You may need to follow a yeast-free diet if you are intolerant to yeast or are suffering from candida. Candida is an overgrowth of yeast in your system, and following this diet is thought to kill it off. As with many diets, you may feel tired or suffer flu-like symptoms for the first few days, but this will soon pass, leaving you feeling healthy and full of energy.
Foods to Avoid
According to The Yeast Diet Website, you should avoid yeasty, moldy and sugary foods when following this diet. Breads, rolls, pastries, cakes, muffins, cookies, pretzels, vinegar and foods containing vinegar, beers, wines, spirits, cider, all sugar, all fruits, fruit juices, dried fruit, citrus fruits, soft drinks, honey and syrups, chocolate, sweets, all dairy products, cheese, mushrooms, dried, smoked and pickled meats, canned tomatoes, peanuts, pistachio nuts, malt, soy sauce and pre-packaged teas and herbs should all be avoided.
Foods to Eat
The Yeast Website recommends plenty of vegetables, meat and whole grains when following a yeast-free diet. All vegetables are allowed on this diet, and dark leafy ones such as spinach and cabbage are particularly beneficial. Accepted meats include fresh beef, poultry and fresh pork. You can also have fresh fish and shellfish. Eggs are allowed as they do not count as a dairy product, and beans will help vegetarians meet their protein requirements. Opt for whole grain pasta and include oatmeal, rice, couscous, buckwheat, millet and barley in your diet as carbohydrate alternatives to bread. You are also allowed unprocessed nuts and seeds and unrefined vegetable oils.
Yeast-free Options
According to Allergy UK, soda or scofa bread, pitta, chappattis and nann breads, crisp breads, crackers and rice cakes are usually yeast-free. They also recommend checking gravies and stocks, as many varieties contain yeast extract. You can buy yeast-free varieties, so it is always best to check the nutritional information on the packet to be sure.
Meal Ideas
Porridge is a good breakfast option when following a yeast free diet. Avoid loading it up with sugar, jam or honey, which are all banned on the diet, and opt for a sprinkle of unprocessed nuts or seeds. At lunchtime swap a yeasty sandwich for a fresh tuna and egg salad or an omelet with peppers and spinach. For dinner, prepare pasta or rice with a grilled chicken breast and plenty of fresh vegetables.
Snack Ideas
Sugary snacks are all banned on the yeast-free diet, so opt for a bag of unprocessed nuts or seeds. Pumpkin or sunflower seeds are tasty and full of essential fatty acids. If you have time, prepare some carrot or celery sticks to munch on at break-time or try raw cauliflower, broccoli and pea pods. You can also snack on yeast-free crackers or rice cakes.
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