The 7 Best Foods to Eat to Upgrade Your Yoga Practice
by Elizabeth Denton
Anyone who exercises regularly, but especially a yogi, knows that what you eat affects your performance. As delicious as those pancakes are, simple carbohydrates can make you feel sluggish and cause you to want to nap, instead of heading to a yoga class. (But by all means, have those pancakes on a day off!) It’s not about looking a certain way, but about feeling your best during practice. Focus on having the stamina to keep going when you’re feeling ready to quit and the joint flexibility to hold a position you’ve never tried before. When you nail it, you nail it, and the right yoga food can make a big difference.
Nourish your body with these seven snacks and meals. Whether you’re a vegan or vegetarian, or gluten-free or dairy-free, there’s something delicious to help ensure you feel your best through practice and beyond. And whatever you choose, make sure to drink water throughout the day.
1. Green Shakshuka
There will be a lot of greens on this list for a good reason. Studies have shown that green vegetables can increase your flexibility. Plus, the high water content helps flush acids from your body. Add goat cheese and a fried egg and you’ll have a protein-enriched meal that will give you energy and keep you fuller longer. Because who wants stomach growls during Savasana?
From the Rockwell Kitchen Menu: With kale, onion, garlic, and a fried egg on Olive Boule, our Green Shakshuka is sure to hit the spot and give you energy at the same time.
2. Turkey Burger
Not consuming enough protein throughout the day can be a big reason for loss of energy. It doesn’t have to be animal protein but if it is, a lean turkey burger is a great choice. With sun-dried tomato and spinach and a side salad, you’ll get a well-rounded blend of increased flexibility, heart-healthy antioxidants and filling protein.
From the Rockwell Kitchen Menu: Not only will this organic turkey burger keep you full with lean protein, the addition of greens in our Turkey Burger meal will help with that flexibility in yoga and the rest of the day.
3. Mushroom Omelette
Experts agree: eating a healthy breakfast can make you more alert and jumpstart your metabolism, keeping you full until lunch. This also ensures you won’t overeat when lunchtime comes around, leading to sluggishness. You probably know eggs are a key source of protein; they are also loaded with vitamins, minerals and good fats. Adding organic local mushrooms and cheddar cheese delivers niacin, which is great for the digestive system, and a filling protein.
From the Rockwell Kitchen Menu: Choose our Shroom Omelette for a well-rounded breakfast that’ll deliver the good fats and best protein for your yoga practice.
4. Avocado Toast
Eating small meals throughout the day has been shown to increase energy and nix that “I’m so full, I need a nap” feeling. A simple avocado toast before yoga gives you more good fats and nutrients than you would expect from a small meal. Avocado itself has omega-3 fatty acids (great for reducing inflammation), vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, magnesium and potassium. Phew! On a fiber-rich bread, you have a snack that’ll keep you full and energized for hours.
From the Rockwell Kitchen Menu: Our Avocado Toast has the right mix of good fats and filling fiber that’s light enough that it won’t interfere with your yoga practice.
5. Salmon Breakfast Sandwich
What if you could eat something pre-yoga that would increase your energy, reduce inflammation and even help protect your heart and brain? Well, that’s what salmon does. Aside from being a great source of protein, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. With scrambled egg, goat cheese and greens, you have a well-rounded breakfast sandwich.
From the Rockwell Kitchen Menu: Choose our Salmon Breakfast Sandwich on Olive Boule for a brain- and heart-healthy meal prep-practice. Be sure to pick up a vegan Double Chocolate cookie for later.
6. Homemade Protein Bar
Although store-bought protein bars can have as much sugar and simple carbohydrates as a candy bar, homemade varieties (either from your home or a restaurant), can give you a dose of energy on the go. With ingredients such as unsweetened fruit, oats and nuts, you’ll satisfy your hunger while keeping up your energy and avoiding an epic sugar crash.
From the Rockwell Kitchen Menu: If you need even more energy throughout the day, add an oat or almond milk latte. Our Laird Superfood lattes are enhanced with brain-boosters like MCT and functional mushrooms.
7. Grilled PB&J
Sometimes you just want something simple and sweet, made from whole, organic ingredients. What’s more comforting than a PB&J? Peanut butter is full of heart-healthy fats and is a good source of protein, especially for those who don’t eat meat. Local jam makes it feel like a treat, albeit a healthy one. It’s delicious any time of day before a yoga session.
From the Rockwell Kitchen Menu: Pick up our Grilled PB&J for a protein-filled snack and make it more well-rounded with the addition of a Wellness Shot in either Immun-C, Energy, Hemp + Ginger or Hemp + Turmeric).
These delicious meals are available at Rockwell Kitchen. The wellness culture of Malibu runs deep for us, and we’re committed to using organic and local ingredients — ensuring you feel just as good on the inside as you do on the outside. It’s an excellent place for yogis to eat if they’re practicing in and around Malibu.
Elizabeth Denton is a Los Angeles-based beauty, fashion and wellness writer.
Sources:
https://insyncphysio.com/foods-that-improve-your-workout-flexibility/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/eating-to-boost-energy
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-reasons-why-eggs-are-the-healthiest-food-on-the-planet
https://health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/greek-yogurt-vs-regular-yogurt-which-is-more-healthful