Diet in yoga practice or long-term improvement of our health
Those of you who have been doing yoga for some time will agree that with yoga comes visible changes, both mental and physical. The body and mind are transformed into a better and healthier form, and with it our building material, which is food. I'm not saying that all individuals are lovers of fatty and unhealthy food, but everyone once in a while allows themselves a "cheat" day where they let their mixed appetites manifest and allow their body to eat whatever it comes up with. This is, in part, sometimes even recommended, so that the body receives "forbidden" goodies that at other times are harmful to it in larger quantities based on the ingredients.
If one voluntarily chooses to engage in yoga for a long period of time, the body begins to behave differently and begins to adapt to internal metabolic processes that do not burden us. It just flows out without any planning.
It happened to me fairly early on.
I 've always been a big fan of beef steaks, deli meats, and fatty dairy products. At the time, I saw the importance and great pleasure in it, but over time and during my practice, I began to realize that my body was rejecting it due to poor digestion and the flavor to stop requiring it quite naturally.
The food we eat plays a vital role in determining our overall health and when combined with yoga can lead to profound improvements in physical and mental well-being. Yoga emphasizes balance and harmony in all aspects of life, including diet. In yoga philosophy, there is a belief that our body is a temple, and what we put into it greatly affects our ability to achieve balance and self-realization.
Let's explain the connection between yoga and the diet we take daily...
1. Energy levels
The food we eat provides us with the energy necessary to engage in physical asana and meditation. A balanced diet can help maintain stable energy levels throughout your practice, prevent fatigue, and improve your overall experience.
2. Healthy digestion
Yoga places a lot of emphasis on proper digestion, believing that a healthy gut is essential for overall well-being. Eating a diet rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables can promote digestive health and help you get the most out of your practice.
3. Mental clarity
Certain foods can affect our mental state and clarity. A diet consisting of nutrient-rich foods such as leafy greens, nuts and whole grains can promote mental alertness and concentration during meditation and pronation (breathing exercises).
4. Weight management
Many people turn to yoga to help them manage weight. Combining a balanced diet with this activity can promote weight loss and a healthy physique.
5. Mindfulness
Yoga encourages mindful eating practices that involve savoring and appreciating every bite. This can help cultivate a healthier relationship with food and prevent overeating alone or emotional overeating.
When practicing yoga, it is important to choose foods that nourish your body and mind.
We 'll explain a few dietary guidelines to consider...
1. Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining energy levels and preventing dehydration during yoga practice. Water, herbal teas, and coconut water are excellent choices.
2. A balanced diet
Focus on diet. This includes a variety of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive consumption of processed foods, sugars and unhealthy fats.
3. Timing
It is advisable to eat a light meal or snack at least 2-3 hours before practicing yoga. This allows for proper digestion and prevents discomfort when holding postures or poses that compress the stomach area.
4. Food for yogis
Some foods are considered yoga-friendly because of their positive effect on energy and digestion. These include bananas, almonds, Greek yogurt, and herbal teas such as chamomile and peppermint.
5. Dietary restrictions
If you have specific restrictions such as vegetarianism or veganism, it is essential to ensure that you meet your nutritional values to effectively support your yoga practice.
Choosing the diet that suits you best is a long-term process that takes several years to develop.
Your whole being responds to the quantity and quality of what you eat.
Women, however, are allowed to eat whatever they feel like during their menstrual cycle, because instant gratification of crazy flavor combinations can prevent emotional collapse or mood explosion and strengthen the protection of our environment against us being amoral :)
I myself have occasional cravings and after eating a quantum of chocolate, junk food, or sugary soda, I feel better, full of energy and a calm mind. It's definitely a time when no regrets are out of place because we 're only human, and allowing ourselves to occasionally get carried away is allowed :)
Remember that diet is a personal choice, so it's essential to find what works best for your body and practice.
By combining the principles of yoga with a healthy diet, you can unlock the full potential of this transformational practice and reap the benefits for the future.
And how do your eating habits change? Does yoga have any effect on your daily consumption? And how do you feel?
Let 's share...