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Candida Shopping ListA Candida Shopping List
If you’re on a Candida diet, then you know there are certain foods you’re not going to be eating for the next several weeks. In order to make this diet easy, which means you’re more likely to stay on it, and to make meal preparation as effortless as possible stock your pantry and refrigerator with these Candida diet essentials. Here is our candida shopping list: Breads and Grains.
You know that breads with yeast are off your menu for the next couple of weeks however there are still a large number of carbohydrates and breads you can include in your candida shopping list. They include: • Rice Cakes Be sure to read the label and make sure they don’t contain malt and are made from 100% whole wheat flour or rye. Rice cakes may not have any added sugar or sugar substitutes. • Yeast Free Bread Yeast free bread can be difficult to find. Some specialty grocers, natural food markets and bakers will have it in stock. If you like to bake, you can also make your own yeast free bread – there’s little that’s better than a slice of bread right out of the oven. • Whole Wheat Pasta Grains are a part of a nutritious and well balanced diet. They help provide fiber which is essential for regularity and preventing the type of environment Candida thrive in. Additionally, many whole grains contain the essential fatty acids our bodies need - a must have on your candida shopping list. Dairy Alternatives While dairy will be off the menu for a few weeks there are many alternatives that are just as healthy and taste great too. • Soya, Rice, and Almond Milk can all be substituted for cow’s milk however many of these drinks often have added sugar. Check the labels! • Butter. A little natural butter is fine for cooking and using as a spread however it’s important to keep butter to a minimum. • Natural Plain Yogurt makes for a delightful snack and a base for dips and dressings. Like the milk substitutes, make sure your yogurt doesn’t have added sugars. • Cottage Cheese is the only cheese allowed on the Candida diet. It works quite well as a snack or as a side dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Cottage cheese comes in a few different forms including large and small curd. Fruits and Vegetables This is the first section of the grocery store where you can really go crazy. Be sure to plan your meals in advance so you know exactly what vegetables you need. Include these healthy items on your candida shopping list: • Lemons and limes. In general fruits are not allowed on the diet because of the high level of sugars they contain, however you can use lemons and limes as a condiment for fish or to dress your salad. • Vegetables are allowed in abundance including carrots, celery, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, bok choy and so on. • Leafy greens are allowed in abundance including spinach, kale, collard greens, romaine, butter and other types of lettuce. • Potatoes and root vegetables • Tomatoes • Avocados Proteins (meat, eggs and nuts) • Eggs and egg whites. Organic is best. • Turkey • Chicken • Fish, particularly oily fish like salmon and cod. • Red meat can be eaten occasionally, however, it’s important with all meats to make sure they’re both lean and ideally organic so as to not be treated by antibiotics which unbalance the bacteria in your body and foster Candida growth. • Seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, flax, and even hemp seeds make a great snack and are also perfect for sprinkling on salads. • Nuts are also a good source of protein however make sure they’re fresh and free from mold and keep them in your refrigerator if possible. • Beans come in a large variety and are all great for the Candida diet. Common, tasty and easy to cook types include lentils, garbanzo (chickpeas), black, pinto, and kidney. Remember if you’re buying canned beans to make sure they don’t have added sugars including honey or syrup. Spices and Seasonings Spices and seasonings are another must have item on your candida shopping list. They will help add texture, taste and oomph to your standard candida diet. • Cold Pressed Oils like olive, sunflower, safflower and rapeseed and linseed oils are all okay to use cooking and make great dressings for your vegetables or greens. • Herbs like basil, rosemary, oregano, thyme, and tarragon are all great for flavoring meats and vegetables. All herbs, fresh or dried, are allowed on the Candida diet. • Mild Spices like cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cumin are allowed however hot spices like curry and red pepper are not because they irritate the stomach and destroy the good bacteria in your gut.
This candida shopping list is by no means comprehensive; it covers the basic categories and will help you build a weekly menu while you’re on the Candida diet. Consider printing it out and taking it with you if you when you do your shopping to make sure you have plenty of food on hand. Often times the most difficult part about being on a diet is feeling like there’s nothing to eat. The Candida diet offers a wealth of options so you feel satisfied while you’re eliminating Candida. |
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