Category Archives: Writer’s Whims

Being lactose-intolerant makes my foodie life interesting. I have gotten very brave at asking for dishes to be modified. I self-identify to nearly every waiter I come in contact with. I’ve had waiters go back and ask the chef on the ingredient list. I’ve sent back items that we not prepared correctly.

Lactose-intolerance is pretty common, about 20 million American adults have some lactose sensitivities by age 20. I’m very lactose-intolerant. I can’t do anything that is cow-milk based. No milk, no cheese, no cream cheese, sour cream or butter. No milk chocolate. No cookies, no ice cream, no cakes. Mostly vinaigrette goes on my salad. It’s hard to find crackers that fit the bill. Italian restaurants are the most impossible places for me to dine. I dodge belly landmines at potlucks and friend’s parties (and usually eat something before I go).

When I tell people they get a sad look on their face and usually utter “Oh I could never live without cheese. That sucks.” Yes, it does, but it’s not devastating. I understand people’s attachment to dairy, it releases serotonin and other brain-calming feel good chemicals. Eating that stuff feels good and they can’t imagine someone else not having that experience.

I have my ways of making up for it. I can enjoy goat cheese. I have acquired a taste for soy ice cream (but dream of soft-serve). I’ve found my comfort go-to is fried. I’ve always loved fruits, even as a child my grandmother thought I was weird for asking  Asian restaurants are a perfect fit, so are Mexican joints because so many dishes have cheese and sour cream on the side.

My biggest foodie win so far has been vegan meals and baked goods. Vegetarian  usually doesn’t cut it because most of those dishes have cheese to fancy it up a bit. It’s fun to go to vegan only restaurants or vegan-friendly towns like Asheville, NC where they proudly have the little “v” by dishes on a menu. I love to order without abandon when it comes to vegan menus.

Living in the South can be a challenge for the lactose-sensitive. Things like pimento cheese, giant cakes and cream pies are so dang tempting. These truly villainous dishes.

There are some items that usually fare well for us living lactose-free:

• Biscuits – Surprisingly, most biscuits in the South are made with shortening rather than butter. Divine.
• Coleslaw – This BBQ standby is usually just made with mayonnaise, but sometimes it’s mixed with ranch or other creams. I usually do okay, but I’ve had some painful results.
• Fried Chicken – I’ve had some sensitivities if it’s soaked in buttermilk, but usually this goodness does a belly right.
• Potato Salad - One of my fave side-dishes, these roots are mixed with mayo and studded with goodness.
• Vegan Baked Goods – Like my homemade cupcakes above, vegan is the boss when it comes to baked goods.

Here are some items that just don’t work, despite their outward appearances:

• Grits – Grits are prepared with milk or cream in the South, at least around Raleigh. I love grits, I eat them up at home, but they are never on my menu when I go out.
• Sauces – I always ask about sauces, these can be serious landmines for milks and creams.
• Cakes and Pies – Okay, I just want to be sad. Of course, cakes are lactose-heavy. But all those giant cakes are so tempting. UGGH, this is one thing I wish I could experience. Especially the ones in my neighborhood at Hayes Barton Cafe
• Donuts – Yes, my dear friend the Krispy Kreme donuts is a lactose-full landmine. I give in when I’m drunk, I really shouldn’t, but I do!

Do you have a food allergy? What are your tricks and tips for living a food fun life? I’d love to hear about it!