International Yoga Day 2018: Yogic diet - dos and don'ts for a fitter you

This International Yoga Day, if you are all excited to join the bandwagon and take up the age-old practice, remember that it doesn't stop with just being regular with the practice. Yoga is all about cleansing and balancing the bodily processes from within and strengthening it from the outside. The many breathing techniques, like Kapalbhati, Anulom Vilom, among others, help in balancing the body and detoxifying it from within after which the body can move on to fortify itself by taking up a range of asanas.

Interestingly, the yogic way of life revolves around mindful breathing, practising yogic postures and following the yogic diet for a well-rounded, holistic experience. This Yoga Day let us take a look at how minor tweaks in your daily diet can go a long way in promoting health and getting the most out of your yoga practice. These easy, simple dietary tips will ensure good health, take a look.

Water
Undeniably, one of the most important elements for human survival, water is crucial for optimum human health. Lack of water, what is called dehydration, can be fatal to health. According to yogic culture, one should never have water right after or during meals. Drinking cold water is deemed unhealthy for digestion. It is recommended to have lukewarm water for good digestive health.

Never guzzle down water in a go, always have it in small quantity.

Fruits
This should be your thumb-rule. The yogic diet doesn't allow fruit consumption after the sun is set. It is best to consume fruits throughout the day, ideally the first thing in the morning, and never after sunset.

Meals
According to Ayurveda and Yoga expert Yogacharya Anoop, the heaviest meal of the day should be during the day while the last meal should be the lightest. "The rule is simple, follow the rise of the Sun and increase the amount of food as the Sun progresses. As the Sun begins to set, the meals should start getting lighter with the lightest one being your supper, ideally one should not consume anything after the sunset," noted Yogacharya Anoop from Chaitanya Foundation.

It is also advisable to not have anything at least a couple of hours before sleeping. Going to sleep on a full stomach may hinder digestion and meddle with the sleep.

Dietary dos and don'ts before and after a yoga session

- Keep yourself hydrated. Make sure you regain the loss of electrolytes after your practice session.
- Don't practice on a full stomach or right after drinking something.
- In the morning you can start with your session 20 minutes after consuming a light protein-rich meal which could include a banana, a small bowl of cereal.
- In the evening, consume a light snack at least 20 minutes before your session. Do not eat anything right after finishing.

Always remember practice yoga and make dietary modification under the supervision of a certified instructor or an expert. This International Yoga Day, take a pledge to inculcate a small habit and take a step toward a healthier, fitter you.

Happy International Yoga Day!