7 Foods to Eat Before a Yoga Session for Energy

Although it is generally recommended to practice yoga on an empty stomach in the morning, many people prefer to have breakfast before their morning fitness routine. Eating a healthy diet before exercise is good and will help you perform better and recover faster. However, skipping meals can make you feel sluggish or light during physical activity, including yoga. You might think you don’t need to eat anything before a hot yoga session, but you do! Eating certain foods before yoga will make you feel energized and burn more calories.

A good pre-workout diet means eating the right types of foods before any exercise that can speed up your performance and results. Research published in American Journal of Physiology: Endocrinology and Metabolism Eating healthy foods beforehand suggests that calorie burning during exercise will increase.

7 Foods to Eat Before a Yoga Session

Here are the best foods to eat before your yoga session to help you feel energetic and get the most out of your workout:

1. Banana

Bananas add vital nutrients to your diet, including potassium, which your body needs. Dietitian and nutritionist Divya Gopal says, “Potassium is an important mineral and electrolyte that carries a small electrical charge in our body. This charge stimulates nerve cells to send signals to the heart to beat regularly and muscles to contract, which helps give you more energy. Plus, bananas are rich in carbohydrates, which give you quick energy to fuel your workout without weighing you down.

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2. Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt is one of the best pre-yoga snacks because it is packed with protein. It not only helps in muscle repair and recovery, but also in building muscle. Furthermore, Greek yogurt also contains probiotics, which support digestive health and help prevent bloating or discomfort during twists and turns on the mat. Choose a low-fat or non-fat variety of Greek yogurt to reap these benefits.

3. Avocado

Creamy and delicious, avocados are packed with healthy fats, fiber and vitamins, making them a great pre-yoga snack. The healthy fats in avocados provide a steady source of energy, while the fiber helps keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout your workout. Additionally, avocados are rich in potassium and magnesium, which help prevent muscle cramps and promote relaxation.

4. Oatmeal

A bowl of oatmeal topped with your favorite fruit or nuts is a nutritious and filling option to boost your yoga practice. “It provides a combination of fiber and protein, which helps you stay fuller for longer, helps in weight loss. The presence of complex carbohydrates helps in the gradual release of energy, giving you enough energy to continue with your yoga session,” says the expert. You should eat at least an hour before doing yoga. Make sure to eat the meal.

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5. Smoothies

If you need a quick dose of energy with essential vitamins and minerals, go for a smoothie. You can pack it with a variety of fruits, leafy vegetables, protein-rich ingredients like Greek yogurt or protein powder, and healthy fats like avocado or almond butter. The combination of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in the smoothie provides instant energy and helps in muscle recovery. Additionally, smoothies also help you stay hydrated and refreshed.

6. Protein-rich foods

Adding protein-rich foods like tofu, dried fruits, nuts, yogurt, oatmeal, and protein shakes can support muscle function and cells in your body. Pairing protein with carbohydrates like broccoli soup, sweet potatoes, boiled or baked beans, etc. Improves muscle recovery and quickly releases energy into the bloodstream. Remember portion sizes to avoid feeling too full or sluggish during your session.

7. Almonds

Almonds are a nutrient-dense snack that provides a combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber that will keep you energized and satisfied. “They also contain magnesium, which plays a key role in muscle function and relaxation,” explains Gopal. A few almonds make for a convenient pre-workout snack that will help keep your energy levels up throughout your workout.

Foods to Avoid Before Yoga

Before engaging in yoga, it is advisable to avoid certain foods that may interfere with your practice.

• First, avoid heavy meals that cause discomfort and lethargy.
• Spicy foods should also be avoided to avoid discomfort and irritation in the digestive system.
• Foods high in sugar or caffeine can drain your energy and distract you from the necessary focus during yoga.
• Apart from these foods, drinking carbonated beverages before yoga can cause bloating and discomfort in the pose.
• Dairy products should also be avoided because they can contribute to digestive problems for some people.

Instead of eating these foods, go for light, easily digestible foods and keep yourself hydrated with water or herbal teas to make the most of your yoga session!

When should I eat before yoga?

It is not good to do yoga immediately after eating, so it is better to practice early in the morning. If you are eating a light snack, wait at least 45 minutes to an hour. And if you have taken a proper meal, wait 2-3 hours before practicing yoga. To practice yoga in the morning, eat only light food, wait an hour and hit your yoga session!