Mindful Eating & Yoga

You are what you eat – Especially if you're a yogi like us!

Yoga on its own, is a truly powerful and beneficial regime. With healthy and mindful eating habits practiced on top of that, you can most definitely reap the best possible benefits for your body and mind. Eating right is more than just choosing the right foods that are good for you. It also means eating the right amount of foods at the right time. Overindulging simply leads to lethargy while under-indulging leads to the unfortunate habit of binge eating. Meanwhile, eating irregularly may also cause the natural rhythm of our body to be a little messed up.



Now that we’ve established some of the basics as to why you should practice mindful eating, here are some helpful tips to get your yogic diet started!

1. Rule of thumb.
Generally speaking (and as cliché as it sounds), leafy greens are at the centre of the hearts of yogis all over the world. Consistent consumption of these leafy greens help in our body’s mineral and vitamin content hence keeping our adrenals happy and healthy. Get in a balanced consumption of 3 macronutrients (protein, fat and carbs) as well as a regular sleep schedule and you’d be on your way to an energized yoga journey.

2. What to eat before yoga?
Now, this one can be quite a confusing one because heavy meals simply rest in your gut throughout your yoga session and having an empty stomach, on the other hand, would probably make you pass out half way through. Have a light meal or some nibbles at least an hour before as this gives your digestive system just enough time to do its job. Go with your guts. Avoid oily food or leftovers in case you’re worried about having any unnecessary surprises during your yoga session. Be attentive and listen to your body.

Some examples: Apple slices or celery sticks dipped in peanut butter, a whole avocado that’s rich in good fats, a bowl of oatmeal, fruit smoothies or even some dates.

3. What to eat after yoga?
The first thing you’ll want to do post-anything-that makes-you-sweat is to drink some water. Hydration is very important so try to get in as much water as you can. Foods that are rich in water like watermelon and cucumber also make good options. Electrolyte replacing products like coconut water or even a banana are amazing choices too as they are rich in potassium. Load up on protein as well, as this helps your body rebuild its cells and recover its muscles.

Some examples: Turkey slice salad, scrambled eggs with a side of fruits, vegetables and a ranch or hummus dip.