Your yoga class just ended and your stomach is rumbling. This may surprise you: yoga doesn’t at all times feel like probably the most grueling exercise, so why has it sparked such an appetite? No shame here, just curiosity.
If you have ever experienced this, you are not alone. Several Quora and asked Reddit users same query.
The truth is that hunger is a posh mechanism. “Hunger levels vary based on the length and intensity of your workout, what you ate before, how much you ate before, yesterday’s workout, etc,” says Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN, co-host of the Nail Your Nutrition podcast and CEO Belly with a wish list. “Hunger is usually a very individual thing, however it should never be ignored, especially after training when the body is in a quandary catabolic state“.
Three explanation why yoga could make you hungry
If your stomach distracts you during savasana, there could also be several things responsible.
1. Yoga poses require fuel, which is calories
You’re probably using more energy on the mat than you realize. “Not moving” is just not similar to holding a position for a time period, which puts strain on muscles and joints and requires significant energy,” explains Susan Bowerman, RD, CSSD, FAND, senior director of product development at FAND. Herbalife nutrition. “Sweating is not the only sign your body is working hard or needs fuel, and you might be understanding harder than you’re thinking that.”
She adds that some people may not need to eat rather a lot (or numerous protein) before training, so they are going to feel hungry after training as their body desires to refuel.
2. Yoga helps you higher adapt to your body
Part of what sets yoga other than other types of exercise is that it’s a mind-body practice. This means partly that it brings greater awareness of how you are feeling and what your body needs. “In fact, in comparison with an intense cardio session or HIIT training, where your appetite could also be suppressed as a consequence of the discharge of adrenaline and hormones, you might be more attuned to your hunger after a yoga session,” says Schlichter.
3. Yoga can stimulate the digestive system
Here’s a fun fact: yoga doesn’t just stretch your arms, legs, and back. “Even gentle types of yoga, reminiscent of restorative yoga or yin yoga, can stretch and stimulate the digestive system, which moves food through the digestive tract and makes room for the subsequent meal,” she says. Randi Sprintis, MSAshtanga yoga instructor. “So even slow yoga could make you hungry.” When your body feels more awake, so does your digestive system.
What to eat before and after yoga
It’s hard to enjoy yoga – or the post-yoga period, which is hopefully relaxing – whenever you’re hungry. So what’s the perfect method to fuel your body?
Before yoga
Shortly before hitting the mat, Schlichter recommends grabbing a small carb-based snack like a chunk of fruit, crackers, peanut butter toast or a glass of juice for quick energy. If you retain eating before class, add some protein.
“A superb rule of thumb is to attempt to eat no less than an hour or two before class and stick with easily digestible foods,” suggests Sprintis.
After yoga
“After your yoga class, you should search for foods that may restore your energy, rehydrate your body, and provide help to feel satisfied,” says Sprintis.
Eating after a workout helps your body in additional ways than one. “The combination of carbohydrates and protein may also help replenish glycogen stores, increase blood sugar levels, and forestall muscle breakdown, all of which is able to help your body get well faster for future workouts,” says Schlichter. If you do not eat a meal shortly after class, she suggests eating something like a smoothie, Greek yogurt with fruit, or cheese and crackers as a snack. “While a post-workout snack will not be needed for everybody after a yoga workout, keep in mind that not feeling hungry doesn’t at all times mean you should not eat anything,” she adds.
In addition, Bowerman points out the importance of hydration (which some foods may also help with!). “The most significant thing is rehydration, since it’s quite warm in lots of yoga studios and you possibly can lose numerous fluid during a session, even for those who drink water,” she says. “You can then replace fluids and carbohydrates with foods reminiscent of refreshing fruit (especially water melons), soups, or smoothies.”
The bottom line is that respecting your body is just as essential off the mat because it is on it. “Remember that yoga is about following your personal path and never judging yourself or others, especially by way of food decisions,” says Sprintis. “Listen to your body and find the balance that works for you.”
