Meg Haworth

When I learned I was lactose intolerant I made a startling discovery that, thirteen years later, still haunts me at parties, in restaurants, while watching cooking shows, at Starbucks and virtually anywhere food is served. Dairy products, defined as anything made from cows milk, are found in so many food items that it can be a huge challenge to avoid them.  Just today I walked into the studio where I tape my radio show.  They have this new coffee machine that reads “Espresso” on the side of it.  All you do is place your cup beneath a spout, push a button and voila!, a caffeinated afternoon treat.  

I excitedly bent down to explore the options.  I read across the first row of buttons.  Ok, all milky cow-laden drinks.  That’s normal.  I read the second row of buttons, then the third.  I thought, maybe I missed something?  I read them again.  No soy lattes? Not even a straight espresso button.  The side of the machine clearly read “Espresso”. 

I looked again as if magically an option I could participate in would appear.  Dangit!  Still there’s nothing fun for me to drink.  Now it becomes another long afternoon of doing without.

Those of you who suffer from lactose intolerance know what it is like to navigate the world of dairy consumers.  It means regularly being asked questions like; “What happens to you when you eat dairy?”  You then get that sinking feeling as you weigh out which part of “debilitating cramps” and “noxious gas” or “explosive diarrhea” you want to share.  It’s about as much fun to answer that question as it is to experience the effects. 

In the blogs ahead, I will explore as many things as I can about gluten allergies, lactose intolerance, unpronounceable food chemicals, and personal stories as I share my journey through what has become a very muddled and complicated world of food. 

I would love any input you readers have on suggestions for topics, personal experiences or even recipes you would like me to cook up on camera.  Feel free to e-mail me at meg@eatdrinkordie.com or to post your comments right here on this blog. 

To learn more about Doctor Meg, go to www.DeliciousAndHealthy.com