I get asked this often and the short answer is yes. However, you may want to think about what you choose to eat, and when you choose to eat it.
As a general guideline, it’s a good idea to eat fruit or vegetables, perhaps a juice or a smoothie at least an hour before you practise yoga. Vegetables can be a great source of energy-giving carbohydrates, but steer clear of beans or cruciferous veggies before you get your asana on – there’s nothing fun about gas, bloating or stomach cramps in a crowded class (for you or anyone else). Foods that feature onion and garlic may be delicious, though these are also considered a better option post-practice.
Nutrient-rich foods worth a mention are raw almonds, bananas, and avocado. You can have one of these, or better yet all three blended into a delicious and nourishing smoothie.
Avocados are a great source of potassium and contain up to twice as much of this mineral as bananas. Potassium is an important mineral that most of us don’t get enough of, and has been shown to keep blood pressure at a healthy level. They add a delicious creaminess to smoothies, or can be eaten as is if you’re short on time.
Bananas too are a great source of potassium, as well as vitamin B6 which is necessary for healthy immune function. They are easy to grab as a snack before class, and are a great addition to smoothies too. If I am teaching more than one class throughout the day, I start my day off with a nourishing bowl of oatmeal porridge topped with bananas – this not only fuels my body for the day ahead, but is easily digested and tastes pretty good too.
Everybody is different, so you might need more or less than the person next to you. For me personally, my go-to snack is dark chocolate coated almonds or a green juice. If possible, try and opt for raw or activated almonds to gain the most benefit from these incredible nuts. Almonds in particular are a great source of vitamin E, which has been linked to skin health and reduced signs of ageing (that has to be good!).
Do you have any pre-practice snacks that work for you? Feel free to share in the comments below. Happy practising!