Many yoga practitioners follow a philosophy that focuses on harmonious living and clean eating. That is why a large number of them follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, food is used to balance the doshas (elements of the physical body). There are specific dosha balancing recommendations that some yogis follow very strictly.
Like meditation, yoga helps us improve our awareness and senses and connect with nature.
Once we begin to explore these connections, we can naturally find ourselves and build our own he althy way of eating.
Sometimes applying some simple rules can help us find the right diet for ourselves. Here are some nutritional recommendations that yoga practitioners follow.
Eat lots of plant foods. Especially lots of vegetables. It's good to have them raw or steamed.
Include whole grains in your diet, such as brown rice,quinoa and oats.
Consume low-acid fruits like bananas, peaches, mangoes.
Maintain good daily hydration. Consume plenty of water and herbal teas and limit caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
Fat intake should be limited and he althy.
Include in your menu spices that have medicinal properties. These are cardamom, ginger, black pepper, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon,sage, fennel, anise, cumin, mint, basil, turmeric, parsley and coriander.
Eat nuts and whenever possible add walnut oil to your food.
Avoid packaged foods and especially those that are processed, sweet treats, candy, white bread.
Control portion sizes. As with most diets, moderation is the key!
One hour before a yoga class it is good not to consume food. But of course it's good to follow what your body needs. Remember that if you eat a lot, you will not be comfortable during yoga.
How to eat breakfast? If you have been skipping the first and most important meal of the day, change that if you want to be he althy, energetic and in good shape.
For breakfast, suitable foods are oatmeal with berries flavored with cinnamon, coconut milk, a little honey and low-acid fruits.
You can also make breakfast with quinoa,egg, avocado and balsamic vinegar.
Yogurt with chiaa seeds, coconut flakes, fruit and a little honey. Before a yoga class and for a light snack between meals, you can allow yourself a small amount of nuts or a banana, a peach.
