5 Easy Snack Options After A Yoga Class
There’s a common misconception that yoga is an exercise form that one can easily breeze through effortlessly. But yoga requires mental discipline and physical effort. Beginners may find themselves tired and sweating on the mat. Even a veteran Yogi can fall prey to exhaustion. Yoga isn’t something that one can take lightly and expect to do well in without practice.
After a class, our bodies need to recover and recuperate, and one of the best ways is through proper nourishment. Here are a few easy and healthy snack options that should keep you both fit and energized even after a tough yoga workout.
- Zucchini
Everyone knows that vegetables are good for you. One of the best and least thought of is zucchini. It can be consumed raw with a yummy dip (hummus or bean dip) or baked, grilled or stewed. Zucchini is full of Potassium, which aids in controlling blood pressure, and Vitamin C, an antioxidant. Zucchini is very low in calories and high in water so it fills you up and quenches your thirst without expanding your waistline.
- Greek Yogurt
A staple for most health buffs – and for good reason – Yogurt is another great option. What separates Greek Yogurt from the regular kind, is the high protein content almost double that of the regular kind. You can pair it with fresh fruit or granola. I love to add nut butter to it and make a creamy dip for apple or banana slices.
- Fruit Smoothies
Fresh fruit has always been a great source of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. A fruit smoothie is the perfect snack for those short on time. Blend your favorite fruit, milk (dairy or non dairy), ice and nut butter or protein powder for a few minutes and voila, you have the perfect post yoga snack.
- Carrot and Celery Sticks
Carrots and celerty are two vegetables with a ton of health benefits and antioxidants. We ate them all of the time as kids and it makes sense to pack a ziploc bag of them to throw in your yoga bag. Both are loaded with anti-cancerous properties as well as various elements that help prevent and treat arthritis, gout and other inflammatory diseases. They are easy to cut up and inexpensive. Pair with some raw almonds and you have a great mini meal.
- Sweet Potatoes
Last but certainly not the least is a powerhouse of nutritional value. Sweet potatoes contain an unrivaled amount of Vitamin A as well as a healthy dose of both fiber and potassium. The beta-carotene and antioxidants in sweet potatoes can help treat diabetes, prevent cancer and boost immunity. You can bake them ahead of time and pack cooled or dice up and roast in olive oil. I love a loaded sweet potato with cottage cheese and cinnamon for my post yoga snack.
I’d love to hear what your favorite snacks are pre and post yoga or a workout!