Creamer Comparison

on July 6, 2010
in All Posts

Extremely proud of myself for getting up and doing No More Trouble Zones!

I haven’t been doing the DVD as much as I’d like because of the move and our trip to Pennsylvania (I forgot to pack the DVD and weights – durr).  I finally realized that if I want to do the DVD, I probably need to do it first thing in the morning.  I don’t have issues running at night (I definitely prefer it, actually), but there’s something about DVD workouts that I simply must get over with.

 

It was hard!  And I had to do some modifications, but I survived.  Whew!

 

In other news… we picked up a soy creamer for the Husband at Trader Joe’s last night.  Neither of us drink cow’s milk (for ethical reasons; it’s the one dairy product I can easily give up because rice milk is such a good sub), but I cannot break the half-n-half habit and I’m not sure I want to (if half-n-half is wrong, I don’t want to be right).  I try to limit my soy overall, but I’m not going to get worked up over some creamer in the AM.

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The soy milk resulted in a similar froth, and I used the same amount to create a nice, rich caramel color.

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Verdict?  Half-n-half rules.  It was creamier, and the soy creamer felt a little off.   But, I think it would be like switching from Regular Coke to Diet… at first, it would be weird, but your palate adjusts eventually.  I still don’t plan to change, though!

 

Breakfast:

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In the mix:  TJ’s Greek honey yogurt, 1/2 cup raw oatmeal, huge handful of blueberries.

 

Very interesting discussion on Trader Joe’s last night in the comments section!  Not really sure where I stand, but it’s always good to be an educated consumer so thanks for sharing all your information!

 

And… I’m off!  I have so much work to get done!  🙂

{ 96 comments }

 

  • Jess (Fit Chick in the City) July 6, 2010, 9:11 am

    I’ve been trying to find a replacement for milk in my coffee for the last year. Its the only milk I ever consume and would love to find a replacement. Let us know what you figure out.

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels July 6, 2010, 9:12 am

    ahhhhh it’s almost like the pepsi and coke taste test . . . okay a little different . . . I find creamer way to sweet in my coffee, I’m a milk girl

  • Jessica @ How Sweet July 6, 2010, 9:13 am

    I’ve heard the coconut milk creamer is really good – maybe try that? I have looked for it but have yet to find it!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg July 6, 2010, 9:15 am

    Yeah, we’ve tried vegan creamer before, and it just really doesn’t compare to regualr cream or half and half. Oh well. Sigh. 🙂

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman July 6, 2010, 9:21 am

    As much as I want to like other types of milk, nothing comes close for me. Yet.

  • Kimberly July 6, 2010, 9:23 am

    I know it’s totally gross and unhealthy, but my 2 Tbs of Coffee Mate non-dairy creamer is like my big treat of the day. All the other healthy non-dairy creamers just didn’t cut it. Although, I agree that coconut milk creamer was the best of the bunch.

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday July 6, 2010, 9:25 am

    What about yoghurt? Would the same ethical reasons that prevent you from drinking milk not apply?

    I don’t know much about the dairy industry in the U.S.

    • caitlin July 6, 2010, 10:57 am

      No, I just don’t have the desire to give up yogurt. Milk was an easy sacrifice.

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete July 6, 2010, 9:31 am

    I love half and half, but I have switched to soy lately. I put it in my black tea chai, and it is the perfect mix of creamy with me. I’ve been experimenting with almond milk in coffee, and it’s just not the same!

  • Katie @ peacebeme July 6, 2010, 9:34 am

    I was just thinking about this this morning! I can’t eat dairy, and I really don’t drink coffee that much, but when I do, I put CoffeeMate in it, which is starting to bother me because its just a bunch of chemicals. I was wondering if they even HAD soy half-and-half out there…going to give this a try.. 🙂

  • Wei-Wei July 6, 2010, 9:34 am

    Great thing, “getting it over with in the morning”. I don’t think I would be able to give up dairy because I just can’t avoid it and there aren’t that many (read: none) non-dairy substitutes for it. I’ve never tried them and they’re much more expensive here, IMHO. But I guess I would consider switching if I lived on my own and in the US and if it was cheaper… I feel so bad for being such a cheap but uncaring customer. 🙁

    Wei-Wei

  • Brynne July 6, 2010, 9:47 am

    Trader Joe’s will legit change your life. Oooooh, it’s so good – try the cilantro salad dressing!

  • Andrea July 6, 2010, 9:50 am

    I use SO Delicious brand coconut milk creamer. I was a huge fan of half and half and could never find anything to compare until I tried this.

  • Lauren (Clean Eats in the Dirty South) July 6, 2010, 9:53 am

    try so delicious’ coconut creamer! 🙂

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly July 6, 2010, 10:05 am

    I agree with Lauren above…the so delicious coconut creamer rocks!

  • Jessie July 6, 2010, 10:08 am

    Another vote for So Delicious brand Coconut Creamer! I, too, <3 me some half & half, and try to be conscious about my soy intake (recently switched to almond milk) but this stuff is out of this world good. I can usually find it on sale and its about the same price as organic half & half is. FYI- it also froths up super easily.

  • Tina July 6, 2010, 10:15 am

    I think there are some things that we shouldn’t give up if they really aren’t detrimental to us and we love them. Gotta do what you love and what feels right, which could change at some point but shouldn’t be forced if not necessary.

    Also, I am way more likely to skip workouts if I don’t do them in the mornings, but DVDs I have to do in the afternoons. Not really by my own choice though. I can’t get to it during the day because I will always be interrupted by a little tot so I have to wait for the hubs to get home.

  • Robyn July 6, 2010, 10:18 am

    So funny b/c today I decided to make the switch from half & half to skim, but I’m not sure it’s worth the calories I’m cutting b/c my iced coffee just does not taste the same.

  • Steph @TheShapeI'mIn July 6, 2010, 10:33 am

    I work for TJ’s part time (meaning very rarely…only once a week), but I’m pretty sure that the soy creamer you bought is not certified vegan. I know the hus was trying out the vegan thing so just wanted to give you a heads up. Btw, TJ’s is the ONLY store I can shop in now. I can’t shop in regular markets anymore because they are overpriced and the quality isn’t as good. Plus I have to be loyal to TJ’s because they helped me put myself through college. Such a great company that does so many great things (such donating non-sellable foods to local food banks instead of tossing it in a dumpster). I look forward to seeing TJ’s inspired posts and meals on your blog 🙂

    • caitlin July 6, 2010, 10:59 am

      I’m so confused. The label says its dairy free. Why wouldn’t it be vegan? Help!

      • Stephanie July 6, 2010, 11:49 am

        In the picture it shows Vegan on the side of the carton…

        • Steph @TheShapeI'mIn July 6, 2010, 6:44 pm

          Oh yeah, you’re right. It used to not be vegan because they added casein for something like texture. Then they reformulated it. Sorry for the confusion.

      • caitlin July 6, 2010, 8:26 pm

        Thanks Steph! I’m so glad to know its vegan now.

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans July 6, 2010, 10:34 am

    I tried NMTZ last week also. Its a tough one! But I think its a good option for strength training, especially if you can’t get to the gym.

  • Serena July 6, 2010, 10:37 am

    It looks like you have 2% milk and soy creamer there – are you mixing the two together to get your ‘half and half’? I didn’t think so – I thought you used regular half and half (I love it too) but maybe mixing the dairy with the non-dairy would work, or at least help you wean off the dairy if you decide you want to do that? I agree though – two tablespoons a day isn’t bad health-wise.

    • caitlin July 6, 2010, 10:58 am

      oooh maybe it’s not vegan entirely?? let me go read the label.

      • caitlin July 6, 2010, 10:59 am

        The label says its dairy free. ?

        • Cyclist Kate July 6, 2010, 2:17 pm

          Dairy free doesn’t always mean “vegan,” since lots of times companies will use vitamin D3 (animal sourced) or other animal byproducts (like casein) in their nondairy products. Lots of nondairy products are geared more toward the lactose-intolerant than vegans. Nothing’s as ever as simple as it seems, is it? Haha. It all can take awhile to figure out.

        • Serena July 7, 2010, 12:38 am

          Sorry – not trying to confuse you – I was referring to the 2% milk in the picture, not suggesting the soy creamer was not vegan! And I just read all of the other comments and I have to say that I think it’s great that you put yourself out there and write what you believe. I wish everyone would realize that people do the best they can do and there’s really no right or best or perfect – it’s all about what’s right or best for you. You can still be ethically-minded and drink dairy occasionally. Fact is you’re a million times more educated than the average american and you’re making informed decisions and taking a stand. So cheers for that!

  • Courtney (Pancakes & Postcards) July 6, 2010, 10:37 am

    Half and half is the best! Its true.

    I love NMTZ. I “got into shape” in Mozambique last year by rotating NMTZ, banish fat boost metabolism (the accompanying cardio workout), and 30-day shred five or six days a week… for six months straight. Needless to say, I got a bit sick of the videos, but I have done a ton of different DVDs since then and what I can say is that NMTZ WORKS. It is one of the best in my opinion! Glad you are enjoying it!

  • Danielle July 6, 2010, 10:37 am

    I also used to use soy milk as my creamer but switched to half and half when I started to limit my soy intake. Have you tried coconut milk creamer? I love it but don’t buy it as often as I’d like because they don’t sell it at my Publix.

    Great job on getting in NMTZ this morning 🙂

  • Serena July 6, 2010, 10:38 am

    Also – this is kind of funny – I love soy lattes, but agree that soy doesn’t work that well in regular coffee. I wonder why that is? I wonder if you frothed up the soy milk and then added it to coffee, if it would be better?

  • Krystina July 6, 2010, 10:44 am

    I LOVE that bowl! Where’d you get it?

    • caitlin July 6, 2010, 10:58 am

      Marshalls

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) July 6, 2010, 10:46 am

    I’ve never tried soy creamer, but I love, love, love soymilk in my morning coffee. I usually add in quite a bit to make it more of an au lait, vs. just a regular coffee. So good. 😀

    Great job on the Jillian Michaels workout!

  • whitney dargle @ whitney's blogtastic blog July 6, 2010, 10:47 am

    I used to just use straight up milk in my coffee then I switched to almond milk, then soy milk. The taste is unique, but it’s grown on me. So much so that the hubs made me coffee with milk the other day and I didn’t care much for it! I missed the earthiness of the soy milk!

  • Sarah July 6, 2010, 10:54 am

    I really, really like this coconut milk creamer! http://www.turtlemountain.com/products/coconut_milk_creamer.html

  • Camille July 6, 2010, 10:57 am

    I’m doing NMTZ too, and I find that the issue is that I get bored with the same old routine.

    • Anne July 6, 2010, 8:00 pm

      I’ve been doing NMTZ since Caitlin started posting about it and LOVE it. What I do to keep workout videos from being overly boring is to mute them and put my own music on instead! Once you’re used the spoken directions and moves, this works great for “keeping things fresh!”

      • Anne July 6, 2010, 8:01 pm

        ***used to the spoken directions (sorry!)

    • caitlin July 6, 2010, 8:28 pm

      I agree, put on your own music!! That’s what I do and its sooo much better! Have you tried the 30 Day Shred? There’s three levels so a lot to mix up!

      • Anne July 7, 2010, 9:28 am

        Yes, tried the 30 day shred, but I think this is getting better results. At the time I did 30 day shred, I was lifting really heavy and had done a lot of really intense weight classes, so it didn’t do much I hadn’t already done. The moves in NMTZ are newer to my body, thus the results. (And I’ve purposefully started lifting lighter, because I didn’t want to get bulky…I put on muscle easily, and that’s not always a good thing.)

  • Candice July 6, 2010, 10:58 am

    Way to go for jumping back into NMTZ! I’ve done 30 day shred, but I’ve never done any of her other videos. Must try this one!

    When I drink coffee, I drink it black, so I don’t have much t o say about the creamer issue. I do agree, though, that if you switched you’d probably get used to it pretty quickly! No use in changing if you don’t feel driven to change yet, though.

    I’m happy for you that you’re back at home and getting to relax…yay!

  • Courtney @ Three Months July 6, 2010, 11:09 am

    Oh my goodness. I love soy creamer from TJ’s. My husband and I recently switched over from half & half, and it’s been great! You should keep giving it a try…I think you’ll come around! 🙂

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans July 6, 2010, 11:13 am

    I’m the same way with DVD workouts. If it doesn’t happen in the morning, it isn’t going to happen! As much as I love being able to sub for the “healthier” alternative, sometimes you can’t mess with the original!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) July 6, 2010, 11:16 am

    Like some others said – I would love to try the coconut creamer. I just cannot find it anywhere near me! I need my half and half, too. Haven’t found a good substitute.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing July 6, 2010, 11:17 am

    SO jealous of your close proximity to TJ’s.
    And I agree with you on the half and half, sometimes the real deal is completely and totally worth it.

  • Scargosun July 6, 2010, 11:21 am

    I am slowly cutting down my dairy but I don’t think I could ever give up cheese. I am LOVING almond milk and have been having it with my cereal. I used to use Silk creamer but with the recent info about the parent company I felt the need to switch (same parent company at Horizon Dairy). I switched to coconut milk and it has been ok but I am thinking I am going to go a step further and use the vanilla almond milk in my coffee. I used to be hard core half and half too. What is difficult is I can’t get my husband to cut back on the half and half so when I go to the grocery store, I have an insane amount of milk/dairy free cartons.

    • caitlin July 6, 2010, 11:23 am

      Horizon blows. Good to know that about Silk.

      • Kimberley July 6, 2010, 3:47 pm

        Why is Horizon bad news?

        • Scargosun July 6, 2010, 4:30 pm

          Horizon touts itself as ‘organic’ but they don’t have enough pasture for their cows so they are confined almost all the time. They only let them ‘out’ when they are being inspected or if they know that someone is coming to see the facility.

        • caitlin July 6, 2010, 8:30 pm

          Scargosun is right

  • MLT July 6, 2010, 11:39 am

    When do we get to see your new couch?! 🙂

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople July 6, 2010, 11:43 am

    I don’t even know what creamer or half and half actually is, since I don’t drink coffee. But I do try and stay away from soy. I know I feel better when I do.

  • claire July 6, 2010, 11:52 am

    I don’t get it… You said that you’ve given up milk, but you have a carton of Reduced Fat Milk in the picture?

    • caitlin July 6, 2010, 8:32 pm

      Durrrr Caitlin! LOL I put the wrong milk in the picture. You win for being the only person to notice.

  • Kat July 6, 2010, 12:35 pm

    Half and half = milk
    yoghurt = milk
    Does “ethics” = fussy, in the same way as “allergic” = refuses to eat?

    • Caitlin July 6, 2010, 1:04 pm

      I’m not trying to be perfect, I’m just trying to give up some things that I can easily do without to make the world better. What’s wrong with that?

      • Alexis July 6, 2010, 1:29 pm

        If only everyone gave up just a little – the world would be much better! Great job Caitlin – good post.

      • Kat July 6, 2010, 1:38 pm

        I’m not suggesting you have to be perfect at all, the point I was making is how flippantly words like ethical are used. Perhaps if I’d put a little smiley face at the end you’d have considered my comment in the way it was intended 🙂

      • Megan @ Healthy Hoggin July 6, 2010, 1:39 pm

        There’s nothing wrong with keeping some dairy in your life! I think cutting back is GREAT, and a step in the right direction should be celebrated!

        It was REALLY hard for me to cut out milk at first, and if I had tried to cut out cheese, yogurt AND milk all at the same time, I would have gone CRAZY!! I think baby steps is the way to go, and everyone needs to go at their own pace– there’s no need to rush into being a vegan (if that’s your goal), and I’m so sad when people are critical of others when they’re making an effort!

        Small changes lead to permanent change, and isn’t that the goal?

        • Kat July 6, 2010, 1:55 pm

          For goodness sake the comment I made was not a personal attack on anyones decision to live their life the way they want. The point I was trying to make is that if you are doing something for truely “ethical” reasons then you don’t compromise them for the sake of convenience – in other words, are you sure you understand what ethics are, without actually saying that because that would be rude.

        • Cyclist Kate July 6, 2010, 2:22 pm

          Not implying that this was a personal attack, just want to throw my two cents in that one can do things for ethical reasons without going all the way. For instance, I can cut back on my driving to lessen my impact on the environment because I think it’s unethical to use up resources willy-nilly, but that doesn’t mean I have to completely give up my car and electricity and start wearing clothes made only from cotton that I grew in my backyard. Likewise, I think one can cut back on animal products for ethical reasons without going 100% vegan. Ethics aren’t really black and white.

    • Scargosun July 6, 2010, 4:32 pm

      Um…you don’t think that was a personal attack? How do you define a personal attack? You called someone out for their ethical concerns and told them they were not being ethical. You directed this at a specific person with the sarcasm of a passive aggressive individual. I’d say that was a personal attack…just like I just did it to you. 🙂

      • Jay July 6, 2010, 6:06 pm

        I don’t think kat called her unethical. The point is that she said that she gave up milk for ethical reasons, but then stated two products she uses that contain milk. This simply doesn’t make sense. If she had said she is trying to reduce milk consumption for ethical reasons, there would be no confusion.

        And comparing this to driving also doesn’t make sense. Not using a vehicle entirely is a huge sacrifice. Not having creamer, or not eating yogurt is a much smaller sacrifice in comparison.

        • Katie July 7, 2010, 7:06 pm

          Depending on what’s important to you! To someone who doesn’t need a car, it’s not a big deal to give it up.

  • Mary @ What's Cookin' with Mary July 6, 2010, 12:59 pm

    My hubb’s can’t use 1/2 n 1/2 like me so we buy that soy creamer too… but his favorite is coconut milk creamer, it’s more like regular cream.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) July 6, 2010, 1:08 pm

    I don’t use creamer in my coffee … but I can imagine coconut milk (as Mary mentioned above) would be AMAZING!!

  • Robyn July 6, 2010, 1:30 pm

    I’m not a vegan, but I am a vegetarian who cuts out a lot of dairy and seldom eats eggs. Don’t sweat the small stuff — you’re still doing more to help the planet, the animals and your body than most people do. Maybe this isn’t the time for you to give up creamer, maybe someday you will. Who knows? I know a long time ago I thought I could NEVER give up seafood but surprisingly, it was easier than I thought. I don’t buy creamer for my coffee and often drink coffee black, but at Starbucks, I’ll usually grab the half and half because I think it’s a little ridiculous that I have to pay an extra 50 cents just to make my coffee a little smoother. Whatevs.

    Keep doin’ your thing — you’re a role model and inspiration to a lot of us out there in the cybersphere. Don’t let others’ stringent ‘ethics’ code (which clearly allows for jerkiness) make you feel bad for already doing so much.

    • Becky July 6, 2010, 1:48 pm

      I want to “like” this comment. Caitlin- you are awesome. Period. You were one of my biggest inspirations for going vegetarian (not vegan, by choice. Period). Keep doing what you’re doing.

    • Mai July 6, 2010, 3:30 pm

      At least in Canada I know they will just give you a little cup of cold soy if you ask for it at the bar for free at Starbucks… I never pay an extra 50 cents to add soy to my coffee. If I ask for a soy latte then it’s extra, but everything up to 4 ounces is considered a condiment, so they shouldn’t charge you for a bit of cold soy.

    • caitlin July 6, 2010, 8:33 pm

      Thanks, I really appreciate this comment.

  • Jessie July 6, 2010, 1:31 pm

    I think what Caitlin is trying to say is that she does realize that there are ethical issues in the dairy industry, so she tries to limit her consumption of it (by drinking non-dairy milk) but not avoiding it all together.

    I don’t see a problem with this at all.

    • caitlin July 6, 2010, 8:34 pm

      Took the words out of my mouth (fingertips?)

  • Jennie {in Wonderland} July 6, 2010, 1:37 pm

    I didn’t think I could give up dairy, and in turns out – I can’t, in some ways. I still eat goat’s cheese, for example. I LOVE it so much and it’s really difficult not eating it.

    But I have found some awesome replacements. So Delicious Coconut Milk products are straight up awesome – even their yogurts, which I find delicious. Their ice creams and creamers and milks are so good too. I love Daiya cheese as a cheddar sub – it melts and stretches so convincingly! But still, goat cheese. Le sigh.

    I just think that even making ONE change is better than nothing. I don’t know why people have to be down on you about it. Are they perfect? I very much doubt it. Therefore, keep on truckin’.

  • Cristina July 6, 2010, 1:38 pm

    Whats going on with Silk/Horizon? I haven’t heard anything? (referred to in comment #34)

    • Scargosun July 6, 2010, 4:33 pm

      I replied above.

  • Brittney July 6, 2010, 1:39 pm

    I decided to try NMTZ this weekend too after reading your review and experience with it. I’m having knee issues so I was looking for something other than running to do while I try and rest/fix my knee problem. I had to avoid some of the lunge and squad stuff that aggravated the knee, but for the most part I liked the work-out and can feel the muscles I worked for sure. The abs and weight stuff was cool and I was glad to incorporate more of that into a work-out since I often neglect those areas.

  • Missy July 6, 2010, 1:40 pm

    When I went completely vegan… I coudlnt give up my 1/2 1/2 for coffee…
    Until I found silk creamer. It is the exact same thing (to me)
    it’s so good!

  • Christine @ Grub, Sweat and Cheers July 6, 2010, 1:48 pm

    I think you gotta do what you gotta do. If you can easily give up something and want to, great. If you can’t and don’t, then don’t try killing yourself over a small, minor amount. Enjoy it. And seriously, screw whoever is trying to make you feel bad for YOUR choices.

    While I have been trying to cut back (not quit) dairy, I have found I just can’t find a substitute that tastes good in black tea (which is what I have every morning). I’ve tried everything out there and they all taste rather foul. So I have milk in tea and almond milk or what have you in cereal.

  • Therese July 6, 2010, 1:51 pm

    I have a hard time giving up my half ‘n’ half as well. I’d LOVE to get the coconut soy creamer! I’d probably drink nothing but coffee all day but I don’t think I can get it here in Canada! 🙁

  • Yvonne July 6, 2010, 2:11 pm

    The organic valley carton you have up there is their reduced fat milk, not their half and half.

  • Cynthia July 6, 2010, 2:35 pm

    I don’t usually comment or read comments, but the word “ethical” being thrown in with the dairy industry in the same paragraph of stating you do eat other dairy based products piqued my interest.

    I agree with comment #42 by Jessie. Perhaps you can refer to a previous posting or do a new post about your concerns with the dairy industry to clarify this issue?

    As someone who has family members who own & run a small dairy farm, I assure you that unless you believe that the simple act of milking a cow is unethical (and people who do are certainly entitled to their opinion), not all dairy farms treat their animals unethically. However, I would agree that the the majority of the companies that process milk get their milk from places who treat their animals in a way that raises ethical concerns.

    • caitlin July 6, 2010, 8:38 pm

      I definitely don’t think all dairy farms are unethical AT ALL! There are so many wonderful small farms out there and I’m 100 – no 200%!! – supportive of small ethical farmers. They rule.

      I’ll do a post tomorrow.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) July 6, 2010, 2:40 pm

    You are right…you do adjust. I would have rathered my half and half but my stomach prefers the soy or coconut milk creamers.

  • Bianca King July 6, 2010, 3:00 pm

    Great job on getting up and doind the DVD! Are you beginning to see results?

    • caitlin July 6, 2010, 8:39 pm

      Not really, only done it three times. Still kicks my ass.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) July 6, 2010, 3:00 pm

    I just read through the comments and wanted to say I respect your position of doing what is best for you and not feeling forced into changing just to suit what others think.

    It took a while for me to realize vegetarianism was what I needed for my health and although not eating dairy would be best I like a bit of it and can handle it. So I do what I think fits best with me instead of what others tell me to do.

  • Stacey @ Tipping the (Kitchen!) Scales July 6, 2010, 4:24 pm

    I know what you mean about DVD workouts. Whenever I do them I just can’t wait to finish. I have no idea why, perhaps they are just kind of boring?

  • Molly @fuelherup July 6, 2010, 5:44 pm

    Try coconut milk creamer! My mom used HEAVY cream, and always said it was the one thing she would never give up. She switched a few months ago and hasn’t turned back!

  • Maria (realfitmama) July 6, 2010, 10:01 pm

    So I guess I’m a little late to the comment party, but as a vegetarian (8 years in August) I have been slowly removing dairy from my life since the moment I removed all meat. Must tell you that coffee has always been my biggest struggle because I can’t find anything that tastes as good as my “chemically created, yet oh so sweet tasting” hazelnut coffee mate. I’ve recently cut way back on coffee to make this a little easier.

    I’ve been considering going 100% vegan and dragging my children along for the ride since they’re already vegetarian, but there are just a couple things I love way too much to give up just yet…yogurt multiple times a week, eggs at least 4 mornings a week and cheese about once a day. Granted I eat these in small quantities over the course of the week, but the thought of giving them up completely has given me panic attacks! 😆
    I gave up meat for ethical reasons from day 1 and have NEVER looked back. Now I for out a fortune for farm fresh (I know the farmers) organic, free range eggs. I also only buy organic cheese (not certified by the USDA though) and have cut WAY back on my soy because I refuse to give money to Monsanto!
    Sorry to have left you a NOVEL in the comment section, but this topic gets me going…

  • Kiranda July 6, 2010, 10:05 pm

    question about your breakfast! i notice you eat raw oats..so just the oats? no water or milk or anything? i’m pretty sure this is less complicated than i’m making it, but yea just wondering!

    😀

    • caitlin July 7, 2010, 12:28 am

      Just oats! Sometimes I make oatmeal too but you can seriously just mix yogurt and raw oats and it comes out FINE. Really good!

  • Colleen July 6, 2010, 10:43 pm

    You should try So Delicious Coconut Milk creamer! It is SO good. I bought the French Vanilla and it’s too sweet but the plain is amazing. It’s the same brand, Turtle Mountain, that makes soy and coconut milk yogurts and ice “cream.”

  • Cheryl H. July 8, 2010, 12:45 am

    I am totally hooked on Coffee Mate (non-dairy creamer). I love the creamy taste and color. I have tried other creamers including half-n-half, 1%, 2%, non-fat, soy for the better health benefits, because I am told that Coffee Mate has transfat. It all tastes pretty bad and I cannot find anything that compares. It’s my only vice, so I justify that it is my one pleasure in my coffee.

    This is the first time that I am hearing about coconut milk creamer. It may be a new thing in California, but I do have a local Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods so I might check for it there. Thanks for the great discussion.

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