Yoga is a practice that can provide many benefits to both body and mind (those who have tried it know this!). Even more beautiful and regenerating it is practicing in the midst of nature, perhaps in a historic park like Villa Pamphili where you can spread out your mat on the grass, isolate yourself from the noise of the city and focus your attention on yourself.
But have you ever wondered What should you eat before and after a yoga class?Here are some good practices to keep in mind…
Recommended foods
Live, colorful, seasonal and organic foods They're highly recommended for yoga lovers, but they're actually great for everyone! Fruits and vegetables, mostly eaten raw, are rich in water and fill us with positive energy. Then there are legumes and whole grains like spelt, barley, millet, etc., all foods that make our bodies feel light while also giving us the right energy, just what we need to tackle a yoga class at our best. These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals, in short, true supplements for our bodies that nature has gifted us (let's take advantage of it, shall we?!). In the yoga tradition, we talk about Sattvic foods, or foods that can harmonize the body, clarify the mind, increase concentration, and promote mental peace and spirituality.
Fruits and vegetables of every color and flavor can be eaten not only as they are during a snack but also enjoyed in the form of extracts, centrifuges and smoothies (we at Vivi Bistrot we offer them in many exquisite variations). It's a must that everything is organic. Is it possible to detoxify and recharge your batteries if you eat pesticides?
An excellent choice is then to use spices such as ginger and turmeric with anti-inflammatory properties. How? Also in this case, in addition to being added to your favorite dishes, the so-called "“health spices”" can be used to enrich detox smoothies, prepare teas and herbal teas or even to make other types of drinks. For example, you can try our Golden Milk, Made with turmeric, milk (vegetable milk can also be used), and sweet almond oil... a true delight! This drink comes from the Kundalini Yoga tradition, brought to the West by master Yogi Bajah, and is particularly recommended for making the joints more flexible for yoga practitioners.
What to avoid
Let's get to the hardest part (at least for some of us). When practicing yoga you should… avoid meat, It's a difficult food to digest and therefore contributes to a heavy burden on our bodies. There's also a "spiritual" component, if you will, in the advice to avoid eating meat or fish. According to yogic tradition, the suffering of animals that ends up on our plates is transferred, after eating, into our bodies. This obviously doesn't promote mental peace and calm, qualities that instead aid our practice and improve our ability to meditate and focus our attention on ourselves.
Other animal proteins, such as milk, cheese, and eggs, should also be consumed in moderation. The same goes for nervous substances like coffee, while alcohol should be completely banned.
Putting these tips into practice may seem difficult, but don't be intimidated. After just a few days, you'll notice a difference in your energy and well-being, so it's worth the effort. Eating well and practicing yoga and meditation always pays off!
What to eat before and after a class
You shouldn't eat anything immediately before and after yoga; eat lightly! About an hour after class, you can enjoy a bowl of minestrone or cream soup, vegetables with whole-wheat bread, or muesli with yogurt and fruit.
If you are at Villa Pamphili for our free yoga lessons, take advantage of it immediately after to walk a bit, treating yourself to a nice stroll in the greenery, even hugging some trees (no, we haven't gone crazy, sylvotherapy is a natural therapy with great benefits!) and then come and visit us For example, try one of our smoothie bowls made with homemade granola, omega-3-rich seeds, and strictly organic fruit. Your post-yoga recharge will be even more intense!
Remember, every day of the week from June to September, we offer free yoga classes at sunset, from 7-8 PM! We look forward to seeing you.
Namaste