Should I Eat Before My Yoga Practice?

I don’t know about you but eating before practice or a workout has always been a bit of a dilemma for me, Should I eat? What should I eat? Do I have time to eat? Will the food digest in time?

Now I know some yoga teachers say that it’s ok to practice on an empty stomach and that for some yoga poses it can be very beneficial but that would depend on what time your class is and let’s face it with all that twisting and bending going on the last thing any of us want to happen or hear happen is that sound of passing wind! It’s natural and it happens but if possible I always like to avoid it happening to me …

As with all forms of exercise it really doesn’t make sense to practice on a full stomach and it’s always been best practice to eat food that can be easily digested and to wait at least two hours after you’ve had a big meal before you hit the mat.

But if you’re feeling a little peckish you can have a little healthy snack half an hour or an hour before you practice. Here are some of my go-to favourites:

Bananas

Bananas are rich in potassium, magnesium and fiber. The potassium works with sodium to help keep you hydrated and the magnesium in bananas helps prevent cramps and bloating whereas the fiber content will help you feel full.

Almonds

Almonds are my favourite kind of nut, rich in potassium, magnesium and vitamin E almonds help keep you hydrated and give you bundles of energy. Just a handful of raw, unsalted almonds will keep you going during your yoga class.

Dates

As a frequent visitor to Dubai I’ve acquired quite a taste for dates so it’s just as well they’re good for you! Dates are packed full of vitamins and minerals, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin k, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and folate to name but a few and they are a great source of energy and fiber.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a great way to boost your energy levels before a yoga class and what could be better than a smoothie that uses all my favourite pre-practice ingredients!

1 large ripe banana

1 large ripe banana

1 cup of cold almond milk

3 or 4 dates (depending on size)

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1 teaspoon of almond butter (if you like your smoothies creamy)

Blitz them all up in a blender and enjoy!