Celebrate February – Lactose Intolerance Awareness Month

There is so much confusion about lactose intolerance.

Here are five tips to help you manage symptoms a seriously delicious smoothie.

Raspberry_Strawberry_Smoothie1

photo courtesy of Dairy Makes Sense

Tips:

Get real with dairy by following these tips for managing lactose intolerance:

  • Sip it: Start with a small amount of milk and slowly work your way up to an amount that doesn’t upset your stomach. Chocolate milk may be easier on your stomach than regular milk.
  • Try it: Treat yourself to the many great-tasting lactose-free dairy foods available in the dairy case. They are real dairy foods made from cow’s milk, just without the lactose (for ex., lactose-free milk, such as Lactaid or Fairlife; lactose-free cottage cheese, lactose-free)
  • Stir it: Try eating dairy foods with other solid foods or meals; this helps give your body more time to digest the lactose. Mix milk into soup, have it with cereal or blend it with fruit.
  • Slice it: Top sandwiches or crackers with natural cheeses such as Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, mozzarella and Swiss. These cheeses are low in lactose.
  • Spoon it: Enjoy yogurt. The friendly bacteria help your body break down lactose.

Raspberry Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie

Enjoy this seriously delicious smoothie.

  • 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
  • 1 cup frozen raspberries, unsweetened
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries, unsweetened
  • ¾ cup low-fat milk*
  • 1 cup ice (about 12 cubes)

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve immediately.

*Substitution Idea: For those with lactose intolerance, lactose-free milk may be used in place of regular milk. The yogurt in this smoothie can also aid in digestion.