What Should I Eat After Doing Yoga?
After practicing activities such as yoga, some of your muscle or tendon fibers may tear slightly or become injured. It can sometimes be overlooked, but if you regularly practice an incorrect posture or if you don’t replenish your body to repair itself, your body will be more susceptible to injuries. A common question you might have in mind is- what should I eat after yoga? The foods you eat after a yoga class are just as important as what you eat before a yoga session, so it’s worth putting some consideration on how you can help your body recover.
Having a productive yoga workout means sweating quite a bit. If so, one of the best things you can do for yourself is drinking plenty of water: it will hydrate both your skin and muscles while keeping you feeling active. You can also try coconut water or lemon water, which is a good source of Vitamin C.
The type of food you choose depends on the time of day and the type of yoga you practice, however, it's still a good idea to consume a meal with carbohydrates and protein to refuel both your mind and body. Our bodies are most open to receiving nutrients within the first 2 hours after physical activity. So, after a yoga session, refuel with a meal or snack as soon as you can. This will help to rebuild and repair your muscle tissues and restore back your energy.
Ideal Food to Eat After a Yoga Session
What should I eat after yoga? There are three key nutrients that you must include in your snacks and meals after yoga practice to replenish your body quickly:
- Fruits - Eating fruit after any yoga practice is one of the best things you can do for your body. It’s packed with simple carbohydrates, electrolytes, water, as well as vitamins that will hydrate and help your body replenish. Carbohydrates refuel your muscles and maintain the healthiness of your nervous system and keep your brain active.
- Protein- Your muscles are made up of protein, so it's always a good idea to include some protein in your list of post-yoga snacks to help your muscles grow and recover. However, buying one of those protein shakes or special protein bars aren't recommended. Processed proteins in supplements are either full of preservatives, extra sugar, or more than the protein you actually need. Instead, opt for natural alternatives of protein like nuts, grains, and pulses.
Here are other natural sources of protein:
- For strenuous activities such as running, a handful of almonds, your any combination of nuts or seeds will provide you with an ample amount of protein and energy after your practice.
- Eggs are also an excellent option for their high protein quality, vitamins, and mineral content.
- Almond milk with cocoa powder, a dash of powdered ginger, and a banana can also help provide your protein needs.
- Natural protein bars or balls are also a good alternative and quite easy to make– just mix dry fruit and nuts.
Consuming natural sources of protein will help your muscles replenish and become stronger. Keep in mind that you need about 10 to 20 grams of protein to help your muscles recover after a workout. Any excess protein that you consume will be stored as fat, so those special products which are high in protein are actually unnecessary. ​
3. Electrolytes - Sports drinks don’t have all and the right amount of electrolytes that your body requires after a proper yoga practice. Instead of dosing on these sugary drinks, opt for water and fruit. If you feel dehydrated, you can try an ORESOL solution to supply you with the right amount of electrolytes and glucose.
Eating Post-Yoga
As a yogi, you should know what should I eat after yoga, as well as when to eat. Your body is most receptive to nutrients within the first half-hour to 2 hours after your yoga practice. Eating within this time frame can influence your next practice and your overall improvement. When you replenish your body with the protein, carbs, and nutrients, you are protecting your body by helping it heal and recover faster.
Immediately after your yoga practice is the best time for carb replacement so that your muscles can rebuild glycogen, which serves as the storage fuel for your muscles. Replacing lost glycogen is beneficial in preventing chronic fatigue, acute burnout, or other related injuries.
To summarize everything, here are the two most important things to remember:
- Drink plenty of water to replace any liquid you've lost while practicing. 
- Right after your yoga session, try to munch on a healthy snack to refill your energy and help restore your muscles.
So, if you're still asking, what should I eat after yoga? The short answer is- a banana, a pack of nuts, or other healthy snacks. These foods should be a must whenever you go for a yoga practice. Doing so will help you restore, recover, and take care of your body in the long run.
Final Thoughts
There are many options for meals or snacks that you can take immediately after doing yoga. They serve as a guide to your food intake. You can also consider making your own as you feel comfortable in the long run. What should I eat after yoga? - can be answered with many healthy and alternative options. The most important thing is to replenish your body right away in order to maximize the benefits of having a yogi lifestyle.