Never exercise after having a meal – a common advice you often hear from gym coaches and yoga practitioners. Some advice you to eat light before the start of an intense workout. Do you ever wonder why is there so much emphasis on what to eat before and after a workout? Let us find out.
With yoga there are different styles. There are gentle and slow yoga styles and then there are fast-paced yoga styles. But you still need to follow up the yoga practice with a healthy and nutritious diet. No one wants to experience the sound of their stomach gurgling in the middle of a yoga practice.
Let us now check out how you can improve yoga practice with the right diet.
Why Knowing What to Eat is Important?
Nutrients are the building blocks of every type of food. Each of these nutrients has a specific role before and after the yoga practice. Yoga experts recommend you follow a diet containing the right amount of nutrients.
It is time we find out what nutrients your body needs for yoga practice.
Fats
Fats provide your body with energy. These also protect important organs from trauma, and improve joint lubrication. Consuming a diet containing healthy fats helps transport fat-soluble vitamins in your body. For this you should include meat, fish, seafood, nuts, oils, seeds, and dairy products in daily diet.
Carbohydrates
You can get Carbohydrates from rice, wheat, root vegetables and fruits. Carbohydrates ensure your body recieves a steady flow of energy during yoga sessions. Join a certified yoga fitness center to know the best diet for effective yoga practice.
Proteins
Proteins are very important for a yoga practitioner. These help build, repair, and maintain healthy tissues. You should consume poultry, meat, seafood, eggs, dairy and bean products to get proteins. Consuming protein-rich diet helps develop strength in your body. It also helps in creating a balance during all yoga exercises.
Water
No diet will ever be complete without the inclusion of water. You can find it in trace amounts in fruits, nuts, meats, dairy products, and vegetables. Water detoxifies your body and keeps the body temperature stable. It also lubricates the joints and helps transport essential nutrients to your body.
Can I Practice Yoga On An Empty Stomach?
You should never practice yoga on a full stomach. Doing this gives your belly enough space to expand and contract during the many yogic exercises. But if you have been hungry for a long time and need some energy before the class there is a way to do that.
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Maintain a gap of at least 3 to 4 hours between a heavy meal and yoga practice.
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Take a light meal such as a bowl of salad or cereal an hour before the yoga class.
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Do not eat anything 30 minutes before the class. You can drink water to remain hydrated.
That said, given below is a breakdown of what you should eat before going to a yoga class.
Class Starts Within 3 to 4 Hours
Make sure you consume:
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Low-fiber veggies like sprouts or vegetable soup
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Fruit salad
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Fruity or other light smoothies
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Cereals
This is a useful diet whether you practice yoga for depression or yoga for stress and anxiety. It will help you make the most of a yoga practice session.
Class Starts Within 1 Hour
Make sure you consume:
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Fruits like bananas, apple, grapes, and other seasonal fruits
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Milk/Yogurt
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Nutrition bar with protein and wholesome ingredients
Now let us take a look at what foods you should avoid at all costs before going to yoga practice.
Foods to Avoid Before Yoga Practice
Eating fried or oily foods is not something to think about when you practice yoga. These can cause gas, burps, and heartburn. Avoid burgers, fries, pizza, and other greasy food items.
That said, given below are the food items you should definitely avoid.
Processed Foods
Keep away from foods riddled with sugar or sodium. These damage your digestive system and also cause low-sugar levels.
Spicy Foods
The number one cause for heartburn as well as acidity is spicy food. These harm your digestive system and can lead to serious digestion-related problems. Keep them away if you want to learn yoga.
Conclusion
The right diet has a good impact on the functioning of your body and mind during yoga. Join a certified yoga school to learn about yogic diet from some of the most famous yoga gurus in India.
