So, if you follow the artful adventures on instagram you may know that I’ve decided to cut back – a lot – on dairy and other things. My heart sinks as I make this dietary switch since – as you have noticed from almost all my posts – I am a fervent lover of cream, butter, and cheese. But I have reached a point where the pain that follows is not worth it. AT ALL.
I won’t become a judgmental jerk that will only eat raw hand-gathered mushrooms from the forests in Finland so you don’t have to roll your eyes at me..well maybe a little haha but I swear the recipes here will continue to have the same chutzpah the usually have, only with less dairy and other not-cool stuff that might drive me straight into dark days of pain and staying in bed while thinkin “fucking pizza…so good, but so..aayyy my stomachhh”. Yah no.
Anyways, just wanted to drop this little note so you wouldn’t be all like “where’s the butter, yo!?”. I take this as a creative challenge of sorts, a new window of possibilities and kitchen creativity. Are you with me!?
PS. Don’t worry, we’ll have cheat days here and there!
Anyone else feels the pain of having to drop your favourite foods from your diet?
Willow @ Will Cook For Friends says
Oh no, I’m sorry you and dairy aren’t on good terms anymore! I haven’t personally had to deal with cutting much out of my diet (I consider myself incredibly lucky to have a stomach so tolerant of all the stuff I throw at it), but just the thought of cutting out cheese is tough to handle. That said, bravo for looking at it as a challenge — finding alternatives can be great fun. I look forward to seeing whatever you come up with!
Gabriel says
Thanks Willow! I’ve done it before so it shouldn’t be too hard, but man it sucks to leave cheese behind haha.
Nicole says
Good luck with the switch Gabriel. I find that as I got older I can no longer tolerate milk products. There is no way I could drink a glass or milk or have it in my breakfast, so I made the switch to almond milk. But it’s weird how I seem to be find with cheese and yogurt. The doctor told me it’s something to do with probiotics and lactose and how when you age you naturally lose your tolerance for lactose. Anyway, I’m looking forward to seeing what creative recipes you come up with so I can gather some inspiration!
Gabriel says
Yep! I totally believe that, the older I get the worse it gets. Oh well, time to switch it up! Thanks Nicole :)
Aleksandra |Vanilla&Staubzucker| says
Hi Gabriel, what a great challenge for you and your blog. Think about all beautiful and inspiring colours the vegetables are offering to you. I’m sure you will do a great job, as usually!
Gabriel says
Aww, thanks a bunch Aleksandra! Appreciate the love! :)
lucinda says
ugh, tragic. but i feel your pain. i’ve definitely noticed a sensitivity to dairy (and other products) as i get older. i think that to a certain extent, we are all lactose or gluten or anything-else-in-excess intolerant. or that’s how i cope, at least. misery and company! hahaha!
luckily there are so many amazing food things in this world and not being able to enjoy one means exploring so many others. i am sure you will be sharing some incredible recipes in this new vein. excited!
Gabriel says
Thanks Lucinda! and yes, this opens a window to learn new things, I mean, who says no to trying new food, right?!
Jade Sheldon-Burnsed says
A few years back, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that changed my entire life. Giving up certain foods that once comforted you can be so ridiculously hard. But if it means that you end up feeling better and healthier, trust me, you eventually don’t miss it!
Gabriel says
Yes! Before I didn’t give a crap, and was like “oh well” not it’s getting to painful to ignore it! Thanks for the supportin’ vibes Jade!
natasha says
I feel your pain! I have an autoimmune issue and although I love dairy, my body doesn’t necessarily love it back. I’ve found that I can tolerate grass-fed butter/ghee and some grass-fed cheeses in moderation. I’m loving your blog and insta! Such amazing talent you have in the kitchen and behind the camera!
Gabriel says
Hi Natasha! Yes, I find grass fed is not evil and aged cheese is also ok in small amounts. And thank you!! Really appreciate the support :)
laurasmess says
I’m seriously late to this post but just discovered your blog today Gab (and pretty much pinned your entire back catalogue, haha). Your work is AMAZING. Thanks for sharing your talents with us! Also, in terms of the dietary stuff, I just want to say that I feel you, bro! I am a major wheat and dairy enthusiast and I’ve been noticing over the past couple years that my body isn’t processing it as well as it used to. I have been really sick quite a few times so I’ve changed to mostly plant based, with treats of course! Hope that your new diet and adjustments are helping you to feel healthier. I’m loving your dairy and vegan recipes from the past 12 months or so, seriously cool stuff. Thanks again! -Laura
Gabriel says
Hi Laura! Thanks so much! Happy to hear you are liking the content on the blog, and yes, freaking dairy is my frenemie, mostly enemy and now I am on an almost 100% dairy free diet and I must say it feels good! So hang in there too :P