Some amazing answers here. Good to read them all. Along with your original post !! I think it must be very hard to plan ahead because you have a child to care for !

There are some good protein powders on the market that have no dairy in them. Do you have a health food store near you? Someone there may know of some. If not, I can tell you about a couple of them. I asked at my health food store. But it would be best if you could have a good discussion with smoene locally so you know they sell the product.

I personllly do not eat many foods. Because once i eat them I crave them. So I stay away from most starches. I do not eat sugary foods in any form. Including maple, honey etc. I do not eat wheat or similar grains. Nor do I eat potatos. It is much easier to not have them as part of my life. Just like an alcoholic cannot have a drink.

I keep my diet to low carbs and low calorie. This is what works best for me. Having said that, there is a longing and pain that never goes away. Its very painful to have a compulsive eating disorder. Even one that i am keeping under control. The pain and constant threat of falling off the wagon, the longing for foods I know i cannot have is strong. The fear of food.

I sm not sure how much of this is physilogical and how much is psychological. Professionals might take a guess. But I do not believe anyone really kows, in my case.

I hope that something I said in this post that went on woefully too long, can be of help. I am sending very best to you and to all who posted such thoughtful replies !!