Explore food and dietary options that support the lifestyle of a yogi.
Protein is essential for the support of lean muscle mass, immune
function, energy levels, weight control and is the basis for all enzyme
activity for basic body maintenance and detoxification. As a supplement,
protein is often associated with weightlifting and muscle growth, but
an increasing number of dedicated yoga practitioners are using protein shakes and supplements as a regular part of their yogic diet. So how do you know if you’re getting enough protein?
- Do you regularly wake up and feel like you could go right back to sleep?
- Do you get fatigued halfway through your asana practice or other exercise such as spinning, running or lifting weights and feel like you’re burnt out before you should?
- Do you feel like you aren’t getting the physical results you were expecting despite a good routine? Feel like you’re stuck in a rut, that no matter how much you work out you aren’t building strength and muscle?
- Maybe you’ve also got dry hair that seems to fall out a lot when brushing and washing? Minor cuts or grazes that take longer than usual to heal or strange ridges in your fingernails?
- A chronic protein deficiency might also result in carb, caffeine and sugar cravings, headache, muscle and/or joint pain, disturbed sleep, depression and other symptoms.
High protein foods are very important to keep your muscles from being
too sore after your yoga workout. They will also help you build
strength and stamina if you prefer a faster, vinyasa style practice. Lean proteins
like boneless skinless chicken breast or tuna, a handful of nuts, or a
bowl of quinoa and lentils are great, post-yoga snack options.
Why has protein become a talking point in yoga circles? Well, because many of us are vegetarian
or vegan and are conscious of what we eat. When we practice asana, we
are asking our bodies to do something for us; in return we need to
acknowledge what our body needs in order to be healthy and available to
do yoga and the other activities we enjoy.
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