Candida Diet: A Beginner’s Guide, Food List, and 7-Day Meal Plan

Candida is a type of yeast that naturally lives in the human body. When there is an overgrowth of Candida, it can cause various health problems such as digestive issues, skin irritations, and even mood disorders. The Candida diet is a specific eating plan that aims to reduce the overgrowth of Candida.

What is the Candida Diet?

The Candida diet format is more inclined towards the consumption of non-starchy, and low-sugar foods. The diet removes all sources of yeast from our diet including flour and sugar. It promotes gut health and eliminates the overgrowth of candida. Here is a beginner's guide to the Candida diet, including a food list and 7-day meal plan.

Foods to Avoid on the Candida Diet

Sugar	All forms including honey, maple syrup, and artificial sweeteners
Gluten	Wheat, Barley, and Rye
Dairy	Milk, cheese, yogurt
Processed foods	Canned and packaged food with preservatives and additives
Starchy vegetables	Potato, corn, and peas
Alcohol	Beer, wine, and spirits
Condiments	Ketchup, soy sauce, and salad dressings
Grains	Rice, quinoa, and oats

Foods to Include on the Candida Diet

Non-starchy vegetables	Broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and kale
Lean proteins	Chicken, fish, turkey
Healthy fats	Avocado oil, olive oil, and coconut oil
Nuts and seeds	Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds
Low-sugar fruits	Berries, citrus fruits, and green apples
Fermented foods	Sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir
Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices	turmeric, garlic, and ginger

7-Day Meal Plan for the Candida Diet

Here we go with the mean plan for those resorting to practicing the Candida diet −

Day 1

• Breakfast − scrambled eggs with spinach and avocado slices

• Lunch − grilled chicken salad with mixed greens and olive oil dressing

• Snack − cucumber slices with hummus

• Dinner − baked salmon with roasted asparagus and sweet potato

Day 2

• Breakfast − chia seed pudding with almond milk and berries

• Lunch − tuna salad lettuce wraps with cucumber slices

• Snack − celery sticks with almond butter

• Dinner − turkey chili with avocado slices

Day 3

• Breakfast − green smoothie with spinach, mixed berries, and almond milk

• Lunch − grilled chicken with mixed vegetable salad and olive oil dressing

• Snack − apple slices with almond butter

• Dinner − spaghetti squash with meat sauce and roasted broccoli

Day 4

• Breakfast − scrambled eggs with sautéed mushrooms and turkey bacon

• Lunch − mixed greens salad with grilled shrimp and avocado slices

• Snack − carrot sticks with hummus

• Dinner − baked chicken with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato

Day 5

• Breakfast − Greek yogurt with mixed berries and chia seeds

• Lunch − tuna salad with mixed greens and olive oil dressing

• Snack − cucumber slices with guacamole

• Dinner − grilled salmon with mixed vegetable quinoa

Day 6

• Breakfast − avocado toast with poached egg and tomato

• Lunch − mixed greens salad with grilled chicken and avocado slices

• Snack − apple slices with almond butter

• Dinner − turkey burger with roasted zucchini and sweet potato

Day 7

• Breakfast − green smoothie with kale, mixed berries, and almond milk

• Lunch − grilled shrimp with mixed vegetable salad and olive oil dressing

• Snack − celery sticks with almond butter

• Dinner − baked chicken with roasted asparagus and sweet potato

Conclusion

The Candida diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods and limits the intake of sugar and gluten. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best diet plan for your individual needs.