Soy to the world!

I'm back, baby, and on the new IBS diet.
Man its hell. Well its not so bad if you have control over your meals, but when you dont its hard. First few days I couldnt get to any snacks so I have major sugar withdrawel (and prolly balanceing cals out withdrawel. I'm used to eating every 3 hours!) I barly had any fruit eaitehr, so the sugar hit hard.

FYI its a
NO - red meat, dairy (NOOO), fats (n.p except its not low fat, its super low!)
Eat with caution (have with soluble fibre) - insoluble fibre eg. celery, skins of fruit, pumpkin, anything fibery that isnt mushy like oats. So even salads I cant munch on!!! I broke that rule a few times. I wasnt going to have an all white dinner. White fish + rice. Need me greens!

I was really tired at first as I had barley any nutrients :( my first meals were pasta and pumpkin and bread-bread-bread and carrots. Then I finally got some chicken and fish (chicken, fish, then fish fish, chicken chicken, tuna for the next days) and have balanced out. Lots of less bad IBS side effects but I still have up to 4 weeks (aiming for 2)

Anyway, thought today I'd look at the non dairy options for you all. Introducing SOY! In terms of health there's a LOT of ka-hooey going on about soy making men gay and giving people cancer, but I hear similar stuff about normal milk, sugar, fake sugar, eggs, ANYTHING! I think if you're ot used to soy TAKE IT SLOW. It'll give you gas. But I was brought up with a bit of it, esp through tofu, and it was a staple part of my diet until now, when it forms a large part of my "meat" and calcium source.

Milk
Too easy. Soy! I loves it. However, many don't like the taste. If its just the lactose that gives you a problem, try whey milk or Lidells Lactose free milk. If you're vegan or dairy intol try rice or oat milk. Make sure you check the calcium content - its not inherent, they have to add it. You can also get almond milk or make it yourself! My fav soy milks are Soy Milky (more soy-y than milky) and So Good Essential which has heaps of calcium, omega 3's etc etc. You can also change your recipes - some dont need milk. Ever had water on your cereal? Its not too bad! Juice I find too sweet but some like it. Or you can mush up banana, heat it and mix with milk alternative for a thick winter breafast goop to mix cereal in. Here's how to make your own soy and almond milk. Mm natural

Yogurt
You can get lactose free yogurt (I tried the vaalia - tastes fine!) but also soy yogurt. I'll give you a review tomorrow. I Chose the soy life brand as it has almost 3 times the calcium of the other brands.

Cheese
You can get soy cheeses, but I cant speak from experience - I'm low fatting it up.
Try the tofutti brand. America, you have a huge range. Gah.
Also look for recipes for it!

Spreads
Many spreads are dairy free, but you miss your cottage cheese and mayo? Google some recipes for it. Im too lazy, lol.

Meat
If you're a vegan or veggo, you still needs you your protein. I love tofu. But I know many people who dont. The truth is, just like if you had a bacon and sausage mcmuffin at maccas, thats not what ham and meat tastes like. That spongy stuff is a TYPE of tofu. As is that gooey fluidy stuff. I like the softer tofu, without the spongey casing - silken (FIRM or its floppy) and some of the solid stuff is ok. I avoid the fried stuff. Eww. Anyway, you can use tofu like meat in some cases.Check out fatfreevegan and santiarium's veggie delights website. Even if you're not veggo, consider "Meat free Mondays" or trying veggies sausages (esp if you're a low cal-er. 2 sausages for 80 cal and they're not empty cals? YUM! Or salamI?) I'll do an Australian Eat Well review soon.

Snacks
This gets tricky, esp if you're going NO dairy. Check the packets of everything. Even rice-creackers can have milk hidden in it. Try the freedom foods or organ brands if you have limited time to browse ingredients labels. Also many of the uncle toby's are ok (not the yogurt or chocolate ones) Also check out this website - its a huge help for cal counters, shoppers and dietary intolerant people alike.

Think outside the box - yogurt makes a great snack yes, but what's wrong with a slice of toast and honey? Or a few pieces of shaved ham wrapped around cherry tomatoes?
My fav snacks are
* LEDA bars - also gluten free. Small, but YUMMY. Microwave for 10 sec then pop in the toaster.
* 100 healthy calories bars
* Fortified bread and spread (jam, honey, vegemite, IXL spreads)
* Corn cakes
* Cucumber/Carrots and hummus, or toasted pita triangles.
* Oats/muesli
* Cereals (check)
* Lemon sorbet, Mmm

Dessert
Many recipes can be adapted using soy milk. If you need help, email me
Also So good has a GREAT range of ice-creams, low fat too. I LOVE them. I'll do a review of the caramel soon. There's also a new mango and banana! Try also gelato (non milk) and ice-pole type desserts. Or fresh fruit. If you crave creamy, freeze up a banana, chop up, then whizz with a little water, vanilla or soy milk for a yummy cool summer treat. Or a mango!! YUM
Tomorrow if my tofu pudding works, I'll post the recipe. Yum yum