Diet & Fitness: 6 High-Protein Foods To Eat Before And After Yoga For Pre & Post-Session Nutrition

Yoga is a holistic practice that nurtures both the mind and body, offering numerous benefits ranging from improved flexibility to enhanced mental clarity. To maximise these benefits, it's essential to fuel your body with the right nutrition . High-protein foods provide the necessary energy and aid in muscle recovery, making them ideal for both pre and post-yoga sessions. Here are six high-protein foods to incorporate into your diet to support your yoga practice.

Pre-Yoga Nutrition

1. Besan Chilla

An excellent pre-yoga meal. Made from chickpea flour, it’s rich in protein and provides a good amount of carbohydrates to fuel your practice. The slow-digesting carbs in besan chilla help sustain your energy levels throughout your session. Adding some vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and onions not only enhances the flavour but also boosts the nutritional value with essential vitamins and minerals.

2. Oatmeal

Fantastic choice for a pre-yoga meal due to its balance of protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates. The protein content in oats helps maintain muscle mass, while the slow-releasing carbs provide sustained energy. Topping your oatmeal with nuts, seeds, or a scoop of protein powder can increase its protein content and add healthy fats, making it a well-rounded meal to prepare your body for yoga.

3. Curd

An easily digestible source of protein that can be consumed before yoga. It’s light on the stomach and provides a good amount of probiotics, which support digestive health. Pairing curd with fruits or a handful of nuts can enhance its protein content and add a dose of antioxidants, preparing your body for the physical activity ahead.

Post-Yoga Nutrition

4. Sweet Potato & Egg

Make an excellent post-yoga meal. Sweet potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates, helping to replenish glycogen stores, while eggs provide high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth. The combination of these two foods ensures a balanced intake of carbs and protein, aiding in recovery and restoring energy levels after a yoga session.

5. Cottage Cheese (Paneer)

An ideal post-yoga snack or meal component due to its high protein content and easy digestibility. It's also rich in casein protein, which releases amino acids slowly, promoting muscle recovery over a longer period. Pairing paneer with whole-grain bread or adding it to a salad with plenty of vegetables can create a nutritious, protein-packed meal to support your post-yoga recovery.

6. Milk

Simple yet effective post-yoga drink. It provides a perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for muscle recovery and replenishing energy stores. The protein in milk helps repair muscles, while the carbohydrates restore glycogen levels. Consuming a glass of milk or a milk-based smoothie after your yoga session can keep you hydrated and support muscle recovery.

Besan chilla, oatmeal, and curd provide the necessary energy and nutrients to fuel your practice, while sweet potatoes with eggs, cottage cheese, and milk aid in muscle recovery and replenishing energy levels post-session. By choosing the right nutrition, you can ensure that your body remains energised, strong, and well-nourished, maximising the benefits of your yoga practice. Remember, a balanced diet combined with regular yoga practice can lead to improved overall health and well-being.