What should I eat before yoga class?

As one of my yoga teachers says, "it depends." She answers a lot of questions this way. I like the idea of self discovery, but sometimes one just needs an answer! Am I right? We are uniquely different, yes, but we can find some common ground. Let's start there. 

As with any advice I give, I always want to preface it. I am not an expert. I have experimented with my own body and I know what works for me. I also know, sometimes some things work for a while and then they don't. Life changes, we change and so does the way our body responds to food and exercise etc. All things considered, let's get to answering this question. Thank you Marjorie for asking it. 

Much of what I read talks about practicing yoga on an empty stomach. I don't think one should do anything on an empty stomach. For lots of reasons. I'm not going to get into that today. The body and brain need fuel. If you want your body and brain to perform best, feed it. Feed it with healthful whole foods. What we eat affects everything. Remember, we are fully integrated beings. I know I've talked to ad nausium on that; I'll spare you. I like to eat an hour before class. I will eat a clean protein, a whole/complex carbohydrate and a healthy fat all together. Nutrients are best assimilated this way. I want to get the most out of the food I eat. There is a fine line between fuel and too full. You don't want to be in chair pose, a forward fold or a spine twist when you're too full. Amen! Much of how you will feel in class not only depends on your hour-before-fuel, but also the day of your evening class, or the evening before your morning class. Are you eating well and hydrating? Have you gone too long between eating? There simply is no substitute for eating well and regularly and it will affect your practice. It's ok. We're imperfect humans living imperfect lives and eating imperfectly. In the imperfections, we continue the good work of practicing grace in the right now and in the inspiration of journey toward bettering our whole beautiful selves.

Before yoga class:
Some of my favorite Protein:
chicken breast
lean beef
nuts
tuna
cheese
eggs
Complex Carbs:
whole grain crackers (read ingreds and avoid preservatives and poor quality highly processed oils)
fruit (especially ones less gas producing)
whole grain bread/toast
whole grain tortilla (toasted with peanut or almond butter and a bit of honey) :)
Healthy Fats:
nuts
olive oil
grapeseed oil
cheese
dark chocolate (small amts)

Herbal tea is especially nice through the winter months and can be drunk throughout the day. It helps calm the central nervous system as well as helping keep your body hydrated. Caffeinated teas do not do this. They are a fine beverage at the right time and may even be a nice stimulant before a practice. It depends. :)

My husband tells me my emails are a bit too long. He tells me in the sweetest way.

I'll work on that.

Hope to see you this week after your pre-yoga snack!
Jill