I decided that I’m going to end the dairy experiment after a week instead of forcing myself to do two. (Update: I am going to do two weeks after comments encouraging me to wait it out, so consider this week 1 update!!)

So far, it hasn’t helped my asthma. If anything it’s gotten worse, especially at night. There was no positive change in that area. I’m not sure if sticking it out and waiting would show any improvements.

There were some improvements this week though and they didn’t have anything to do with my breathing issues. Not eating dairy actually made my stomach and digestive system really happy.

Really, really happy. My tummy hasn’t been so happy in a while.

I hadn’t noticed the turmoil eating so much dairy cause before, but eliminating dairy made me realize my body as a whole is a lot happier without it. Or at least without so much of it.

I didn’t feel sick after eating dairy again or anything, but after I’m noticing my body is not ill but not functioning as well as it was without dairy. I suspect that going through with the second week or more of no dairy would only confirm and improve that.

I also noticed that it was easier to eat healthy and stay within my calories for the week. Without adding the high calorie cheeses and extra glasses of milk I previously consumed I had a lot more calories to play with and my food was healthier overall. It even led me to try some amazing things like creamy avocado and spinach pasta that I will continue eating.

So I’m left with some interesting things to think about. Dairy doesn’t necessarily make me sick but I do feel better, especially my digestive system, when I’m not eating a lot of it. I also have less trouble staying within my calories and choosing healthy options for meals and snacks. However, I love dairy and want to eat dairy.

My solution from here will be to try to eat LESS dairy, although not going strictly dairy free. I don’t think completely dairy free will be an option for me, but after listening to my body I realize I need to cut back and eat less. I think my body will appreciate it.

Update: A few people mentioned I should give it more than just a week. Okay. I will try to be dairy free again this week. Forget about that dairy I had today!

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Remember how I mentioned I was a Polar Ambassador? I’m a bit behind the others and finally got my first package with Polar stuff in it! (Disclosure: Polar sent me these things free of charge as part of our relationship of awesomeness. The opinions on all products are my own.)

It seriously made my morning/day/week/month to get the stuff, because it’s actually all stuff I was about to go buy. Now instead of buying something generic I can rep Polar everywhere I go!

Like when I am wearing my new red (one of my favorite colors ever) heart rate monitor watch….

Or going to the gym with my Polar bag and gym towel (which says “Listen To Your Body” – awesome!)….

Or wearing my Polar jacket when I’m cold (which seems to be all the time)….

Yeah. I’m overwhelmed and excited. It’s so much fun to talk about a company I really love. I mean, their whole “listen to your body” slogan is basically my whole life/weight loss/healthy living philosophy. It’s the phrase I use when people ask me what they should do, when I’m trying to decide if a workout is going well, when I’m eating, etc. Man, Polar gets it.

Product reviews and more, soon! I can’t wait to share! ;)

Do you eat a lot of dairy? How does your body process dairy products and foods? Have you ever made the decision to cut back?