I am a Candida Diet Cheater (A Big One)

It all started on Thanksgiving.  At first I started out optimistically that I could make it through Thanksgiving dinner with my family and fully adhere to the candida diet.  I had almost 3 whole weeks of strict Candida Diet adherence prior to Thanksgiving and I was determined not to fall off the wagon.  I was experiencing die off symptoms and did not want to halt this progress but I began to have so much fun at Thanksgiving dinner that my will power quickly became obsolete.  Turkey with gravy, Stuffing, Macaroni and Cheese, Cornbread and so many other pleasant dishes and I just wanted to participate in the full Thanksgiving experience.   Additionally, I failed to prepare my own candida diet dish to bring to the gathering which is a cardinal rule when on the diet.  I was hungry and I just gave in knowing I would have to start all over again.

I immediately got back on track after Thanksgiving but I knew that temptation would come sooner than I was ready for.  My birthday is about 1 week after Thanksgiving.  I had severe doubts that I could make it through my birthday yeast free but I was really hoping.  This year I celebrated my 30th birthday.   Plans had been shaping up for a big celebration for many weeks prior to the celebration.  Final plans included a 2 day celebration with dinner at an Italian Restaurant and dancing after on day one and Dave Buster’s (An Adult Arcade, Bar and Restaurant) on day 2.  Failure was immediate this time.  I started the first night off with an Apple Martini and it was down hill from there.  I did however have an awesome time.  It was my best birthday celebration to date. 

I eventually came to terms with the situation and tried not to beat myself up too much.  I realized that I may have to postpone full commitment to my Candida Diet until after the Holidays as I am really fearful of the imminent Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.   The Candida Diet is difficult to follow at any time of the year but I feel that back-to-back Holidays and events make it increasingly difficult.  Since I am cooking for Christmas I will plan a full candida diet menu but I am sure that my guests will be expecting some traditional yeast filled dishes that they have come to know and love.  I am not planning to abandon the diet but I am not going to kick myself for a mishap either.  I feel like by giving myself that latitude I will actually fair much better for Christmas than I did for Thanksgiving and my birthday.  I will also take some time this month to regroup and come up with a good candida diet plan for the New Year.  I hate New Year’s resolution as they always seemdestined to fail but with the right preparation I feel that I can eventually succeed with fewer mishaps. 

If you are making in through the Holidays Yeast Free I commend you and encourage you to keep up the good work.  If you have fallen off the wagon don’t beat yourself up just regroup and make a plan of when and how you can get going again.  We would love to hear how each of you are making it through the Holidays yeast free or not? 

Take care!
Tennille