You must have heard different kinds of opinions about yoga practice, from different people. Some people will tell you to practice yoga on an empty stomach, while others will tell you to practice yoga, after having some food. Energy is also important, for any sort of physical activity.
It is important for one to practice yoga in the morning, as the mind is fresh at that time. In the course of the day, people go through different state of minds, so you may not get the best benefits that you might have otherwise got.
You should nourish the body properly, before yoga practice, but there are certain rules that you need to follow. If you go to the best yoga school in India, the teachers will give you the correct advice.
Why Should You Do Yoga On An Empty Stomach?
The first answer that you will probably get, is that the body needs some time and energy to digest food. Your body also needs to prepare itself, before you can subject it to twists and turns. According to the Gurus at Samadhi Yoga Ashram, you must avoid food for 1-2 hours before any asana or Pranayama practice. A heavy meal is considered alright before 4 hours.
Your body needs a lot of energy to practice yoga. The same goes for digestion. If you do not have any energy left in the body, the body cannot absorb the nutrients. You must listen to your body’s signals. Metabolism rate is another factor that influences when you should eat and when you should not, before yoga. The yoga school in India will guide you adequately regarding the dos and don’ts. If you have undigested food left in the body, then it can stay like that for hours, if you start doing yoga in between. You will feel bloated, as well.
If you do yoga on a full stomach, the practice will not be as effective. You will also find it much harder to do forward bends and twists, with food in your oesophagus, stomach and intestines. Moreover, you cannot do headstands and any other inversions properly, as well. If the stomach is empty, the abdominal walls get ample space to expand and contract. You can get a more intense stretch. Many people feel sick and dizzy, if they practice yoga, with food in their stomachs.
If you want to lose weight, you might as well practice yoga on an empty stomach. Your body will burn the fat if there is no food there. The right guidance in yoga is necessary, as it will guide you on the right path.
Fasting Can Lead To Healthy Weight Loss Says The Yoga School In India
If you head to one of the best yoga school in India, you will come to know about the rules. One of the main reasons, why the teachers stress on yoga practice in the morning, is that the fasting state proves beneficial. If you practice after eating, the body focuses more on the food energy and not your fat reserves.
Yoga is best done in the morning, as your stomach has been inactive for almost 10 hours. You must study anatomy and physiology at the yoga school in India, to get all the knowledge regarding the benefits and downsides. The lessons take you through the digestive process, elimination process, and circulation process. Adequate scientific knowledge is essential, so as to apply yoga properly.
How Long Should You Wait Before Starting Yoga?
If you want to practice yoga after food, it is best to wait for at least 4 hours. This makes sure that your body has digested the food. You have the option to eat light, before you do yoga. There are excellent choices for you, if you follow Sattvic guidelines. Plant-based foods are an excellent choice for you. This will lead to less burps and bloating. You can go for carbohydrates and fibres, to get that jolt of energy.
Some of the best breakfast options are:
- Fresh fruits, corn flakes, and some milk. This is an excellent choice for breakfast, if you want to start your yoga practice after eating.
- Smoothies are another option for you. You can make yoghurt smoothies with seasonal fruits and vegetables as well. They offer a lot of energy.
- You can have some lightly sautéed vegetables before starting your yoga.
- Dry fruits are another excellent choice, as they provide a lot of energy, without weighing you down.
You must avoid oily and greasy food before yoga practice. Cauliflowers and cabbages are also best avoided, as they have a tendency to lead to bloating. Processed foods are also best avoided, before you start with your yoga practice. Moreover, if you eat spicy foods, the mind turns Rajasic. So, you cannot concentrate on your yoga practice.
Final Words
Therefore, you must maintain a proper routine and food choices, if you are into yoga. Consider the time of the day, while choosing meals. Traditional yogis say that you also must avoid stimulants like coffee. Balance your meals, to have a balanced life. Learn about all this more at the yoga school in India.
