According to research, it is the food we eat that has the greatest impact on our fitness habits, including our yoga practice. From stress relief, to healing allergies and improving sleep, yoga is a great activity to include in a healthy lifestyle, and especially can aid in developing disciplined and healthy eating habits. Part of the practice of yoga is focusing on the connection between mind and body, and integral to this connection is feeding your body with nourishing whole foods that improve and heal your body naturally and contribute to fueling your yoga practice in a sustainable way. Even more than exercise itself, nutrition is crucial to physical health and body composition, and our diet forms the critical basis of energy stores needed to practice yoga.
Tailor Smoothies To Your Taste And Diet Needs
Gaining in popularity thanks to endorsements from celebrities and chefs alike, smoothies are fantastic pre-yoga fuel. The drink packs a punch of nutrition in a convenient and portable format, and can be prepared ahead of time to drink on the way to a yoga class. Smoothies are the perfect vehicle to deliver a lot of nutrient dense foods, like dark greens, healthy fats, fruits, seeds, and probiotics, in one great tasting package, providing the right fuel for your yoga practice. Moreover, different combinations of fruits and veggies are a great way to sneak in those healthy but less palatable ingredients like kale. Smoothies can be adjusted easily to fit your preferred diet, too, like being diabetic or ketogenic-friendly. Easily lower your refined sugar intake by swapping sugar sweeteners for fruits or natural raw honey. Dates makes a great choice as a fiber filled sweetener as well. Non-processed, hydrating foods are ideal for the yogi, as they sustain a healthy body and mind and support the basic concepts of yoga nutrition.
The Up And Comer: Bone Broth Is Savory And Full Of Nutrition For All Diets
Another option to fuel your yoga practice that is gaining mainstream popularity is bone broth. This ancient recipe is a brothy liquid derived from animal bones and simmered for a long time, releasing minerals and collagen into the flavorful golden liquid. Anti-inflammatory and immune boosting spices and herbs can be added to enhance the taste and nutrition of this savory delight. Bone broth can be made at home in big batches from simple ingredients, or bought in store at surprisingly high-quality and good value. Look for bone broth in the frozen section that is made from animal bones to ensure quality that is closest to what you would make at home. This is another great choice for diabetics, paleo, or keto dieters. The hydration factor is also something that every yoga practitioner should be on the lookout for when choosing foods that compliment their practice.
The Original Fuel: Workout Bars To Power Up
The original workout fuel, nutrient rich bars are definitely having a new moment in the health and wellness world with new versions, brands, and blends hitting the shelves all the time. Make sure to check the label to avoid added sugars and overly complicated, processed, or artificial ingredients. A simple ingredient list with a good balance of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates in best. Some new bars are sourcing protein from innovative new places, like cricket flour and kale. Don’t be afraid to pack one of these creative new concoctions in your yoga bag as portable pre-workout fuel.
With booming popularity and well-documented health benefits, it is no surprise that young and old alike are turning to yoga practice as their preferred workout. It is easy to find the perfect portable foods for your yoga practice. Try out smoothies, broths, and bars for easy to make or buy snacks that are stable on the go. It is simple to find the right choice to fit special diet needs, whether you DIY or buy from specialty providers.
Jane Sandwood