Share
We all are aware of the growing popularity of yoga globally, especially at a time when most people are struggling to destress and find a balance between work and home. So, no wonder the world comes together to mark International Yoga Day on June 21 every year, since its inception in 2015.
Did you know that back in 2016, the Embassy of India in Paris even organised an event at the iconic Eiffel Tower that attracted an overwhelming number of yoga enthusiasts? A combination of physical, mental and spiritual practice, the world has been thankful to India for introducing yoga. The practice is aimed at attaining overall body strength and keeping it healthy and sound through its various asanas, or poses.
There are also several meditative techniques - including breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation (dhyana) to discipline the mind as well.
On this Yoga Day, we look at the best way to keep fit through yoga in accordance with a proper diet to stay fit and maintain a healthy balance. Those who practice yoga know how it requires more body strength than anything else, and the only way to ensure a good stamina teamed with body strength, is by having a good balance of nutrients in your diet.
An ideal meal must be nutrient-dense and include good fats, proteins and carbohydrates, both before and after yoga session. This International Yoga Day, let’s look at what’s the best you can eat before and after your yoga session to make it more effective and sustainable.
What To Eat Before Yoga Session
For a morning yoga session, one can opt for fresh fruits like a host of berries and bananas. But make sure to eat it at least 45 minutes before you start the session. Protein-rich foods like oatmeal, eggs or protein bars or shakes can also help kick start an energy-filled yoga session in the morning. If you are planning your yoga session in the evening, try and keep it as light as you can, and consume at least one hour prior to it. So, work around salads, steamed veggies, nuts and seeds to keep the energies high but the meal shouldn’t be heavy at all. To summarise, meals before yoga session must be light on the body so as not to feel drowsy in between, or make you uncomfortable while trying to move through asanas after a meal, especially the ones that involve twists, bends and inversions.
Image: Pixabay
What To Eat After Yoga Session
It is natural to feel thirsty after a yoga session of even 40-45 minutes. But one must only drink water 30 minutes after the session. After the yoga session, indulge in a wholesome, super nutritious meal which can include a bowlful of fresh seasonal fruits or vegetable salads. Hard-boiled eggs, a light sandwich, yogurt with nuts, and seeds and cereals are also some of the best options one can try.
Image: Pixabay
What You Shouldn’t Eat Before And After Yoga
Avoid consuming heavy and large meals, including dishes that are rich in oil, spices and fried items prior to yoga class. Foods that are rich in fat content tend to slow down digestion. Another important point is to stay well-hydrated at any time you are practicing yoga. Dehydration can highly affect the ability focus and move the body.
Happy International Yoga Day!
