3 ways to best fuel yourself for yoga class

For more energy

Try dried fruit such as apricots and dates. (Bonus: They’re portable and easily stashed in your gym bag for a pre-yoga snack.) Bananas are another handy option: The complex carbs will keep you energized, and they are a great source of potassium, which helps regulate your body’s water balance.

Stay well hydrated

Your body loses water as you perspire and breathe, so drink water or herbal tea both before and after yoga to keep hydrated. And if you’ll be working up a sweat in hot yoga, it’s also a good idea to eat water-rich fruits such as melon and cantaloupe before class, and to keep a water bottle within arm’s reach of your mat. Just don’t overdo it: Chugging water before or during a workout may cause bloating and cramping.

Help muscles heal

What you eat after a workout can affect how you’ll feel the rest of the day. Protein is key to helping muscles heal after any exercise that includes weight-bearing exercise, such as yoga. Try a protein-carb snack such as chocolate milk, or peanut butter on high-fibre flatbread. Or enjoy a lunch salad with protein-rich edamame.

Related:
• The benefits of yoga
• What to eat after working out
• 5 reasons to try yoga