After a winter of low immunity, and lately a variety of symptoms including fatigue and foggy brain, joint pain, and symptoms of a yeast overgrowth, I’m embarking on the Anti-Candida Diet.  For those for whom this is a new word, Candida is yeast that is normal in the human body, and is part of the normal flora in our digestive system and on our skin. However, Candida can become imbalanced due to a variety of factors including antibiotic use, low immunity, digestive imbalances, stress, and a diet too high in sugars and refined carbs. When Candida is out of balance it wreaks havoc on many systems and can cause a variety of maladies. Some of the main ones are feelings of fatigue, fogginess, depression and anxiety, difficulty concentrating, sugar cravings, bloating and impaired digestion, fungal infections and skin rashes, recurring illness, joint pain and of course, yeast infections. With our western lifestyle it is easy for Candida to get out of balance, and most of us could benefit from doing a Candida cleanse once in a while. For me, and with all the symptoms I’m experiencing, it’s a no brainer. It’s time.

One of the main ways to address a Candida overgrowth is through diet. This is also one of the most challenging for most people because the diet requires us to eliminate some staple foods and many indulgences such as any kind of sugar, dairy (except yogurt), bread and refined grains, caffeine, beer, wine…you get the picture. It can sound very scary-almost impossible-and may inspire head shaking, swearing, and sweaty palms. But I am here bringing good news! You can still eat really delicious food (a lot of it in fact), maintain a social life, and at the same time feel way more happy, energetic and alive. I was willing to make the trade. And you can follow me as I go through what I’m sure will be ups and downs, some bouts of head shaking and swearing and lots of learning. Luckily I love to cook! So I am already researching and experimenting in the kitchen. Expect lots of new and delicious recipes, musings, and fun tidbits that I’ve discovered. Check out the links at the bottom of the page to learn more about the Candida diet.

Today I started out the day with a simple vegetable scramble, which is great because it’s high in protein, low in sugars, and tastes like the weekend. Which reminds me: This sort of cooking does require more time and planning. It does not involve grabbing a muffin and a latte for breakfast, a granola bar for a snack, a sandwich at lunch, and maybe a beer and pasta for dinner. Plan to plan. I plan on having fun with it, focusing more on the fun than the things I can’t do.

Okay, this brings me to why I actually sat down to write this in the first place. My lunch. One for the recipe books and your taste enjoyment if you so choose.  Amazing, delicious and satisfying, this dish is packed full of nutrients, healthy fats (Omega 3s), protein and no yucky stuff. Enjoy!

Well, thanks for reading! At the bottom of the page I’ll include some helpful links to info including foods to avoid, foods to eat, and a larger overview of the symptoms of Candida.

Take care!

~Nikki Harmony

Warmed Asian Broccoli Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Organic Broccoli Florets
• 1 cup Shredded Carrot or Finely chopped Organic Kale (Best anti-candida option)
  
• ½ cup Shredded Organic Coconut
• ¼ cup Organic Black Sesame Seeds

Dressing-(Simply blend together):

• 1 tbsp Organic Tahini
• 1 tbsp Organic Hazelnut Almond Butter
• 1 tbsp Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 tbsp Organic Cold Pressed Flax Oil
• 2  tsp Braggs Aminos
• Thumb size piece fine grated Organic Ginger
• Pinch Cayenne if desired

Steam Broccoli florets by placing them in a small amount of water in the bottom of a pot. (My rule of thumb is to have the water cover ¼ inch of the veg in the pan). Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat and then cover and turn to medium/low. When the liquid has almost evaporated and broccoli is almost tender add 1 tsp coconut Oil and the kale and stir with lid removed until all liquid is gone and the vegetables are tender. Turn off heat. Add enough of the finished dressing to nicely coat (adjust to taste) and then toss in coconut and sesame. Serve warm and feel free to add salt and pepper to taste! This is even more filling with a side of brown rice or quinoa. It also makes a lovely cold salad as well so feel free to make a larger amount and brown bag it later! Bon Appetit.

Helpful Links:

What to Eat: http://www.thecandidadiet.com/foodstoeat.htm

Foods to Avoid: http://www.thecandidadiet.com/foodstoavoid.htm

Candida Self Test: http://www.nationalcandidacenter.com/candida-self-exams/

Candida Symptoms: http://www.candidamd.com/candida/symptoms.html