Thank ya Kindly.......

Something I've been meaning to say on this blog (to myself mostly, because I know not many people are reading :) is that I am very thankful for my health. Even at my worst in this whole ordeal with daily nausea, aches/pains, and sleeplessness.....it does not compare to all the people out there dealing with cancer, heart disease and other life altering situations. So despite the focus of this blog I want to just type some words of....well.....gratitude I suppose. Because even in the most exhausting moments of feeling terrible, I have continuously been granted a wonderful, blessed life.

So thank you to everyone to prays for me, and to all of you who have gone out of your way to find answers for me. The support and accountablity is much needed and ever so appreciated.

To a few people who have REALLY gone out of their way to be apart of this journey so far. Whether it be following this blog, praying for me or just taking a sincere interest you have impacted me:

Mom- thanks for EVERYTHING. you've been the listening ear, an offerer of resources and prayer, friend, and encourager. And heck you gave birth to me.
Roxanne- I've never even met you but the interest you took in my situation means a lot to me :)
Grandma- The prayer warrior. Nough said.
Jackie- My Africa mama. thanks for always checkin' in on me :)
Nan- For telling me how it is. And for always taking interest in my life. Here's to you, Jello Prez
Anna- Thanks for sharing your story and resources with me
Debbie-I know you can relate, thank you for talking things out with me and for really listening, even when I feel silly talking.

And finally....the biggest thanks goes to a very special "that guy".

My boyfriend, Kenny, has taken some brutal verbal beatings as he tears ice cream, cheerios and cliff bars out of my greedy, carb-starved hands. He's listened to me complain more than anyone. He's watched me become sick after buying me nice dinners on our date nights and nursed me back to health time and again (pulling the car over when I'm nauseous, holding my hair back out of my face, telling me it's okay). He picks up my supplements when I forget and buys me healthy groceries when I can't afford it. He's graciously put up with my irritable, crazy, foggy moments in the midst of substantial sleeplessness and discomfort. He's really gotten me through this whole fiasco and I cannot thank him enough.

He's been through crazy girlfriend boot camp people. We've had a rough couple months and despite misunderstandings and mistakes...he's still around. And it's.....well awesome!
You are wonderful Kenny. Thank you SO much :)

Day 9

Today was relatively easy and pretty boring. The most exciting moment surrounded my playing of the "should I eat this old yogurt" game. In the end it wasn't that fun.

Ah, what to say.......OH! Bought myself a granola bar as a treat for completing a whole week of this grueling diet. Didn't affect me badly or anything...but not something I plan to repeat.

And in other news my black slacks that haven't fit me 8 months are now a comfortable, and even loose fit. Which, is basically awesome. Feeling good today. No vomit, lots of rest, lots of supplements and really can't complain. Maybe I'm turning a corner on this whole deal? We shall see.

Hopefully visiting a real live Naturopathic Clinic this week.

And.......I'm done.

Day 8

Well today is going well because I haven't really eaten. I don't feel like it. I'm sick of eggs, yogurt and chicken. So I'm opting to just drink my Kombucha drink and be stubborn. Heading to the Gym to work off some of my negative attitude.

As for other positive notes I purchased a vintage set of Jars today that have mushrooms on them. For 10 bucks. Hooray :)

Called on this place...we'll see...

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE COMMUNITY CLINICS

Portland Community College – Sylvania Community Clinic
Friday, 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with Dr. Peabody supervising
PCC Sylvania Campus, HT Building, Room 217
12000 SW 49th Avenue, Portland
To make an appt.: (503) 552-1515
Located in southwest Portland, this clinic is the only health service provided on campus. It is the largest of the three PCC campuses, serving approximately 26,000 students annually. The clinic also serves the staff, faculty and community members in the neighborhood.

Day 7 lesson

After working so very hard for a week, it's NOT a good idea to celebrate by taking a giant bite of a grilled cheese sandwich. Because it may get stuck in your mucus coated throat and cause you to throw up all the other "good" foods you worked so hard to prepare earlier in the day.

Yes, I spent the whole evening puking. In a way it was good because I'm associating certain foods I know my system can't handle with negative things like vomit and general discomfort. I'm hoping this reminder aids me in making proper choices for Day 8. Which begins officially.........Now. No wait.....

Now.

Sigh....

I don't want to cook eggs. So sick of eggs. What I would give for a bowl of cheerios right about now.... :)

Day 7

Officially one week on the Candida Diet. While I have tripped up once or twice taking a taste of a pancake here....eating 1 chocolate covered Almond yesterday....pretty much haven't cheated and I'm feeling better.

The Pros:

Learning to be disciplined in my health

Reading a lot about good foods for your body

Considering pursuing a degree of some kind in nutrition along with Doula certification

Loving the Gym again. Running 2 miles a day.

Lost 10lbs

Eating lots of Veggies

Learning to listen to my body and know what it needs

Taking Supplements diligently everyday (love pro-biotics)

Vomiting/other symptoms have lessened (but still linger)

The Cons:

Still struggling with vomit/sleeplessness (without sleep enhancing drugs)/headaches/fatigue/mucus in throat *though they have become less severe as mentioned above*

Becoming Lazy about my menu and starting to just "not eat" rather than find something I can have

Dropping weight too fast (probably for reason above...I Love that I'm dropping weight, but I

want it to be sustainable and healthy)

Still very constipated which surprises me considering how many veggies I'm eating

Settling for being super hungry rather than taking time to make food

low low energy level

become very frustrated sometimes at the lack of options

My goals as I start week 2:

1. Get some good Candida recipes (thanks Jackie :)

2. Get Creative about my works outs/options for food to avoid starvation tactics or going crazy and eating a cake.

3. PUSH THE WATER

4. Raw vegetables once a day (baby steps)

5. Spend time renewing my relationship with God.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

This is working. My symptoms are going down. I'm in the midst of the hardest part because I'm still experiencing the discomforts (though milder than before) but have no way to "medicate" myself by grabbing a candy bar to make myself feel better. This is a very good thing. I'm learning to live in this place: embracing my flaws, addictions, struggles and voids yet not turning to worldly things (food, stuff, entertainment...and in some cases other people) to ease the pain. I have to deal with it head on. I have to "snuggle up to it and accept this struggle" as my friend....a part of my life, and then destroy it (e tu Brute?).

To be honest, it's NOT so much about the Candida. I don't want natural health, my own life, blogging, how I feel or Candida itself to become my "god". The best way I can describe it is this:

I want to be free. That's all.

So as I pack up my junk from this house sitting gig I've had...and gather my blessed zucchini's, greek yogurt, stevia packets and supplements from their fridge...I venture forth into Day 7. Hopefully filled with some good eats, good exercize, good thoughts, time with God and service by loving on the two toddlers that nearly ended my life on Wednesday (over the top I know, but in the moment, I felt like I truly would die from their high pitched screaming and endless timeout balling).

Away We Go. Again :)

Peace Out.

Jenni

Day 6

Today is pretty easy. It's a non-work day and between staying busy with fun things like the gym and buying new art supplies, I haven't really been tempted to stray from the diet or get myself in any trouble. Feeling really good too...could this be working?

Went to new seasons and bought a Kombucha drink....very low carb and a nice pick me up.

I also became fearfully lost in an IKEA showroom. I found myself weeping in a postmodern gray scale bedroom with simplistic small furniture made for thin yuppies to snuggle on while they talk on their iPhone..... to grandma...who has been put away in a care facility. Thankfully, after wiping my tears I made it to the kitchen section, where I knocked on different sets of overpriced (yet still cheap) badly made tables...trying not to get in the way of the young engaged couple who was clearly on a mission to register for that huge portrait of Audrey Hepburn before anyone else. I wanted to say, "Don't worry guys! There's plenty more pop culture knocks offs that way! So just back the hell up!"

Um, but as for Candida? Things seem to be going well today. Even took my supplements.

Does anybody have a good recommendation for a Nautropath who either takes insurance or can work with low budgets? Or know how to get out of IKEA?

Day 5

Vomit free. So far. Nough said.

Oh and it's really hard to watch a toddler consume cheesy grilled cheese on homemade bed while you swallow down a mix green salad with no dressing. Sigh....

But it's worth it (she said to herself in the mirror). It's worth it.

Now if I could just get through this work day filled with mud, screams, more screams, upset housekeepers, workmen in the house, and the baby... that pooped in my hand. No joke. I'm officially a horrible nanny and girlfriend. Totally lost my cool today. Totally.

Not going to jog today. Gonna let the body rest while the kiddos nap and listen to classical music while I eat broccol. And, get a pedicure/spa treatment while Rachel Ray cooks me some sorta amazing pasta something and tells me how wonderful I am and that I'm like the little sister she never had and that she wants me to write witty antidotes in her magazine!

And poof...back to reality. I really am going to listen to classical music and eat broccoli though, just so we are clear.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

But hey, American Idol is on tonight!

Day 4 was....

I think quite simply every day is getting easier. It's frustrating to still be vomiting and struggling with headaches. I have to remember I am starting this diet off in the middle of a work week, which makes things more difficult to get used to for the beginning. This will be a long road though and I'm on my way.

Now if I could only find a nautropath my insurance will accept :)

Tried drinking Cayenne pepper mixed in water before eating to aid in digestion today. I've done some of this with lemon juice and a 10 day fast I tried earlier this year. So excluding the lemon juice it seems to be helping a little.

I keep reading articles with so many different ideas on what to try, I think I'm going to just cut it off and stay with what I've got going now. In a couple weeks I'll revisit some other ideas if progress continues to be very slow.

In the end? Kinda the same thing....seeing little changes, but little set backs as well. Going to keep up the hard work. That's all I can do.

Praying no more vomit! Man, (sigh)....it would feel so good not to throw up :)

DAY 4

I found myself in the midst of a dark and dangerous place. The wheels screeching around me...the cries of pain. Survival of the fittest at work as they fought for the things they loved. The ground giving them no mercy as they fell, overwelmed and ready for sleep. But sleep would not yet come, for the florescent lights above had drove them mad...they ran in complete delirium. They are cut throat. Harsh. Unforgiving.

They are toddlers.

Yes I found myself in the middle of a very intense situation this morning, otherwise known as "family open gym". It's amazing how cute tiny children can be so cruel to one another. Stealing a ball here, ramming someone's ankle there, taking the cool bike from the smaller kid....it's incredible really.

I have more thoughts on this...but I'll save it for my blog that has nothing to do with bodily functions, like this one does.

Now, as for this whole Candida business:

The awesome thing about family gym is that it's right across the street from my favorite restaurant (one of them anyway) Laughing Planet Cafe. This cafe sports plenty of organic, carb free, healthy options for those of you with sensitive systems. Won't kill your wallet either.

So now the kids are sleeping. I just finished up all my household chores (laundry, picking up toys, handwashing bottles, preparing dinner...fun stuff) and so I'm doing a quick blog about the day.

To some it up? This diet really sucks for me right now. You really have to stay so focused. It's so easy to cheat. But so far I've yet to cheat and I feel pretty good despite some minor vomiting today. Really can't complain, I'm already seeing improvement and I truly believe this is going to work. I feel pretty energized today as well. No crashing...like yesterday.

Things I've focused on:
1. More veggies
2. More water
3. eliminated nuts and soy cheese (for now)

I feel content.

I scream You scream will All scream for....

Should you find an ice cream sold in stores that is sugar free (including fruit sugars like agave, etc) and Dairy free...let me know! Or if you know a good recipe for it :)

DAY 3 recap

Today was........hard.

Yep, hard.

It started out SO lovely. I felt well rested and no tears came when that 5am alarm clock went off. It was amazing because usually I can't even sleep I'm dreading that "summer solace" ringtone (my cell phone alarm clock plays) so greatly. But this morning, I was at peace and ready for my day.

And that peaceful "I'm about to make candida my bitch" overly confidant feeling continued until about 3pm. I successfully got the children down for a nap and then headed up the stairs to the treadmill. I had worked hard all day to get my household duties done so I could take an actual break during naptime to jog. And jog I did....for 2miles (yeah I'm runnin a 15minute mile but who's counting). I felt great! Strong! Inspired! Skinny! and then......

CRASH. My body literally crashed. My lids were heavier than I can ever remember on a work day. I started moving slow, couldn't focus enough to read my book. It was all I could do to stay awake.

I figured too little food intake must have been the problem with that 30min run...so I ate a boiled egg. I ate some peanuts. I had a few blueberries (which are allowed on occasion). And then..

promptly vomited.

Arg. Now, this candida deal requires diligence. It's not an overnight fix...it takes weeks and weeks of work to starve that yeast out and even then, some people have to do the diet on and off their whole life to stay in check! But I actually started to believe I had kicked the thing. Boy was I humbled.

I stayed strong despite nausea and headache, when usually I would (in anger) go down any chocolate item I could find. So I consider it a successful day with a few lessons learned:

1. no eating nuts until your a few weeks in

2. save some meat and veggies for AFTER working out

3. chia seeds will fill up your stomach for a long time

4. WATER WATER WATER

Until next time....

Question....

For anyone who reads this (so...me? lol)...what is the final say on eating nuts on the candida diet? I keep finding conflicting ideas online. Anyone know?

Peace Out,

Jenni

DAY 3

Well here we are....the blessed work day. This will be very brief because the children are running in circles, chasing one another with mini shopping carts and a yellow box car (ya, don't ask). They are 1 and 3 and have an endless amount of energy.

Despite eating like a rabbit (or other quick, paranoid rodent) all week long...I feel relatively good. Making sure to get in bed by 9:30 last night really helped (thanks to my boyfriend, ONCE AGAIN for making me put my movie idea away for a better nights sleep). It's 10am now, and I've accomplished a number of tasks thus far:

1. got up at 5am
2. started work by 6am
3. made a very cheesy, carb filled breakfast for my employers, without giving into temptation to eat it myself
4. folded 4 baskets of clothes
5. made peach/apricot pancakes for the children *took one bite..but then spit it out*
6. made myself the world famous "Candida Egg Veggie Scramble"
7. we all brushed our teeth
8. removed the kid's syrup covered pajamas and put on clean clothing
9. washed all the dishes
10. unloaded the dishwasher
11. took out the garbage
12. changed 5 diapers
13. had the "you can't go to high school unless you learn to poop on the toilet" talk
14. Made 23oz of baby formula
15. put all those folded clothes away
16. Re-loaded the dishwasher
17. Drank my super greens
18. Gave Abby her bottle and put her down for morning nap
19. Removed many dangerous items from James hands
20. Sat him down for quiet time with books
21. currently blogging and preparing his sunday school lesson in which we will attempt to learn the Lord's Prayer
22. oh, and took all my supplements

Not too bad for 4 hours, if I do say so myself. I'm doing good......I'm hoping to keep it up.

Tricks:

If you REALLY like a sweet taste like me, but sugar does horrible things to your system...here's a nice little trick: (thanks Kenny)

Stevia Sweetner (I found mine at Trader Joes)
-natural herb
-calorie free
-saccharin free
-non-bitter aftertaste
-sugar free

*use it to zest up your plain yogurt when on the candida diet*

Also, if you're trying to get enough veggies per day, but find the task daunting...buying a super greens mixture is a nice quick way to get that important fiber and nutrients:

Super Greens (also from Trader Joes, in the vitamins/supplements aisle)
-dietary supplement
-contains many different green leafy veggies in powder form
-also contains some fruit powder

*to be used sparingly on the candida diet...only if you really need a green boost*

Day 2

Today went really well. I struggled through some headaches and normal digestive issues...but nothing I'm not used to. The biggest problem to over come is social situations where I can't necessarily control what food is out. The key to solving this problem (like I've said so many times) really comes down to diligence with the restrictions of the Candida Diet.

To say the least....watching pizza and chocolate chip cookies get passed around at a game night this evening was totally frustrating. However in the end I stayed strong thanks to my very patient and encouraging boyfriend who steered a cookie away from me a time or two...and also thanks to the prominent salad bowl in the middle of the table.

I even managed to take all my supplements (not as easy to remember as you'd think) and it's 9:30pm and I'm heading to bed already. All in all? Day 2 has been declared a success.

Goals for tomorrow:

ease up on the nut/yogurt/soy cheese intake...MORE VEGGIES!

MORE WATER

GET A WORK OUT IN, just a small one to start

It's a work day tomorrow that starts at 6am....I will be handling mac and cheese, hot dogs and bagels while serving the kids. They will, no doubt, absolutely destroy my energy level by 2pm by running circles around me and taking part in a game called "who has the best raptor scream?".

Long story. Anyway....work days are always the most difficult days for me in regards to how well I feel and the choices I make...so....I'm puttin my Game face on :)

DAY 1 recap

Wow...I can not believe all the posting I did in the last 24hours. As self involved as it sounds, it's really helped me stay on track. Who knew that typing to yourself online could prove so helpful in processing this monster called the Candida Diet (da da da...menacing music).

Unfortunately I declared victory a bit too soon....

Confession:

I took a couple swigs of some dessert wine I forgot was in my fridge. Bad Jenni. Bad. So Day 1 was a near success. Getting the yeast out of my system will be like a boxing match between my cravings (your cravings for carbohydrates and sugar are drastically increased when yeast takes over) and starving out the Candida. So while all my hard work today was not erased by the swig of wine, if I don't keep strictly to the rules my little "cheats" here and there could get me knocked out in round 1...to use a really cool boxing pun...or something.

The wine has been poured down the drain....my chocolate covered almonds removed from the crime scene by my boyfriend (this could have been a lot worse people) and we are set and ready for Day 2......

The big challenge tomorrow? A Sunday evening pizza feed/game night in which I will be chewing on broccoli the entire time....should be hell :)

NO.

See? Proof from a few days ago (BEFORE I started my diet, mind you) that I have no self control. I love me a sugary fruity girly cocktail. This just can't happen anymore. If you catch me around town enjoying alcohol...punch me in the throat. And really...should anyone be drinking green martini's? It looks like pinesol....

Wait, what is that?

props to bethany

Thanks to Bethany Winstead for always talking up Trader Joes and their "Mahi Mahi" fillets. On my quest to learn to like fish for this diet, they have proven very helpful!

Day 1 a success ladies and gentlemen. No cheating....and haven't thrown up (yet) today! Your know your standards for life have dropped when you count a day without puke a miracle.

But hey...you won't see me frowning people....for I, Jenni Walker, am thus far vomit free.

My supplements....

Acidophilus and Probiotic Complex (2 tablets once daily)

Natural Papaya and Pineapple Enzymes (chew one tablet with a meal daily)

NF Formulas Phytostan Caprylic Acid with Co factors Botanical Intenstinal Support (1 tablet 3x daily between meals)

sigh.....

As for the Waffles...

Success! Lucky for me there were eggs at the party as well......

day 1

A new beginning....it's 12:06am and my first challenge will be the waffle feed birthday brunch I must attend later this morning. The only way to really fight this thing is to follow the restrictions of the candida diet, as well as be consistent in taking my vitamins/supplements...get rest and exercize. All that to say, NO WAFFLES FOR JENNI. The best line of defense? Bring some of your own snacks and eat before hand.

So...here we go....DAY 1.

Don't forget to check on me that guy...and anyone else reading. I need all the encouragement and advice I can to fight this thing and be diligent in keeping with the guidelines :) I want to feel good, not sick. So sick of feeling sick.

Okay, and we are off!

Candida Symptoms....do you feel crazy???

Alright, so I'm no doctor. But I've been at my wits end, throwing up, having trouble swallowing and feeling sleeplesss, uncomfortable, hopeless and crazy. This is not an exaggeration. Here are the following candida symptoms if you've wondered what's wrong with you. Make sure to check with your doctor to discuss these symptoms before trying any life changing diet:

mood swings

fatigue

weight gain/loss (unexplained)

feeling in a fog

acne and other skin problems

depression

consistent headaches

trouble swallowing

nausea

mucus build up in saliva

intolerance to food

aches/pains

If you suffer from most or all these symptoms it may be worth doing some research into the issue of Candida and yeast. http://www.holistichelp.net/candida.html

A Difficult Endeavor

Here I go....Day one of the official Candida smack down begins in 25 mins.

The Rules:

Candida Cures
FOODS TO INCLUDE

Fresh Vegetables (lowest in carbohydrates) - Asparagus, arugula, bok choy, beet greens, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, chard, cucumber, endive, fennel bulb, lettuce, nappa cabbage, mustard greens, radish, romanesco, salad greens, spinach, tomato, watercress.

Next best choices (medium carbohydrates) - avocado, artichoke, brussel sprouts, celeriac, chives, collards, dandelion greens, green beans, eggplant, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, okra, onion, parsley, peppers (green, hot, and sweet), rutabagas, sno pea pods, spaghetti squash, turnip, yellow and/or green summer squash, yellow wax beans, zucchini.

Fresh Herbs – basil, cilantro, chervil, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, tarragon, etc. Tasty garnishes for candida cures menus.

Homemade sprouts - clover sprouts, radish sprouts, broccoli sprouts, sunflower sprouts, lentil sprouts, mung bean sprouts

Fresh Coconut - antifungal, full of good fats and not too high in sugars. Fresh coconut is one of my favorite snacks, and its one of the best candida cures!

LOW CARB Yogurt- greek plain yogurt is great! You can add stevia to sweeten it up.

Fresh Garlic - a very potent ingredient in a variety of candida cures, both for the kitchen table as well as for making topical treatments for external symptoms. Also can be used to make an enema solution or as a suppository.

Fresh Ginger - another potent ingredient used in a variety of recipes, excellent for digestive troubles.

Free Range Organic Eggs - Potent source of protein and fat. A convenient addition to our candida cures shopping list.

Raw Butter, Organic Butter, Ghee and Clarified Butter

Free Range Chicken, Turkey, Duck, Pheasant, etc.

Grass-Fed Pastured Beef, Bison, Buffalo, Venison, Elk, Lamb, Pork, etc.

Fresh Fish and Seafood
All Natural Deli Meats - from a reputable source, no preservatives, sugars or artificial ingredients.

FOODS TO EXCLUDE AND AVOID:

Bread, carbs, most fruits, sugar, dairy (minus yogurt) and basically everything yummy. Just eat off the list above.

Does this all look good? Let the battle begin....