Seizing The Mornings

This is a sponsored post by Lactaid.

Practicing a bit of mindfulness is important for me to check in with myself and stay present. Whether I am meditating during my morning shower or unplugging while I’m alone on the way to school pick up—I really try to give myself a little break. Mornings for us can be so hectic I try to take a few minutes to sit, drink my coffee and have a quick breakfast before the kids wake, so I can start my day off in the right headspace, even if it is 5:30am.

My go-to morning eats are oatmeal or smoothies, and coffee of course —all with milk. I have always enjoyed dairy products, especially milk in my coffee. But I have always suspected that I had a sensitivity to dairy because every time I would consume milk it would totally mess with my system. I never considered myself to be “lactose intolerant” because the stomach issues weren’t debilitating—I just chalked up tummy troubles to the stress of rushing around in the morning getting the kids ready but even dairy sensitivity can be problematic. I actually recently noticed Siella complaining about her tummy hurting during the morning hours. We’ve had her tested for all types of allergies and turns out she just has a bit of a dairy sensitivity too.

Dairy sensitivity isn’t always a severe lactose intolerance—it can also mean occasional trouble with dairy. Lactose is the sugar in milk and lactase is the enzyme that breaks down lactose so it can be absorbed by the body. Some people have a deficiency in lactase that causes lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivity because their bodies can’t break down the lactose.

I recently started using LACTAID® 2% Milk instead of regular milk and it has changed my morning outlook. I attempted to drink black coffee, skip cereal and put water in my smoothies, but I am still a person who craves milk in my usual routine. With Lactaid I can have real milk without the consequences because LACTAID® is real milk just without the lactose—which makes it easier to digest.

LACTAID® milk still provides all of the same protein, calcium and vitamins that come with real dairy because it is real milk. I am using the LACTAID® Reduced Fat 2% milk but there are plenty of other options like Fat Free Milk, Whole Milk ,Chocolate Milk—even Eggnog! You can also use LACTAID® in some recipes that call for milk, like these smoothies I make for the kids each day. Siella loves these smoothies, and always makes it point to say her belly doesn’t hurt afterwards.

Smoothie Recipe:

1 cup LACTAID® Reduced Fat 2% milk

1 banana

1/2 cup pineapple ( can be frozen)

1/2 strawberries (can be frozen)

1/4 cup oatmeal

1/4 cup chia seeds

Blend together and enjoy!

Good mornings mean great days for me because I come from a positive place. I am more capable of dealing with stressful situations, impending deadlines and I feel more empowered at meetings when I don’t or my children have to deal with the consequences of dairy sensitivity. My mornings may be a little hectic but at least now (before the whirlwind of getting three kids ready and running to school drop off) I can truly #MilktheMoments I have alone to be present and mindful while I enjoy my coffee and healthy breakfast with LACTAID® and seize the day!

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