Because of its popularity these days, the focus of yoga often tends to be on the physical aspect only. You can go to classes and practice at a studio, or you can follow along with digital classes online. The physical benefits of yoga are well documented, but if you really want to support your body in transformation, taking a holistic approach will complement your physical practice perfectly.
Ultimately, yoga is a practice that teaches you to build respect and acceptance for yourself and your body. Part of this process is keeping your body and mind fueled with clean, nutritious food.
Food: The Missing Piece of Your Yoga Practice
So much of what we think, say, and feel is connected to the food we put into our bodies. This connection gives you the power to choose better, cleaner foods, free of added sugars and preservatives. It’s said that the body is a temple, a temporary vessel for the soul. If you believe this, supporting your soul with a body strengthened by yoga and fueled by clean nutrition is a great step towards finding balance and inner peace.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” I’d add: “You are also when, how, where, and why you eat.” Let’s explore this together.
What You Eat
Thanks to the information age, it’s easier than ever to understand exactly what’s in the food we buy. Choosing fresh food will always give you cleaner energy and help your digestive system. The great thing about yoga is that when combined with good nutrition choices, your digestion and elimination processes become more regular and predictable.
Aim for fresh fruits and vegetables with lots of color and variety, think leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, and squash. Pick clean proteins like:
- Raw nuts and seeds
- Wild fish
- Cage-free eggs
- Quinoa, hemp hearts, chia seeds
- Lentils or beans
- Cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
If you include wheat, try to make it whole grain with low sodium.
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When You Eat
The body loves routine, so planning your meals for most of the week will help. With all the conflicting demands and priorities nowadays, it might seem tough, but start by tackling bad habits, like grabbing breakfast on the run and late-night snacking.
New habits become routine before you know it. Plan ahead and try something different for at least a week. When considering eating before yoga, remember: a full belly won’t feel good during forward folds or upward dogs!
How You Eat
One of the biggest challenges for nourishing your body and soul is the habit of wolfing down food because you’re rushed, or mindlessly eating until you’re stuffed. Both habits stress your body and disrupt digestion.
When it’s time to eat, take at least 30 minutes to sit in a relaxed posture, no distractions like smartphones or TV, and truly taste your food. Hydration also matters: I encourage you to drink warm or hot water with meals instead of icy cold water or sugary beverages.
Where You Eat
This can be tricky, but creating a clear distinction between where you work/relax and where you eat will help you maintain a healthy relationship with food. Eating dinner in front of the TV is one of the most common bad habits, leading to mindless overeating.
Sitting at a dining table allows you to connect with your body and recognize when you’re satisfied. The same principle goes for eating on the run, multitasking and eating don’t mix well.
Why You Eat
Eating is both a social mechanism and a life-sustaining function. But let’s be honest, most of the time when you eat, it’s not because you’re hungry. We eat for emotional reasons: a bad day at work, fights with friends, loneliness, or boredom.
A yoga practice helps develop mindfulness as you become more aware of your body’s messages. Next time you feel the urge to eat, ask yourself why. Try drinking a glass of water first, hunger is often thirst in disguise!
With Whom You Eat
Stop and think about the kinds of food you eat and who you’re with at the time. Maybe you indulge with certain friends but not others, or you follow the cues of those around you. Ultimately, it’s about building a relationship with your body, so you know what’s right for you, not just because others are eating it.
Awareness: The Core of Yoga and Eating
The common thread with all these topics is awareness. The good news? Yoga helps you strengthen your mindfulness muscle, your awareness of what’s happening for you at any given moment. With this, you can change unconscious habits and reactions and embody the true spirit of yoga and personal wellness.
This awareness will not only make you feel better about your body but also transform your relationship with food in ways you never imagined.
🧘♂️ Ready to integrate mindful eating and yoga into your life?
Check out our small group yoga and personal training programs at Tsquared Personal Training. Let’s connect mind, body, and spirit, one breath, one bite at a time.
