Approved Food for Yeast-Free Diets

Helpful Ideas to Make Cleansing and Anti-Candida Eating Easier

Aug 6, 2007
Elizabeth Richards

Yeast free diets can still be delicious - Rosevita

On a yeast-free diet and getting discouraged? Remember to focus on what you can eat, not what you can't and you will succeed. Here's a list to help you survive.

Different eating plans for anti-candida or yeast free diets follow different guidelines. Some are more stringent than others. One of the best ways to tell if your detoxifying or allergen-free diet is working is if you are symptom-free. If so, keep up the good work and add in a few of the “no-no’s” a bit at a time. If you start to feel worse or symptoms return, cut back.

A yeast-free diet isn’t a life sentence. It’s just a matter of getting rid of the most yeast that you can, and balancing your lifestyle. If you over-indulge or the yeast starts to grow out of control, simply go back to the strictest possible way you can live comfortably.

Here’s a list of foods that follow the guidelines for most anti-candida diets:

Allowed foods

Proteins

Eggs
Beef
Chicken
Seafood
Turkey
Pork
Lamb
Duck
Pheasant
Goose
Veal
Cornish Hen
Nuts, Peanut Butter, Almond and Cashew Butter

Tip: Eat plenty of protein, especially if you eat a carbohydrate.

Vegetables

Vegetables are your best bet to fill up and keep your digestive system running smoothly; fiber is important. Lots of fresh or steamed vegetables, maybe some dip made from plain yogurt or sour cream and you will feel satisfied and healthy! Some vegetables have more sugar than others, such as carrots, so eat them in moderation. If you want to be really strict, avoid them.

Asparagus
Avocado
Beets
Broccoli
Carrots (limited)
Cauliflower
Celery
Eggplant
Green Beans
Leaf Vegetables (Lettuce, Kale, Collards, Mustard, Greens, Swiss Chard)
Onions
Peas
Peppers
Potatoes (in moderation)
Radishes
Squash
Tomatoes
Turnips

Dairy

Another disputed “allowed” food; dairy is permitted on most yeast free diets, but usually in moderation

Butter
Cream
Cheese
Milk (lower fats are better)
Yogurt (Plain)

*Tip: Most yogurts have sugar, or worse, high fructose corn syrup added. Don’t consume yogurt containing sweeteners and think that they are good for you while on a yeast-free diet. The digestive additives put into yogurt now really don’t make up for the tons of sugar that are also added in as well. At least, not while you’re moderating your diet.

Beverages

There are a lot of different opinions as to caffeine, tea, and other beverages on an anti-candida diet. Some people do well while still consuming some caffeine. If you are trying to be strict, eliminate most or all of it, if possible.

Water, water, water
Vegetable juices (like V8)
Tea (Decaf is best)
Coffee

*Tip: Try drinking some iced-green or decaffeinated teas to replace sugary sodas or fruit juices. There are many different varieties and flavors of teas. They give a sense of having something substantial, more than water and tea has other health benefits.

Meals and snacks

Planning meals and recipes in advance is crucial to being successful. Breakfast is tough because we consume a lot of breads for breakfast, although they aren’t necessarily the best food to fuel us and keep yeast at bay.

Instead, try eating some kind of protein, an egg or some turkey lunch meat and a bowl of oatmeal or rice cereal. Grits are good too. Just because you’re eating yeast-free doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your food too. If you're desperate, a piece of toast (spelt bread is best) and some peanut butter relieves those high-carb cravings in the morning. NO jelly, it is loaded with sugar!

Any time of the day:

Chili, Soups
Oatmeal
Hummus
Vegetable Dips
Tabouli, Tabouleh
Rice dishes
Mexican food (Try to eat corn tortillas, not flour)
Popcorn
Rice Cakes
Nuts
Sunflower seeds

There are days when it seems impossible to stick to the diet. If you do slip, don't quit. Just begin again the next morning and you will be fine. A yeast free diet can help alleviate symptoms from many illnesses and the benefits of a few weeks of strict eating make up for the uncomfortable cravings that you quickly learn you can temporarily live with.

Elizabeth Richards - Elizabeth Richards has published almost 200 articles for Suite101 since 2007 as a Contributing and Feature Writer.

Comments

Sep 28, 2009 11:03 AM

Guest :

What about nut butters, like peanut butter or almond butter? Are they allowed on a yeast free diet?

Sep 28, 2009 11:31 AM

Elizabeth Richards :

Some practitioners say to avoid peanuts/peanut butter because of potential mold (part of the process in peanuts). Mine did not, peanut butter was permitted and I did fine.
Everyone tolerates things a little differently. If someone is trying to be 100% total yeast free, sticking to Almond Butter is better. There is also an article under my titles that lists desserts that are approved for yeast free diets. I've included peanut butter in the ingredients - one reader has suggested adding cashew butter instead. Good to try different nut butters. Best of luck!
http://balancing-meals.suite101.com/article.cfm/yeast_free_diet_desserts

Oct 22, 2009 4:36 AM

Guest :

Even the title of this article was a breath of fresh air after the frustration of trying to eat "right" to remedy the yeast problem I have. Thank you for such a positive, helpful article.

Oct 25, 2009 1:14 AM

Guest :

There's yeast in peanuts, including peanut butter (obviously). Trust me, I've had IBS for over a year with an intolorence to yeast.

Oct 29, 2009 4:55 AM

Elizabeth Richards :

There are some diets that say peanut butter, coffee, etc are okay in moderation and others that strictly forbid them because of the potential mold in their normal process. Each person has a different sensitivity and can figure out fairly quickly if they can tolerate a little of these in their diet. I was able to, but many people cannot. Best of luck!

Nov 1, 2009 8:06 PM

Guest :

My daughter just saw this article, and we plan to follow the diet to see if it helps her rheumatoid arthritis. I notice that no fruits are allowed, and I normally eat a banana a day to help eliminate my leg cramps. Can you give me some good substitutes for that?

Thanks

Nov 2, 2009 3:13 AM

Elizabeth Richards :

Some diets do allow a little fruit in moderation. My doctor allowed watermelon & honeydew & cantelope -of all things- which did not make any sense to me because of the sugar content. I did eat a little, even in the beginning strict phase, because it really helped my cravings and also helped nutritionally.
I'm guessing it is the potassium in the banana that helps your leg cramps and if it were me, I would probably still eat the banana every day. That one fruit most likely won't upset the diet balance. Everyone is different though. If you feel the banana is keeping you from achieving your desired results, you could ask your doctor about a potassium supplement. Another fruit that is acceptable is a small amount of blueberries. They are very low in sugar and satisfying.
There are many versions of diets that are considered yeast free and some are more strict than others. The more foods you can avoid with sugar, the faster you will feel better. I had friends who were so strict on their diets that they could have been sporting halos and wings - that level was for impossible for me- and I felt the occasional small piece of melon or 1/4 cup of blueberries (without sugar) were nutritionally sound and helped me through the toughest parts.
One thing you will notice that is amazing -if you can follow the diet for a period of time and then start adding in other fruits, you will be incredulous at how sweet natural fruit tastes. When we take all the sugar and corn syrup out of our daily diet, we're left with what nature gave us and it is really impressive.
Let me know how you and your daughter are doing on the diet - hang in there, the first few days are the toughest but then it gets pretty easy! I'm posting new recipes this week or next, so watch for a new article by me with holiday yeast-free recipes!
Best of luck!

Nov 5, 2009 1:31 AM

Guest :

Aloha!Do we avoid ALL fruits?

Nov 7, 2009 4:43 AM

Elizabeth Richards :

Hi,
Because yeast-free diets vary from doctor to doctor, individual restrictions vary too. My doctor allowed melons initially and blueberries after a few weeks. I've also researched recent studies that allow more fruit initially. In hindsight, for myself, I think it would have been detrimental to eat too much fruit initially because of the high sugar content. The point of the restrictions is to get your body to adjust to less sugar and starve off the yeast by not feeding them their sweets. The more strict a person can be, the quicker the success and the better you'll feel.
The first few days are really the hardest and after that, I didn't miss sweets at all. In fact, when I could add in fruit, it tasted so sweet it was like a dessert. Remember to focus on what you can eat, not what you can't, and things get easier (there's an article with that title on my list as well) Best of luck!

Nov 26, 2009 8:18 AM

Guest :

I was just wondering if you were allowed to eat beans?

Jan 1, 2010 8:55 AM

Guest :

Hi, do you have any information on going yeast AND gluten free? I have been finding food lists on one or the other, but not on BOTH! I would really appreciate any pointers you have! I am wondering about things like brown rice, oats, grits, and corn....thank you!!

Jan 10, 2010 11:33 AM

Guest :

Hi,
I have been doing a lot of research on candida and all the reading I have done says no to nuts as nuts carry mould.

Jan 10, 2010 11:34 AM

Guest :

Coffee is also not recommened for candida suffers

Feb 7, 2010 3:11 PM

Guest :

hi how do you know if a certain food is bad for you?

Feb 19, 2010 5:54 AM

Guest :

I am a coffee drinker and have to have sugar. What can I use to substitute sugar?

Feb 27, 2010 12:48 PM

Guest :

Thanks so much for this article. I have two questions--one, how long should I expect to be on the diet before I being to experience some symptom relief, and, two, can I eat things like mayo or salad dressings that contain vinegar?

Feb 27, 2010 1:23 PM

Guest :

Feb 28, 2010 7:44 AM

Guest :

Feb 28, 2010 9:21 AM

Guest :

Very good, except if you are trying to stay away from things with sugar and yeast, you need to avoid things like corn, corn starch and corn syrup too.

Mar 4, 2010 5:37 PM

Guest :

What about TOFU? Is it part of a yeast free diet?

Mar 7, 2010 8:25 AM

Guest :

I am on a yeast free diet, have been for five days now. For sweetener I am using Stevia and Xylitol. I have not used real sugar for years and usually use honey or maple syrup in bakinge etc. I am also wheat free for the next six weeks. My doctor gave me a list of foods to eat and not eat, and wheat and dairy create or feed yeast.
I am allowed Bragg's Organic Vinegar with the mother in it.
I make homemade salad dressing with it and some xylitol and herbs with olive oil.
I also use coconut milk in my coffee with xylitol. It tastes very good, much better than rice milk.
I have read various books and articles, and they state we should feel better within 5 days and up. The longer we can stay yeast free the better, the body will be able to heal etc. I am going to do this for at least six weeks, maybe up to three months.
Good luck to all. I feel thinner already!

Mar 7, 2010 9:19 AM

Candi Benek :

I've been on the diet for a year now and have found certain things for me to eat. "Annie's" makes a good salad dressing Lemon & Chive dressing no yeast, sugar, or vinegar. Also - expeller pressed oils ( I used flax seed oil) with fresh squeezed lemon juice and Mrs. Dash's seasonings is great as well. Chebe makes a good bread, I prefer the all purpose. it's not your typical bread, it's more of a flat bread. Apple Cider Vinegar seems not to bother me too much. I use Stevia for sweetener. I just wish I had a support group or others in my area that I could relate with. THanks

Mar 7, 2010 9:22 AM

Candi Benek :

I do eat brown rice, potato flour, no wheat or any gluten, my body can't handle it.

Mar 22, 2010 10:47 AM

Guest :

Hi-Some things that are VERY important to remember about foods allowed on a yeast-free diet:

-NO vinegar. It's fermented, so it will cause yeast to grow
-Moderate amounts of cooked carrots & beets-they are higher in sugar
-Buy "ghee" which sugar-free butter
-Pecan butter beats almond butter any day!

Mar 23, 2010 6:04 AM

Guest :

That Annie's dressing that you mentioned is in fact GLUTEN free but it has DAIRY...(PARM CHEESE to be exact). READ LABELS PEOPLE. The yeast will not go away unless you completely ELIMINATE it from your diet.

Mar 30, 2010 1:18 PM

Guest :

The article is very helpful. I lost my Yeast Connection book, or loaned it out and know I have to go back on the diet. My food list also denied me any type of vinegar as in dressings for salad. Is there a vinegar that is allowable in moderation? Olive oil and lemon isn't quite there, although I am going to put some garlic and rosemary, and oregano oil in to steep so I have some flavor.

Apr 13, 2010 11:52 AM

Guest :

change to goat's milk also it has no sugar in it .

May 8, 2010 12:14 AM

Guest :

Okay everyone I just started this diet and I'm going to 100% on this, who is with me on this, my email is brolyssj4_mzc@yahoo.com, i live in Burbank,CA. lets make a group. Here is my plan. absolutely no sugars no breads no diary, only veggies and chicken(grill) but i think a multi vitamin would help, as well as something that can block hunger for those though moments of hunger. I want to destroy this Yeast Candida once and for all with one hit(as soon as possible). Anyone interested email me or you can find me on facebook with the same email. Thanks and good luck to everyone.

Jun 7, 2010 8:02 AM

Guest :

I am gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and most recently (for the past 2 weeks) yeast-free. Taking away sugars, vinegar, and processed foods, though extremely tough, has done something miraculous: I have almost no gas. That was one of my biggest problems before. I would be so gassy and bloated and constantly wonder "why the heck did that give me gas? It has none of my allergens in it!?" but having some articles on the web about yeast overgrowth, I was starting to think the causes and symptoms described me perfectly. Downside of the diet for me: There aren't many things to snack on while on this diet, so I resorted to popcorn and almonds - things I rarely ate before. I came to find that both of those things make me rather ill (though not gassy...still a miracle). I also hate eating veggies for breakfast. BUT! When I am eating the "safe foods" I feel GREAT in the tummy; something I haven't felt for a long time. It is worth it to be "strict" because I'm so sick of having daily abdominal pain and pretending that I'm fine.
Here's what I eat that works for me: brown or white rice, rice noodles (Thai), chicken, turkey, white fish and occasionally salmon, most veggies (allergic to peppers and onions don't sit well), walnuts, dried and fresh herbs and spices, "Sticks & Twigs" (Mary's Gone Crackers brand).
Since I was extremely strict for 2 weeks, I let myself eat a banana this morning. I ate it with oatmeal, which until now seemed like a pointless item on the diet, because what's oatmeal without something on/in it? It tasted very sweet, but not great. I think I'll like blueberries better.
Good luck!!!!!!!!!!

Jul 21, 2010 11:59 AM

Guest :

How can I get my doctor to listen to me?? I am 34, not overweight and exercise 4 times a week. I eat sensibly but have been suffering extreme fatigue for years now, probably about 5 years. I have IBS and an underactive thyroid but have had blood tests (as I do every 8-12 months) to test my thyroid, glucose, iron, B12 levels as I can't get rid of this extreme tiredness. The doctors must think I am a hypochondriact and I assure you I am not, I just don't think it's right for someone to feel tired no matter what they do. I took matters in to my own hands last week and got the finger prick allergy test which told me that I have an allergy to egg white, cows milk and yeast. Before I go eliminating all this from my diet, I thought it sensible to seek help from my doctors so have an appt next week but how can I convince them to take my tiredness seriously and the fact that I may have a yeast etc allergy? I was thinking about asking them to refer me to an allergist first of all to diagnose it by the NHS and then refer me to a dietition so I can get a better idea of what to eat as there are varying levels of cutting out yeast. I also read that if you have an allergy to yeast, it could be likely that you have a yeast infection and although it's not obvious I wondered if it could be in my digestive tract. Can someone pls give me some advise of a) what I need to eat if I do have these allergies and b) advise me what I ask from my doctor? Our surgery has a lot of older doctors who are very 'traditional' so I have deliberately went to a younger female in the hope that she will see how desperate I am to find out what's causing this extreme fatigue all the time. All advise is very welcome - thanks!

Jul 23, 2010 4:52 PM

Guest :

its helpin

Sep 26, 2010 8:28 AM

Guest :

Wowwww, you seriously have no idea how good it was to read this article, im on day 9 of a yeast free diet due to a yeast overgrowth, ive been feeling so down and despondant thinking i could barely eat anything, i had meat and veg for my roast dinner while the kids enjoyed crispy roast potatoes not realising i could of had 1 just to curb the craving.
Thankyou for posting such a positive article :-) it made my day.

Sep 26, 2010 9:48 AM

Elizabeth Richards :

To Guest from Sept 26, response from Author (Elizabeth Richards)
I am so pleased that this list of foods is helpful. The hardest thing for me, as a person who has had to adjust to modifying yeast in my diet, was getting past the restrictions of yeast "free." The beautiful thing about modifying the amount of sugar and yeast in our bodies is that there are so many things that are still out there to eat and it really is helpful to focus on those things. T
his topic is by far one of my most popular and highly electrified in comments to other articles on the subject. There are many thoughts and points of few on what a yeast-restricted or yeast-free diet encompasses and even doctors disagree. Initially, I started on a diet that was extremely restrictive -NOTHING with any trace of sugar or yeast for a month. After that, I could phase in some blueberries and other things - over a six month time, and by the end, could sample with things that were tolerable. For me personally, it's pretty easy to tell when the 'yeasty beasties' are acting up - bloating, weight gain, lack of energy, mood swings. Everyone is different though. There is a common idea that purging the body of the yeast by starving them off will balance and then foods can be reintroduced. But I've read a lot of studies recently that leans towards allowing some fruits -in moderation- at the beginning, even while purging. The nutritional value and chemistry of the fruits helps regulate the yeast. It's like everything, though..should be done in moderation and adjusted for personal needs.
I get angry comments from people with yeast allergies, criticizing certain ingredients in some of my suggested recipes.and for people with food allergies, certainly more avoidance is required. But for people who are trying to balance a healthy life and feel better by modifying a diet, cutting back or eliminating as much yeast and sugar as possible is an awesome way to feel good. It helps to focus on what can be eaten and I felt so much better once I realized I was not "starving" myself and could still enjoy certain foods. Potatoes saved me :) and corn! Again, people will argue they aren't true yeast-free but it worked for me! Good luck with everything! I know from experience how great you are going to feel!! Be proud of yourself!.

Oct 5, 2010 6:46 AM

Guest :

I am doing well on this program but I need a dessert recipe or two. That is the only area I struggle! Help!!!

Feb 9, 2012 12:35 PM

Guest :

Once you find a decent yeast-free tortilla or learn to make your own, you have a million possibilities :) Yeast free eating is kind of easy...never thought it would be.
I'm also peanut and dairy free.

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