Do you ever find yourself wondering what to eat before yoga class? Should you have a fruit? Some grains? Protein? Nothing at all? Are you supposed to eat right before a class or a few hours before? Understanding how and when to fuel the body before exercise is very important. It has a significant impact on your energy levels as well as your overall performance. Here are some tips that will help you make the right choice and prevent you from feeling bloated or too weak during your next yoga session.
When you fuel right, you feel right!
Before exercising it is important to consume easily digestible foods that will provide the muscles with an immediate source of energy. Needless to say that some foods are better than others. Great foods to consume before a workout are:
Apples (not more than 1)
High in fiber, natural sugar and vitamin C.
Pears (not more than 1)
High in fiber, low acidity and rich in natural sugar.
Dates (not more than 2-3)
Rich in glucose. Dates provide an immediate source of energy that goes right to the liver to help fuel the body.
Banana (not more than 1)
Rich in potassium which works with sodium to keep your body hydrated.
Coconut Oil (1 table spoon)
The medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil provide an immediate source of energy. They go directly to the liver without having to be processed.
How About A Pre-Yoga Class Smoothie?
Here's a great pre-yoga class smoothie recipe:
- 2 medjool dates (pitted)
- 1 tbs coconut oil
- juice of half a lemon (can also do whole lemon)
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 cups of water
Blend together and enjoy!
Make Sure To Keep Portion Size Small
Furthermore, you want to keep your portion size fairly small. This should be a light snack, about the size of your fist. If there is too much food in the stomach before exercise, the body will direct its energy to digestion instead of the muscles, leading to poor performance. As a result, it is best to consume smaller snacks, such as those listed above, as they are easy for the body to breakdown and use as a source of energy. Lastly, fueling should take place forty-five minutes prior to exercise. This will allow the food to digest completely and prevent any cramping that could hinder your performance.
Remember these guidelines next time you wonder what to eat before yoga class. When you fuel right, you feel right!
