The Candida Diet is one of the most challenging diets there is to adhere to. It is extremely rigid, limiting and bland to the senses and doesn't allow for much variety or flexibility. So much so that many people feel utterly deprived when trying to follow it. No matter how you look at it, that is the truth of the matter. There's just no way around it and really no way to soften the blow.
One of the biggest challenges of this diet is the fact that Candida itself creates overwhelming cravings for sugar and refined carbohydrates. It's not uncommon for those following the anti-candida diet to engage in frequent cheating or completely fall off the wagon and go on a sugar/carbohydrate binge.
Another big hurdle to overcome is that it is such a drastic change from the standard diet that most people are accustomed to eating and that is acceptable to society. There is rarely support from friends, family, employers etc. in anyone's quest to give up sugar, caffeine, refined and processed foods, etc., because they fail to understand the seriousness of the matter. Many people are met with a lot of resistance and skepticism from people in their lives as they attempt to make these essential changes in their life.
Additionally, once the body becomes vulnerable to Candida overgrowth, returning to the diet that was once enjoyed is not something that will ever happen again. A certain degree of life long dietary restrictions will be required even after progress is made. If one returns to eating sugar and refined foods, then Candida will proliferate again. So, many people struggle, because they feel they are given a life sentence they can't live with.
These are very difficult obstacles to overcome and therefore success on the Candida diet requires a serious commitment to yourself as well as a great deal of determination, perseverance and self-discipline.
However here are a few tips that I have developed over the years that have helped me and the people I counsel.
It is inevitable that you will cheat and fall of the wagon sometimes. Don't allow occasional slips to become a reason to completely abandon your diet for days or weeks or go on a binge. Criticizing, punishing or berating yourself will only lead to more self-defeating behaviors. Be kind, loving and forgiving of yourself, however their is a fine line between being accepting of yourself and giving yourself permission to be destructive. You need to find that balance and maintain it.
Once you begin to see results from the Candida diet and start to feel better, you'll become more motivated to abide by your restrictions. Eventually the price you pay will not outweigh the pleasure you experience. Your set backs will become less and less frequent
Keep in mind that your diet will not always be this restrictive. As you make progress with eradicating your yeast overgrowth you'll be able to add more tasteful things back into your diet. Remind yourself that you have something to look forward to.
The way you learned to eat, your relationship with food and it's place in your life were unhealthy. You must relearn all these things in healthier manner.
Retrain your mind to understand that you are better off for learning about Candida and being forced to eat healthier. The human body was not designed to eat refined white sugar and junk food. Your health will benefit in many ways in addition to eliminating yeast.
It will be impossible to stick to the Candida diet if you are bombarded with temptations at every turn. Yes, there may be certain situations like work related functions, or family events when they can't be avoided, but for the most part, changes in the people you surround yourself with can be made in all other areas of your life.
If you have a partner or children in the house then put them on the diet too. They shouldn't be eating sugar and junk food either. Chances are very good that if you have a yeast problem so do your children and partner. Most children in society today have a yeast problem, because they are exposed to excessive antibiotics and diets high in sugar. If they don't, then you are doing them a great favor by getting them on a healthier diet now. Make it a family effort.
When you eat this scrumptious treat, let it be a Zen experience. Become one with it. Allow yourself to be completely absorbed in every aspect of the experience. Take in the smell, the texture and the taste, Don't just gobble it down. Savor it and appreciate it fully.
Incorporate these tips into your daily life and you'll find the Candida diet is a lot easier to stick with. However, it's also important to keep in mind that it will require much more than diet to be successful in reducing yeast overgrowth. The diet is a crucial component, but it must be combined with a comprehensive plan that addresses the breadth and complexity of the Candida overgrowth syndrome.
Learn how Candida Symptoms affect your mental and physical health and how the Candida Diet can help you.
Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed. is a holistic health counselor who has researched Candida and it's impact on our physical and mental health for almost two decades. Her knowledge is enriched with personal experience in combating the condition herself. Get the facts you need about Candida in her new eBook, Candida Secrets.
http://www.holistichelp.net/candida-secrets.html