STYLENDIPITY

At the heart of everything I do, I am a lover of food. Not quite a “foodie” but I do think about dinner while I’m eating breakfast, I will drive half way across the state for a good farmer’s market and I could eat a whole block of cheese like it’s no one’s business.

However, for most of my adult life, food has caused me great angst. From the time I was about 18, almost every time I ate, I would suffer symptoms that I have carried my whole life – constant stomach problems, weight gain and fatigue. In my late-20s, after fighting my way through the medical system to find a diagnosis, I was diagnosed with lactose intolerance (amongst other things). Apparently, my digestive system is just not equipped to handle dairy.

I thought this diagnosis would be the end of the world for me – no more cappuccinos in the morning with a buttery croissant from my favourite bakery on my way into the office. And winter nights would no longer end with pizza and a warm, creamy cup of hot chocolate in front of the fire place.

Over the years I’ve replaced my cappuccino with an espresso and croissant with honey-on-toast. But some days nothing can put a dent in those diary cravings except … well, dairy! If I’m at home in my loose trackies and feel like gorging on ice-cream, I might take my chances.

However, social functions have always been a struggle. Outfit planning would inevitably factor-in stomach changes and usually involve loose-fitting clothing (which I would pass off as the “oversized trend”). Midriffs have never been an option for me because most of the events I attend serve cake and canapés loaded with stringy cheese. I ultimately become uncomfortable and not very sociable at all.

Last week I attended a bridal shower, hosted by my cousin’s beautiful bride-to-be. As we walked in to the impeccably-styled space, I spotted the dessert table – complete with dessert shots, macaroons and cake pops. My knees started to tremble – I just knew this was going to be a challenging day.

Games were played and laughs were had. I even tried cheating in the jelly-bean-counting competition, hoping that I could win my dessert and avoid the dessert buffet completely. No such luck.

I had a convenient dispenser of mini tablets in my bag of Lacto-Free – the product everyone has been raving about.

Apparently you take a mini tablet (or two) before consuming dairy and you get to enjoy dessert without the symptoms. I held my tummy as if to apologise in advance while I swilled a couple of tablets (along with a heavy dose of scepticism) and headed straight for the dessert table.

Dessert was delightful – from the airy vanilla and raspberry macaroon that shattered in my mouth to the rich, velvety crème brulee cup. I even snuck a classic, nutty Ferrero Rocher in for good measure.

As I was falling into a food coma, my tummy began to grumble. I cringed and waited for the debilitating symptoms to kick in … and waited … and waited.

NOTHING!

No terrible discomfort, no profuse bloating and I wasn’t struck with intense shooting pain in my stomach.

Could it be that the specifically designed formula in Lacto-Free worked? Did my body actually digest the lactose in all those desserts? It seemed quite surreal that I didn’t have to miss out on the rest of the fun.

Lacto-Free has brightened my life immeasurably.

I now have joy in my belly again #happy  🙂

A huge thanks to the lovely girls at Sweaty Betty PR for introducing me to this life-changing product. Lacto-Free has earned a permanent spot in my purse – right next to the hand sanitiser!

Dessert details:

Salted caramel, fig & Coconut cake by Younei Foodstore

Dessert Shots by Sweetoompaloompas

Macaroons by Carinderie

Flowers by Seed Flora

Event Photgraphy by Photo 4 U