Best Foods to Eat Before Yoga

Eating prior to and following yoga is of vital importance, and it is a commonly asked question to the majority of yoga practitioners. Unlike the vast majority of exercises, yoga is actually better when done on an empty stomach. In fact, you should space your last meal at least 3 hours prior to or following your yoga practice. That being said, there are also some specific foods that are perfect for yoga practice, and we will explore those foods and how they affect your practice in this brief article!

We had aforementioned the importance of maintaining a three hour time spread in between eating and yoga practice. Why is this so important? In three hours, your body has fully digested the majority of food which results in the empty stomach that is sought during yoga. During the three hours before your yoga practice, remember to not consume anything with the exception of lime juice or organic fruits. If you are finding yourself all but starving prior to your yoga practice, you can take the edge off of your stomach pains by drinking a cup of coffee or a small glass of milk. If you decide to consume fruits, do so at least 45 minutes to an hour before your yoga session.

You may be questioning why it is so important to practice yoga on an empty stomach. During yoga asanas, particularly forward folds and reverse bends, tremendous abdominal pressure can ensure which forces the foods your body is trying to digest upwards, which results in extreme discomfort. While your body is trying to digest these foods the majority of your body's blood circulation will also be diverted to your digestive tract and away from your muscles.

Now that you have a little more insight on the importance of food and monitoring the time spread between eating and yoga practice, here are the top 4 foods that are perfect to incorporate into your yoga lifestyle:

• Fresh, organic fruits and vegetables: Loaded with necessary vitamins and minerals, fruits and vegetables are also low in calories, and high in healthy fat content which allows your body to fuel up without filling up! They are also high in water content, easily accessible, and super easy to digest.

• Nuts: Also high in the healthy fat content, nuts should be you go-to snack staple. Easy to carry around and incredibly nutritious, nuts are the perfect fuel source to maintain optimal energy levels to keep you going throughout your busy day!
• Organic whole grains: Delicious and nutritious, organic whole grains are the best way to start your day. Loaded with vitamins and minerals, these heart-healthy grains load up your body with energy that lasts throughout the day so that you don't end up burning out before you even make it to your yoga practice!
• Soups: Typically low in calories, and loaded with yummy veggies, soups are a great choice for lunch or dinner. You can fill your body up in a way that doesn't end up making you feel sluggish. Soups are also incredibly easy for your body to digest, just keep a close look for high sodium levels and try and stick with the more natural or organic options. Or better yet, make your own!