Yoga Does So Much To Start

A yoga practice not only encompasses how you move your body, and how you move prana through your body, it is also about what you nourish your body with. That’s right, I’m talking about the food and drinks you consume.

Importance of food

In North America we have become quite engulfed in a fast paced, no nonsense society. We want things that are quick, and easy, so we can get more done in a short period of time. It has become apparent that our actions are causing negative effects on our bodies, our society, and our environment.

More people are becoming aware of these changes and trying to create a shift in our connection to ourselves and the world around us. One of the ways we can start this shift in our own lives is by practicing yoga.

We know that yoga calms our mind, makes us feel better, and heals our bodies, but what many don’t know is how to nourish their bodies properly. It is especially important to know what and when to eat because food aids in the healing process that yoga is conducting.

Pre yoga practice

One of the important rules, which you might remember your parents or elders telling you as a child, stop eating at least one hour before swimming. The same goes for yoga, stop eating at least one hour prior to your practice.

It is also very important to keep your body hydrated prior to a yoga class, so it is important to drink at least one glass of water in the hour before your practice. If you find yourself hungry before class, you’ve drank your water and still need something, keep it light with something like a banana or a handful of almonds. You want the snack light enough that you’re not going to get sick but enough to keep you going through your practice.

Post yoga practice

After a yoga class you want to restore your electrolytes so you want to consume things such as water with cucumber or lemon, or chocolate coconut milk. It is very important to hydrate after a class so water or coconut water with cucumber or lemon is very highly recommended. Consuming food high in protein and carbs is also very important after a yoga class, especially a class that is a little more strenuous such as a flow class.

Our bodies are made up of something like 80{131173ed06903c8be65f6a81efeb8c2748771fe1459b6ab57276defad424c2c3} water, so staying hydrated is very important if you’re practicing or not. More attention should be paid to it around a practice though.

In summary, make sure you’re hydrated, not eating too much too close to a practice, and make sure you are nourishing your body with water and good foods following a practice. If you don’t already do these things, incorporate them into your routine and be ready to feel the benefits!