A short 10-minute session each night can make a significant difference in your body and overall well-being. Practicing yoga at night can be incredibly beneficial for relaxing the body, calming the mind and improving our sleep. However, many people are confused about what to eat before or after a nighttime yoga session. Should you eat at all? Will food make you feel heavy or light? The answer lies in choosing the right kind of food that supports your practice without disturbing your rest.
Here’s a unique guide on what to eat when doing yoga at night:
Before Yoga: Light, Easily Digestible Snacks
Doing yoga with a heavy stomach can make you feel sluggish and uncomfortable. That’s why it’s best to eat a small, light meal at least 1 to 1.5 hours before your practice. This gives your body time to digest while still providing enough energy.
Ideal Pre-Yoga Foods:
- Banana with a teaspoon of peanut butter: Offers quick energy and a bit of protein.
- Soaked almonds or walnuts: Rich in healthy fats and calming nutrients like magnesium.
- Fruit smoothie with almond milk: Light, hydrating, and easy on digestion.
- Oats with honey: A small portion of oats helps with sustained energy.
- Coconut water or herbal tea: Keeps you hydrated and relaxed.
Avoid spicy, fried, or heavy foods before yoga. They can cause acidity or bloating, especially in the evening.
After Yoga: Nourishing Yet Light Dinner
After night yoga, your body is in a relaxed state, and eating something too rich can interfere with your sleep. The goal here is to refuel gently, focusing on nutrients that help the body repair and the mind unwind.
Ideal Post-Yoga Dinner Options:
- Vegetable soup with lentils: Warm, soothing, and full of protein.
- Steamed vegetables with quinoa or brown rice: Balanced and easy to digest.
- Khichdi (rice and lentil mix): A traditional Indian comfort food that’s light yet filling.
- Tofu or paneer with sautéed greens: Protein-rich and satisfying.
- Warm turmeric milk: A natural sleep inducer that also helps muscle recovery.
Foods to Avoid at Night
Whether you’re doing yoga or not, some foods are best avoided at night:
- Caffeine (tea/coffee/cola)
- Sugary desserts
- Deep-fried snacks
- Heavy meats or spicy curries
- Carbonated drinks
These can overstimulate the system or cause discomfort, affecting the peaceful state yoga creates.
Bonus Tips for Night Yogis
- Drink warm water after your session to aid digestion.
- Practice mindful eating: chew slowly, avoid screens, and relax while you eat.
- If you’re doing yoga close to bedtime, opt for a small snack instead of a full meal.
Conclusion:
Nighttime yoga is a beautiful way to wind down your day and the food you choose can either enhance or hinder its benefits. Kindly try to eat light, clean and nourishing meals that align with the calming energy of evening yoga. With the right nutrition, your body will thank you with better sleep, digestion and inner peace. If you have any queries on your mind, kindly put a comment below.