by Rhui Chatar

Created on: February 03, 2009

Traditionally Yoga practice is performed early before the first meal of the day and usually at the same time of day. Our fast paced lifestyles don't always allow for this. Many times we can't get a practice in at the same time each day. Today's yoga practitioners may be picking up their practice during a lunch break or later in the day after work, in some cases maybe after dinner.

So, what's best to eat before your practice when first thing in the morning is reserved for Dawn Patrol, or you've got schedule conflicts, those times when you just have to punt due to unforeseen events?

The answer would be to eat something. Skipping meals isn't healthy. We do it too often thinking we can make up for it later. Well, you can, but as yoga practice is directed toward improving one's health, both physically and mentally, it's better to plan for a small, but healthy snack before practice than to go without eating anything or worse, skipping a meal because tradition dictates the empty stomach thing.

If your practice is during a lunch break where time is limited it's best to grab a quick consumable, like a yogurt drink or some kefir followed later by water, which you should keep handy during practice in any case.

If your practice is later in the day or even after dinner, then chose some fresh fruit or a lightly dressed salad in place of your regularly scheduled fare. In winter a cup of broth or miso can be warming before practice, especially when your practice isn't in an ideal location, and they're keeping temps down to save on the heating bill.

Of course, there will be times when things don't go as planned and you may arrive at practice time after a full meal or having missed your healthy snack. In this case, be mindful that your digestive process will have its focus placed elsewhere. Adjust your practice accordingly. Do more standing poses and less forward folds or abdominal intensive poses if you've eaten more than you think you should have.

If you are not accustomed to practicing on an empty stomach, be aware of light-headedness. Do more seated postures and go easy on yourself. Remember it's called practice for a reason. Just as no two conversations will be alike ,no two practice sessions will be alike, even where the postures are the same. Save your more intense work for another day when routines haven't been so disrupted, and you can have your whole body more focused on the task.

Learn more about this author, Rhui Chatar.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.