How to Enrich Yoga Practice With Food

Yoga is a healthy exercise for the mind, body and soul. Just as the exercises you practice during yoga are good for the internal organs and external appearance, eating the appropriate foods will enhance the benefits of yoga. This article does not encourage calorie-counting or restricting certain foods. It is meant to help yoga practitioners choose foods that will enhance the exercises. In yoga, it is vital to eat foods that are nutrient-rich in their natural state as opposed to processed and high-fat foods.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Select fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables. Nine servings per day is ideal. Some foods that benefit the heart are avocados, yellow onions and pomegranates. These foods contain antioxidants and help lower blood pressure. A healthy heart is one of the main goals when practicing yoga. Regular yoga practice combined with these fruits and vegetables will enhance the hearth-healthy benefits.

2. Incorporate a variety of nuts into your diet. Pecans, walnuts and almonds contain essential vitamins as well as iron. Pecans contain essential B vitamins that contribute to a healthy intestinal tract. There are several poses in yoga that benefit the intestines. These poses, along with a healthy portion of walnuts and pecans will increase the benefits of yoga.

3. Eat calcium rich foods. Dark leafy-green vegetables, vitamin-D soymilk, tofu, soy cheese, plan low-fat yogurt and low-fat cow's milk are excellent sources of calcium. Calcium is crucial for strengthening bones and enriching the cells of the body. Yoga practice that incorporates weight bearing poses (for example, inversions and arm balances) helps to maintain and increase bone density.

4. Pick whole grains. Whole grains can be found in the form of brown rice, oatmeal, whole wheat pasta and whole wheat bread. Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta and white rice cause a great surge in blood sugar levels. You will need more food, more often if you choose to not eat whole grains. Whole grains stabilize blood sugar levels, therefore, increasing and maintaining energy. A common goal of yoga is to increase overall energy levels. There are several poses that increase the blood flow and create higher energy levels. You can enhance the affect by incorporating whole grains.

5. Limit the amount of meat consumed. Meat can tend to make people feel heavier and this contradicts the mobility and flexibility sought in yoga practice. While meat can be a good source of protein, opt for a lean meat such as chicken. Aim to get protein from legumes, grains and egg whites.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose whole fruits over fruit juices when possible to avoid extra calories and sugar.
• Choose plain, unsalted nuts instead of dry-roasted or salted.
• Drink the recommended eight, eight-ounce servings of water per day. Increase the amount of water if your yoga practice is especially intense.
• Consult a physician before starting a new diet and exercise regime.

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