What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘yoga’? If your first association to the name of this ancient Eastern discipline involves images of slim, wiry men and women twisting and stretching their bodies into positions that go beyond what most people consider possible, you’re not alone. According to medical studies, yoga has extremely valuable effects on both the mind and the body, but it doesn’t boil down to exercises alone: more than a simple workout routine, yoga is a way of life and it has specific diet norms which aim to maximize health benefits of the practice. Due to increased muscle activity, minerals, vitamins and proteins play a highly important role in the overall nutrient intake – and here, we have a short list of diet recommendations including whey protein drinks for yogis which you may want to check out if you’re considering going all Zen and no stress.

Diet your way to yoga success

Just like most exercise regimens, yoga has a number of positive effects on the body, including weight loss, increased flexibility, boosted vitality and general wellbeing. Still, to get the most out of your yoga session, you will have to make some slight adjustments in your daily diet: not all foods are conducive to yoga progress and improved physical condition, especially not the products packed with added sugar, fat, artificial flavors and preserves. Empty calories found in most processed foods do your body no good – they simply cancel out exercise effects. Instead of reaching for a candy bar or box of chocolates, have a tasty post workout drink after yoga class: an excellent way to refuel and rehydrate the body, H2O is precisely what your organism needs after a tough yogic stretch. If you don’t drink plain water, coconut water or lemonade will do the replenishing trick nicely, while smoothies and shakes prepared with whey or soy powder will make a great post-class recharge drink.

Recommended nutrition for yogis

Foods that go best with the yoga practice include products and ingredients that are usually recommended for any other strenuous workout program. Proteins, minerals and vitamins are critical in the yogi diet as they assist post-exercise recovery, energy restoration and muscle building. For best results, stick to fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts and wholegrain products as these provide all the nutrients your body needs to recuperate and thrive in circumstances of increased physical activity. Though organic food is preferable, it is not a must if you can’t find or afford it. Also, you can vary fresh and frozen fruit and veggies depending on the season, budget and greenmarket offer. For a healthy snack, grab some granola bars, protein drinks and protein-enriched smoothies as these provide a quick top-up for your drained cells and they also help build muscle mass and deter post-workout strain and aches.

Proper proteins in yoga diet

Proteins are extremely important in the yogi diet as they help prevent muscle soreness after the workout. However, not all protein sources are equally good: most protein-packed foods are also rich in saturated fats which can prove health-detrimental in case of regular or excess intake. The best yogic protein sources include lean foods like tuna, chicken and fatless beef, as well as fat-free or low-fat dairy products like skimmed milk and yoghurt. Vegan and vegetarian yogis can get their precious proteins from nuts and seeds, peanut butter, tofu, tempeh, soymilk, sprouted-grain bread and quinoa. Another convenient option for yogis is whey protein – thanks to its quick absorption, bone-building properties, immune boosting effects and easy digestion, a protein shake made from whey powder will make a tasty and highly nutritious post-workout snack, and you can make it on the go for maximum ease of use.

On your quest to achieving mental, physical and spiritual balance through yoga, diet is an important factor which can considerably impact your exercise efficiency, stable energy level and post-workout recovery. Proteins are highly important in the yogi diet, and the best way to get the most out of your every workout and stay healthy and fit is to reach for protein supplements such as whey powder once in a while – your body will be eternally grateful to you for added muscle-building matter.