What to eat before yoga class......

Whether you come to an early morning asana class, or usually stop by for class on your way home from work, you've probably been faced with the dilemma of what to eat before class.

Twisting, forward bending and inverting can be less than blissful when your stomach is full of heavy, greasy food. But do fruits and veggies have enough fat and protein to keep you going through the most rigorous vinyasa practice? What should you eat to keep you going all the way to Savasana?

1. Nuts

A handful of nuts (I prefer cashews and walnuts) is a perfect pre-yoga snack. Their fat and protein will keep your energy levels up and their fiber will keep you feeling full. Plus, nuts are easily digestible, meaning your energy won't be spent on digesting food, but instead available for supporting your practice.

2. Dates

The sugar in the dates will slowly release, keeping your energy levels up for your entire practice. Dates are also a good source of fiber, so you won't feel hungry again before your practice over. Dates are packed with vitamins and minerals. Dates are also high in potassium which helps maintain proper fluid balance in your body, and plays a role in fueling your muscles.

3. Protein Smoothies

PlantFusion protein powder, coconut water, spinach and berries blend together for a perfect pre-yoga snack. The plant based protein in PlantFusion is perfect for providing muscle energy. Coconut water helps balance electrolytes. Spinach is great for bone health, and berries provide a great source of antioxidants. Put these together and you have one powerful combination. Plus, a small smoothie before class won't leave you full and uncomfortable for your practice.

4. Kit Bars

If convenience is what you want in your pre-yoga snack, Kit's Organic Fruit and Nut Bars by Clif are your answer. With many flavors to choose from, you could have a different snack each day of the week. Just throw one in your bag on the way out the door. My favorite is Dark Chocolate Almond Coconut.....made with Organic Dates, Organic Almonds, Organic Unsweetened Dark Chocolate, Organic Coconut, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Sea Salt. These are perfect blend of fat and protein and carry the health benefits of many of the options listed above. Plus, with the dark chocolate, they taste so much like a treat you'll forget they are healthy!

5. Bananas

Bananas provide many of the same benefits as dates, are portable, and readily accessible at any market. An obvious pre-yoga snack!


With these five healthy and delicious options, you'll never have to come to class hungry again. Tell us, what are some of your favorite pre-yoga snacks?


Carrie Klaus, E-RYT