Something awful has happened (lighthearted) (ish)

[OhNoWhereDidTheChocolateGo]

I have made a terrible discovery. After my newborn having suspected allergies to cows milk protein I went dairy free whilst breastfeeding to figure it out - made a world of difference to their symptoms so, hooray for that. It was a sacrifice, giving up my chocolate and cheese. But all for good reason. One day we'd be reunited.

But I've never felt better. I mean I'm less tired, less brain foggy, I have more energy then I feel I've had in a long time (even with nightfeeds!) I don't get headaches anymore, I haven't felt bloated in weeks and the best part - my life long eczema - all but gone.

I'm furious. I mean what a discovery? Brilliant. But chocolate. But cheese. In case anyone else feels permanently groggy, headachey or skin problems, and happen to eat a lot of chocolate, maybe I'm bringing you down with me.

... so anyone know any actually good vegan and soya free chocolate?

Yes this has happened to me! We have found the alpro chocolate milk is great but still on a hunt for a good chocolate.

Tescos vegan sausage rolls are amazing

From Aldi - Moser Roth chocolate - individually wrapped bars, cardboard packet, they do a mint one and an orange and almond one, and a dark choc and chilli, all vegan/dairy-free and really delicious.

They're technically dark chocolate but taste really smooth and don't give you that bitter kick in the mouth feel of some of the more expensive 70-80% cocoa dark chocolate ones.

Also bournville!

Bojangles makes Dairy free, my DIL asks for it every Christmas.

HU do excellent chocolate, it’s expensive but I love it. The raspberry one I think is my favourite but the hazelnut ones are very nutella-y. Can sometimes be found in budgens, organic/health shops etc.

I accidentally discovered dairy caused my eczema almost 20 years ago when I gave up dairy for another reason.

The easiest way to find suitable chocolate is to look for the vegan logo, as already mentioned. My go to is dark chocolate from Green and Black's, especially the ginger one. I've not found a good milk chocolate substitute. Hotel Chocolat has some vegan chocolates that aren't bad, the rose and violet creams are lovely if you like those.

Cheese, oh how I miss cheese! None of the vegan substitutes taste like the real thing, but the best of the ones I've tried is Violife Epic Mature cheddar flavour. I can get it in both Sainsbury's and Tesco.

I have eaten an box of hotel chocolat vegan chocolates and not noticed they were vegan until I'd finished them. So they get thumbs up from me 😂

I found cutting out dairy helped most of my fibro symptoms, so I totally understand the revelation you are going through about no longer feeling bloated and such 😅

Aldi and Lidls range of vegan chocolate (and pastries) are really nice I've found.

I've yet to find a good vegan substitute for cheese.... They all taste and smell like bad feet.

However I do have a cheat and pop a lactase pill or two for having the odd pizza or toastie. The lactase pill stops me feeling bloated and headachy, but I do still get the sore joints the day after. Worth it though for a treat when I know I can chill the following day.

Listen to the Zoe podcast on lactose intolerance. It’s very interesting, and basically suggests that for most people you don’t need to give up dairy altogether, you just need to know what kinds of dairy trigger it. Cheese is usually not too bad. Going full vegan may not be necessary.

My best friend promises me, yes. Persevere.

Oatly chocolate milk in coffee.
or
M&S chocolate hazelnut milk.

This ftw www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/vego-organic-hazelnut-chocolate-bar-60005446