Have you ever been in a yoga class doing wind relieving pose and accidentally relieved some wind (aka tooted!)?

It is totally normal and happens all the time because certain poses are meant to help the body release. To help the need to release during a yoga class, these are my top five foods to eat before class.

Bananas

Bananas contain lots of fiber which regulates the speed at which sugar is released into the blood stream. Bananas are considered a low glycemic fruit so they don’t have a big impact on blood sugar. They do have just enough sugar to keep yogis going during a yoga class. Bananas also have the added benefit of potassium which works with sodium to keep the body hydrated and magnesium to help prevent muscle cramps.

Almonds

A handful of almonds is a great pre-yoga snack to keep hunger away. Raw unsalted almonds are easy to digest and contain a good balance of protein and fat that will maintain high energy levels. They also contain fiber, energy boosting vitamin B2 and antioxidant vitamin E.

Oats

A very small serving of oatmeal before a yoga class is a great way to keep up energy levels. They are a slow digesting complex carbohydrate that satiate hunger. Oats are full of fiber and stabilize blood sugar. Oats are also super high in magnesium which supports bone health.

Date Bliss Balls

Enjoying a date bliss ball as before a yoga class is a great way to keep yogis from feeling light headed half way through the class. They are packed with protein and fiber to fuel the practice. The sugar in the dates will slowly release and keep energy levels up. Get the recipe here.

Simple Green Smoothie

Enjoying a small simple green smoothie is a great way to get quick energy before yoga practice. I recommend making a simple smoothie without too many ingredients to keep it easily digestible. Try using ½ cup electrolyte balancing coconut water, a small handful of bone supporting spinach, ½ cup antioxidant rich berries and 1 Tbsp energy boosting chia seeds.

By following these tips yogis can enjoy a mindful yoga practice without worrying about feeling low energy or gassy during yoga. Love & Wellness!

Relephant:

How Yoga Therapy Helped Me With My Food Cravings.

Author: Jesse Lane Schelew, CNP

Apprentice Editor: Melissa Tamura / Editor: Catherine Monkman

Photo Credits: Flckr/Scott Wilcoxson, Courtesy of Author , Ted McGrath/Flickr, Steven Depolo/Flickr, rpavich/Flickr, Harsha K R/Flickr