Our contemporary lifestyle is becoming increasingly luxurious and easy but very often we realise that it is the same lifestyle that forces us to give our health a sincere thought.
This is when we run towards joining fitness classes of various kinds. For instance, Gym, Zumba, Trekking, Yoga etc.
Yoga, however, is people’s favorite nowadays. According to the ASSOCHAM Social Development Foundation the number of yoga practitioners has risen by about 20 per cent in the urban areas in the country, with women outnumbering men.
So, do you perform yoga regularly? And if you do, are you well aware of what food you should be taking before and after performing yoga?
To harness the complete benefit of performing yoga, it is crucial that you eat the right type of foods. It is also important that you consume the right type and the right amount of food at the right time to reap the benefits.
So, would you like to gain more knowledge about yoga and how a proper diet is related to it?
Please read on!
What to Eat Before Yoga:
1. Avocados:
This fruit is full of minerals like potassium and magnesium. This leads to the proper functioning of muscles and cells in the human body. Besides, avocados are easy to digest and keep you satiated for quite some time
2. Bananas:
Available throughout the year, Bananas are cheap and rich in nutrients. The fruit is replete with potassium and this alone makes it an ideal pre-yoga snack.
3. Fruit Smoothies:
Smoothies made at home can be the ideal food before a yoga session. They provide adequate nutrition and hydrate the body at the same time. The best part about them is that you can mix various types of fruits with low-fat yogurt and not have to stick to any single flavour always! Remember that the natural sugar in fruits should suffice so don’t add any extra sugar.
4. Apples:
Apples are alkaline fruits and help keep acidity at bay. They also contain natural sugars and lots of fibre and also keep your body hydrated. The vitamin C in Apple gives your body an energy boost which is ideal before yoga.
5. Yogurt:
Yogurt is both delicious and nutritious. It can be eaten in a number of ways; either alone or with fruits. You can even take it with oats. Before going for a yoga session, low fat or zero fat yogurt is the best choice.
6. Dry Fruits:
Almonds contain vitamin E, magnesium and healthy fats. Raisins, on the other hand, are full of natural sugars. You can either eat them raw or soaked. Eating them before yoga classes gives you sufficient energy boost.
7. Oatmeal:
Eating a bowl of oatmeal before you leave for your yoga class is a sensible idea. It is easy to assimilate and rich in fibres.
What to Eat After Yoga:
After you return from your yoga classes, it is quite natural that you will be rather starved. Practicing all those difficult postures and the journey back home will make you crave for food. However, do not gorge on any snack you fancy to placate your taste buds. After practising yoga, you need to eat the right kind of foods.
1. Water:
While you will need to eat after practicing yoga, it is even more important to adequately hydrate the body. You need to consume plenty of water. Plain water is the best option. However, for a change, you may drink coconut/lemon water sometimes.
2. Fresh Fruit Juice:
You can enjoy a large glass of fresh fruit juice post yoga classes. It is good to try different fruits each day for a variety. Refrain from added sugar and rely on the natural sugar in the fruits.
3. Homemade Vegetable Soup:
You have burnt a lot of calories at the yoga session and it is important that you offer the body with plenty of nutrients with calories. For a nutritious-after- yoga-dish hardly anything can match a homemade vegetable soup. You can use carrots, celery, spinach or cabbages to prepare it. Pour in your choice of vegetables and add black pepper and ginger for flavour.
4. Tuna:
You need to provide your body with energy giving foods. Fish like tuna is a worthwhile example. You can make tuna sandwiches or eat other tuna dishes after yoga classes for optimum protein intake.
5. Toast with Banana and Almond Butter:
This is ideal when you need a good dose of nutrition without consuming extra calories. Bake whole grain toast and spread a generous amount of almond butter on it and top with banana slices. You get protein, healthy fats and fibre all at the same time.
6. Green Tea:
Green tea has numerous health benefits and it is healthier than many other beverages you can drink after you return from yoga sessions. Yoga enhances blood circulation and the antioxidants present in green tea thus get circulated throughout the body. It also acts as a great stress reliever.
7. Whole-Grain Toast with Scrambled Egg Whites:
If you practice yoga in the daytime, this can be an excellent and fitting post yoga snack. Egg whites contain protein and are free of cholesterol. The whole-grain bread contains complex carbohydrates that will ensure you stay energized for a long time.
8. Fresh Vegetable Salad:
You can scarf down a bowl of salad made of fresh vegetables after yoga classes. You can use dark leafy vegetables, preferably organic vegetables.
These simple tips can go a long way in helping you reap the maximum benefits of a yoga session. While different forms of yoga may call for a slight deviation in the diet consumed, the above guide acts as a simple yet effective diet plan for all of you who wish to practice yoga on a daily basis. The key is to eat light, and curb the tendency to binge, lest you will not gain anything from spending hours in a room with crossed legs!
Wish you a fruitful yoga session.