoying occurrences that caused me not to eat for nearly five hours, I was starving, and red beets seemed a safe bet. After what seemed like forever, the beets arrived, but covered in goat cheese! I had to send them back! I should note that on Dr. Lipman's program certain dairy is allowed (he discourages cow's milk but sheep's milk feta, goat cheese, and buffalo mozzarella cheese, as well as whey protein are OK), but in my case, I had made the decision to avoid all dairy. I've even replaced the whey protein in my shakes with hemp protein. 

Overall, the differences I notice since dropping the dairy are somewhat subtle, but definitely positive, including increased and balanced energy levels and less stomachaches. I don't crave anything to the point that I'd interrupt this process. Overall, I am confident that collectively these small changes are leading me towards a greater, more whole person.
Some Diary Alternatives I've been trying:
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Go Dairy Free | Your Information Resource for Dairy Free Living
Actually, I just remembered... as an infant, I was allergic to cow's milk. My mother told me she had to buy canned goat's milk for me.This was back in the early '50s, so I don't know how available goat's milk was then or how big a hassle this was for her.
Raw milk, raw cheese, raw butter? Healing foods straight from Mother Nature's hand to your table. Do not doubt this!
Also, raw butter is amazing. tastes great and will heal the body.
The butter substitutes sound like some of the frankenfoods Michael Pollan talks about.
I've reduced (not eliminated) my protein and dairy, increased my vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
Nothing drastic. Just moderation and balance in all things.
The two things that have increased my energy? Switching from a generic statin to Lipitor and finally controling my cholesterol (hereditary) and using epsom salts (magnesium) in my baths. Also supplementing with Omega3 and Vitamin D.
We live good with whole unprocessed foods, and everything in moderation is alright. I think the epsom salt bath might be something I will try. Good tip, thanks. Aloha
Diary is the most important item to give up. I'd say grass-fed beef and truly free-range chicken is better for you than dairy -- hands down.
But in our northern European-influenced gastronomic culture it is very difficult to give up. I did for about a year. Then I loosened up about it, and found myself a couple of months ago gorging on pizza (Mario Batali pizza) and having ice cream for dessert. THEN I went for my yearly physical two days later and my cholesterol had shot through the roof! I'd always been low, like in the 130's. Now I was 209!!!!
I don't know if it was the pizza and ice cream coursing through my veins that day, but boy!, did I ever get the message.
No dairy for me.
BTW, too many dairy substitutes are VERY fattening -- and some aren't even lower in cholesterol. So I'd read the labels carefully before buying.
And stay away from Soy Milk. It depletes iodine and generally messes with the thyroid. See article on that here at HP:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/thyroid-health_b_472953.html
Here's a link you should try So Delicious Coconut Coffee Creamer, I Iike the French Vanilla the best but it comes in regular and hazelnut as well. I've been a vegetarian for two & a half years and a vegan since November and it has been nothing but positive and I look and feel great. Enjoy!
http://www.turtlemountain.com/products/coconut_milk_creamer.html
When at last I chose to go vegan last June, l only wished I'd done it 40 years ago. Without any sacrifice on my part, and with no calorie watching at all (in fact I eat and snack as often and as much as I wish) my weight has balanced down to what it was in College as 40 pounds evaporated over 6 months, and that feels terrific. Now, my weight just takes take of itself.
I also lost my overactive sweet tooth as a side benefit.
Yes, I need to make sure I get the right balance of 2 key amino acids most people get from animal products– lysine and methionine— but that is not difficult, and not the hassle I expected.
Even my sleep is better now.
And thank you for posting these practical tips on alternates to those familiar foods, too!
Milk products contain many factors needed by calves, not by adult humans. I see dairy products are pro-inflammatory and pro-cancer, not to mention being too fattening.
Just yesterday, some guessed my age as being twenty years younger than my actual age.
The beef and dairy industries push the wrong foods in the "food pyramid."
Eat raw and organic where fruits and vegetables are known to absorb pesticides. Raspberries, one of my favorites, absorb much perticide residue, so definitely go organic with raspberries. Get your omega-3s and stop eating sugar of all kinds. Stop eating salt, too. Exercise and sleep are critical, too.