As someone who grew up consuming dairy products, I never really understood when, a few years ago, people were bashing it online.
All over Twitter, it was comments about dairy, specifically cow’s milk, being disgusting: “at your big age, you shouldn’t be having cow’s milk,” “cow’s milk isn’t good, stop drinking it.” Milk is just milk, I thought.
But people were saying all of these things about the dangers of dairy and cow’s milk and the negative effects it has on the body, so I thought I’d better look into it. For people with PCOS, like myself, dairy raises the insulin levels, increasing sugar cravings and the risks of cardiovascular disease.
This isn’t to knock anyone who consumes dairy — but after research I not how it affects PCOS, I realised that I would better off without it.
So, I decided to try going dairy-free and find out if it would work for me.
Starting a dairy-free lifestyle can be daunting. Even more so if it means having to sacrifice beloved food items (goodbye Häagen-Dazs). Eliminating foods you love is difficult, especially when it’s a part of your daily diet. Butter, cheeses, milk and cream all had to go.
If I had known the impact it would have on my health earlier, it would have made it easier. But along the way, I discovered some pretty amazing benefits and some great dairy replacements.
Waving By To My Digestive Problems
Since I’ve switched to oat milk, plant-based creams and vegan cheese, I’ve noticed a lot less bloating and feeling less ‘icky’ compared to before. I was used to feeling sluggish, miserable and like my body just wasn’t digesting anything properly. Giving up dairy helped with that.
When I gave in to temptation and ordered a milkshake one time, I felt horrendous. I was gassy and bloated afterwards. I had to take about 3 trips to the toilet in an hour. It wasn’t fun.
Dairy is linked to digestive problems, like constipation and diarrhoea, so giving it up was amazing for me.
More Energy
I feel so much more energised than before. I used to feel sick and exhausted after having cow’s milk with cereal. Since giving it up, I no longer have that issue. It was subtle at first, but now, I’m finding myself wanting to do more activities, able to walk for longer than an hour and still want to do more things afterwards. This, I think, has been the biggest difference for me since cutting dairy.
I’m A Glow-Getter Now!
My skin is prone to acne (thanks, PCOS), but has significantly improved. It’s clearer and has a glow now. The redness on my cheeks has reduced since switching to oat milk. Of course, nobody’s skin is perfect: I do still get the occasional hormonal breakout, but it’s a lot better than it used to be. My face looks and feels brighter.
Trying New Things
Since going dairy-free, I’ve been able to try new things—like almond milk, oat milk and coconut milk. I’ve also been able to expand my palate and experiment with recipes and desserts, using plant-based double cream for desserts and more. I’ve become more aware of the other foods I’m consuming, becoming health-conscious and incorporating more veg into my diet, which has been way more nutritious and better for my body and mental health.
Transitioning to a dairy-free lifestyle doesn’t have to be drastic and, for me, the first step was milk and then I switched to plant-based creams. I took my time and did things step by step. I’m now looking to make other dietary changes for my health, and they feel less daunting.
Of course giving up cheese and ice cream was hard for me. Even now, just thinking about my favourite ice cream is making me want to bawl. And I miss eating cheese in garlic bread, cheesy Alfredo sauce, paninis, lasagne and, of course, pizza. Ultimately the health benefits make up for the occasional sadness from the sacrifices.
I feel so much better; it just takes research, experimentation and creativity — because now I love being dairy-free.
