When we talk about a yeast free diet we don't actually mean a diet without any yeast. The purpose of a yeast free diet is to stop eating foods that feed the natural yeast type fungus in our bodies. The yeast is known as candida with the most common being candida albicans. A yeast infection can occur anywhere on the body but a yeast free diet can help wherever it appears. The yeast will feed on sugar in the bloodstream if necessary. Usually a strict diet will also prevent the return of an infection.
The list of food not allowed on the diet is quite long but there is still a large variety left to choose from to make well balanced meals. The bonus is that most of the foods that are allowed are considered healthy foods which should make you feel better. Many food manufacturers are realizing that people are becoming more conscious about what they eat and are providing alternatives for a range of common ingredients.
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A recommended meal on a yeast diet is an equal portion of meat or fish to vegetables with approximately 20% of carbohydrate, rice or potatoes. Meals should be taken 4 - 5 times daily. This will help the body sugars to balance out and reduce the initial cravings. When you start the diet the yeast will react and demand to be fed, this is where the cravings come in. It may be for sugar, bread or beer. It's because of this that alcoholism has been linked to yeast infections.
All meats are safe to eat as is fish. Organic meat and fish is highly recommended. Farm bred meat and fish are fed with growth hormones and antibiotics of which traces remain even after cooking. The meat can be roast, grilled, stir fried or minced for patties. Fish can be boiled, grilled, or fried. In fact the way you normally prepare the meat part of your meal doesn't have to change that much.
Eggs are extremely versatile when it comes to cooking. An omelet is always an easy way out when you are stuck for ideas. You can add fish or chicken with any vegetables you choose. Serve with rice or potatoes on the side.
For vegetables you can eat virtually anything although leafy green vegetables are considered better. Again fresh organic vegetables are best because of pesticides used in cultivation. Vegetables can be steamed, stir fried or raw. Fresh vegetables can be spruced up with fresh herbs or chopped nuts (not peanuts) and can also be used as snack food if you feel really hungry. Tomatoes contain a lot of natural sugar and should be avoided.
Carbohydrates will come in the form of rice and potatoes. Pasta and noodles are not allowed although there are some rice varieties of these on the market now. Read the label to be sure because wheat products are not allowed.
Sauces and flavorings are a major addition to any meal and there are still plenty of ideas you can use. A salad dressing with lemon, olive oil and unfermented apple cider vinegar is great for salad. Meat juices can be thickened with cornflour or arrowroot and flavored with any fresh herbs. Garlic is considered especially good for yeast infections. Fermented vinegar and products that use it are not allowed, so stay away from mayonnaise and tomato ketchup.
For a drink you are pretty much reduced to water, distilled or carbonated but preferably non chlorinated. All fruit juices, pop, and alcohol are not allowed. Tea and coffee are not allowed except for some herbal teas. Milk, while not banned, has been found to contain growth hormones, pesticides and antibiotics which are valid reasons not to use it.
Among the other considerations are time. Time to shop for, prepare and cook your meal. Also, who is going to eat the diet, are you on your own or are you involving family members. With planning and a little imagination, a yeast free diet shouldn't cause too many problems.
Yeast Free Diet Recipes For Dinner
Next, to get some breakfast ideas and more information about yeast free diets, go to http://www.easyyeastfreediet.com.