For as long as I can remember, my tummy had a mind of its own. It was bloated, unpredictable, and always in a bit of a rush. I’d joke about it, roll my eyes, and carry on… but deep down, I knew something wasn’t quite right.

I had a feeling cow’s milk might be the culprit. Every now and then I’d try cutting it out, but never fully. A splash in my tea ☕, a creamy pasta dish 🍝, or a tempting dessert 🍰 would lure me back in and I’d pay for it later.

But then something changed.

Last September, my partner gently suggested I give it a proper go. No half-hearted attempts, no “just one coffee” slip ups. Just a clean break from cow’s milk for a few months. So, we cleared the fridge, swapped in oat milk, and I started reading everything I could about lactose intolerance 📚.

🧐 So, what is lactose intolerance?

Simply put, it’s when your body has trouble digesting lactose, the sugar found in milk 🥛. It’s different to a dairy allergy and usually shows up as bloating, tummy pain, gas, and yes, urgent dashes to the loo 🚽. The good news is that many people with lactose intolerance can still enjoy things like hard cheese 🧀 and dark chocolate 🍫, which are naturally low in lactose.

💡 What I learned along the way

I always thought going lactose free meant giving up everything creamy and indulgent. But it turns out, it’s not about banning all dairy. It’s about understanding your body and what it can handle.

Discovering that certain cheeses and even chocolate were still on the menu was a total game changer 🙌. I didn’t have to give up all the things I loved. Just the ones that didn’t love me back.

🌱 Finding my flow

Those first few weeks were a learning curve. I became that girl reading every label in the supermarket 🛒, asking questions at cafés, and googling ingredients on the go. But slowly, it got easier.

Oat milk became my new normal. Then I discovered something genius: oat milk capsules. Perfect for travel, work, or whenever you’re not sure what’s available. I pop a few in my bag 🎒 and I’m sorted. No fuss, no drama, no upset stomach.

✈️ A holiday hiccup (and a clever fix)

When we went to Gran Canaria in December, I was hopeful the hotel would offer some non dairy options. And they did. Oat milk at breakfast, which felt like a win… until I tried it. It just wasn’t quite right. Two days of trying to enjoy my morning coffee, and I gave up.

So, we made it our mission to find a proper carton of Oatly. One trip to a big supermarket later, and there it was. My trusty favourite 🩵. I popped it in the mini fridge in our room, and just like that, mornings felt like home again.

Next time I travel, I’ll be packing a long life carton of Oatly that doesn’t need refrigerating until it’s opened. It’s such a small thing, but it made a huge difference.

✨ My favourite lactose free swaps

If you’re just starting out, these are a few of the bits that made the journey so much easier (and yummier!):

🥥 Coconut Collab Choco Pots – rich, creamy, and perfect for when that dessert craving hits
🥛 Oatly whole milk – makes the smoothest coffee, hands down
🥄 Oatly Cream – ideal for cooking or pouring over a crumble
🍫 Vegan Galaxy Hot Chocolate – for those cosy, feel good nights in

🌍 Tips for dining out or travelling

📱 Look at menus ahead of time. It takes the stress out of choosing
🧳 Pack long life milk alternatives if you’re heading away
☕ Don’t be afraid to ask. Most places are more than happy to help these days

💫 The difference

Within weeks, everything changed. I felt lighter, less bloated, more settled, and in tune with my body. No more second guessing every meal. No more dragging discomfort. It was like my body had been trying to tell me something for years and I finally listened.

🧡 Final thoughts

If you’ve ever wondered whether lactose could be behind your tummy troubles, I’d really encourage you to try going dairy free properly for a little while. Give it a fair chance. Find swaps that work for you, do a bit of research, and listen to what your body’s been saying.

Learning to be kinder to myself and to my body has been one of the most empowering things I’ve done in a long time.

Love

Megan xx

Real Life, Real Stories, Real Me