To Eat or Not To Eat
People always ask me about eating before yoga class. Is it like not eating before you swim? It’s generally advised not to eat at least two hours before yoga practice. For the most part I would agree because the postures can be quite uncomfortable if you have food in your stomach; and just forget about going upside down! However I believe in making exceptions. It all depends on certain factors:
- Time of day. In the morning you’re waking up on an already empty stomach. I personally need a little something in the morning or I feel nauseous. I recommend eating something light for early breakfast if you practice in the AM. In the evening you may be able to skip dinner assuming you’ve been eating well throughout the day (I’m an “eat 5 or 6 times a day” person). Kind of like a hobbit but with sexier feet.
- What you ate. A light salad consumed an hour ago will sit better in the stomach than a quarter pounder with cheese consumed two hours ago. I say if you’re stomach doesn’t FEEL full, then you’re okay. However, if you ate something very heavy and it’s sitting in your stomach like a rock, go easy during yoga.
- Your individual metabolism. Some people can eat once or twice a day. Others, like myself, need to eat every few hours to keep going. You know yourself, listen to body.
During yoga practice you shouldn’t have a full stomach, but you want enough food in your system to sustain your energy, particularly if it’s a vigorous practice.
And if you’re hungry, EAT. The two-hour no food limit is a guideline not a rule. And please no fainting from hunger in my class. ☺