What to Eat and Avoid Before Doing Yoga

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1. A Couple of Bananas
2. An Avocado
3. A Handful of Almonds
4. A Tiny Bowl of Oats
5. A LittleÂ Milk

Wondering what to eat before doing yoga? Thousands of people do so, when they just begin.

Yoga, just like everything Ayurvedic, believes in going easy on the stomach and always eating the right kind of food for the occasion. Teachers of authentic yoga advise students to eat absolutely nothing two hours before doing yoga. Because who wants to get interrupted by garlic-smelling burps while trying to find their zen in the middle of an asana? Moreover, all the bending and twisting can really mess with your digestion when your stomach is full.

But this rule doesn’t work for everybody. Some people have fast metabolism, some have very low energy levels in the morning. Others suffer from strong hunger pangs while doing asanas, which keeps them from experiencing the benefits and joy of yoga. If this sounds like you, you could consider eating some food that keeps your energy levels balanced without harming your digestive system.

So, here’s a list of what to eat before doing yoga, as well as what to steer clear from.

What to Eat Before Doing Yoga

1. A Couple of Bananas

Bananas are among the best food to eat before hot yoga sine they’ve got loads of potassium and magnesium. They keep you hydrated, energetic and free from muscle cramps after your session. Don’t eat more than two. Also, you shouldn’t combine them with milk according to Ayurvedic experts.

2. An Avocado

These fruits, just like bananas, are packed with potassium and magnesium that you require to do 15 Surya Namaskar rounds. Ayurveda’s take on avocados is that they’re great for those high in Vata, but not for those with excess Kapha since it’s rather fatty. This fruit will help you feel full as well as energetic for a longer amount of time, but won’t strain your digestive system.

3. A Handful of Almonds

If you’re wondering what to eat before yoga other than fruits, almonds are a brilliant option. Anyone can grab a handful of almonds for an energy pep up before you head to class. They’re a highly valued Ayurvedic food since they’re wonderfully nourishing with antioxidants, fats, fibre as well as other vitamins. When soaked in water, they have plenty of health benefits. If you have high Pitta, make sure to peel off the skin.

4. A Tiny Bowl of Oats

Oats make a pretty healthy pre-yoga snack since they’ve got fibre, magnesium, iron, carbohydrates, protein, calcium, as well as vitamin A and B. They’re quite light on the stomach for something so nutrient-packed. The best part is that they help you feel really full while being super-easy to digest. If you’re a Kapha type, go for dry oats rather than the slimy alternatives.

5. A Little Milk

Last on our list is milk, a great Ayurvedic ingredient for Vata and Pitta. If you’re wondering what to eat before yoga at night, milk is perhaps the best answer since it’s better to have more liquids than solids after dusk arrives. Being a complete meal in itself that helps you feel satiated for a good while, milk makes the ideal pre workout drink before yoga. Ayurveda deems cow milk a super food. To increase its digestibility, boil it well. But remember to drink less than a full glass, and have it at least 20 minutes before you get started.