While over-the-counter medications and other home remedy-type treatments can be effective in treating the symptoms of candida, in order to treat the source and kill off candida overgrowth it is important to focus on nutrition. All of the remedies in the world can help very little unless you limit yeast-feeding sugar and flour and focus on whole foods.
Everyone knows the junk-food vegetarian. The one who chooses not to eat meat for health reasons or due to personal beliefs, yet continues to fill up on chips, cookies, and other processed foods. Typically, these types of vegetarians are in dire need of quality nutrients-particularly protein-to keep their bodies functioning well.
For vegetarians and vegans, it can be challenging to meet the protein needs the candida diet recommends. Protein keeps the blood sugar regulated, which helps prevent sugar spikes and an increase in yeast production. Although the obvious meat sources for protein are out, there are plenty of non-meat options to enjoy. Nut butters, fish, beans, soy and dairy products are all good protein sources that add excellent variety and flavor to your diet.
As you strive to kill the yeast overgrowth with each and every meal, you want to make low-glycemic vegetables an accompaniment to the protein in your meals. Some good selections in vegetables include: leafy green vegetables, cucumbers, cauliflower, broccoli and peppers. Avoid starchy veggies like potatoes and corn, which convert to sugar in your system when you eat them.
While it may take some extra effort and creativity for a vegetarian to stick to the candida diet, it is absolutely possible. As always, keeping your focus on the great things you can eat, instead of on the foods you need to avoid, will help to create a much more pleasant dieting experience.
Planning meals in advance and keeping the kitchen stocked with vegetarian, candida-friendly fare are additional great ways to stay on track and set yourself up for success. The more creative you get with your menu, the less likely you will fall into boredom in your candida diet. Strive to try at least one new recipe a week.
A quick search online will provide many great low-sugar, no-flour recipes. But let's get started here with a few candida recipes for the vegetarian:
Vegetable Quinoa
Ingredients:
1 cup Quinoa
¼ cup Sugar-Free Marinara Sauce
2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
½ Onion, Diced
2 Carrots, Diced
1 Green or Yellow Pepper, Diced
½ Head of Cabbage, Red or White, Chopped
2 Yellow Squash, Sliced
2 Tbs. Olive Oil
Pepper to Taste
Add quinoa to a large pot on medium heat. Toast the quinoa in the dry pan until you hear a popping sound. Stir it well to make sure it toasts evenly and to avoid burning. When golden, add 3 cups of water and bring to a simmer for 15 minutes. In a separate pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and then the carrot and red cabbage. Sautee for 5 minutes and then add the pepper and squash. After the quinoa has simmered for 15 minutes, add the marinara sauce. When the quinoa is fully cooked with no liquid remaining, add vegetables and pepper and heat until warmed throughout.
Balsamic Marinated Grilled Salmon with Crispy Asparagus
Ingredients:
Salmon Filets or Steaks
Balsamic Vinegar
Fresh or Dried Dill
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
Bunch of Asparagus
Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Prepare the grill with oil and heat. Season salmon by sprinkling generously with salt and vinegar. Chop dill and combine with olive oil to make a paste and then cover the salmon with the mixture, allowing it to sit and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Grill the salmon approximately 4 minutes on each side, or until the fish turns opaque. Meanwhile, break off the tough ends of the asparagus and place on a broiler rack or pan. Sprinkle with Parmesan and drizzle with olive oil. Broil until the cheese begins to brown and asparagus is slightly crispy.
Nut Butter Sandwich
Ingredients:
1-2 Slices of sprouted grain, no yeast/sugar bread-such as Ezekiel 4:9 Bread, toasted
Sugar free, natural nut butter-such as almond, cashew, macadamia or peanut butter
Serve with some sliced veggies, an apple, and even a cheese stick and you have a well-balanced meal.