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Food is energy. Food can make you feel confident, sexy and alive, or make you feel lethargic, tired and unfocused.
When you start to getting into your body in a new way with your Power Yoga practice, the foods you eat can either serve as fuel for expanding your practice and connection with your body, or they can deplete your vital energy. It all depends on the quality of the energy and nutritional content of the foods you choose to eat.
Here are a few foods that you can add in to your practice of eating to compliment your Power Yoga practice on the mat.
1. Kale
Kale is an incredible super food and is often known as the queen of greens. Incorporating dark leafy greens like kale into your diet is essential to establishing a healthy body and immune system.
Kale and other greens strengthen your blood and respiratory systems, and promote healthy intestinal environment, as well as provide vital nutrients, minerals, and anti-cancer properties.
Nutritionally, greens are very high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and K and tons of antioxidants that keep you from getting sick. When you feel good, you can tap into your full power on and off the mat.
Kale is super easy to add into your daily diet through juices, smoothies and salads. You can chop it up and use it raw, or steam it and add to any dish.
Leafy greens like kale are high-alkaline foods. Alkaline minerals in our bodies neutralize acidic conditions, filter out pollutants and promote an environment for optimum health.
When you start to nourish your body with more leafy greens, you will likely begin to naturally crowd out foods that are less serving to your body, zap your vital energy or make you sick. More energy means more power.
2. Avocado
Avocados are full of healthy fat that help keep you feeling full and sustain you throughout the day. The healthy, good fats in avocados will help you absorb other nutrients from your other plant foods. The more of the good stuff you absorb, the more energetic fuel you’ll have from each meal, and the more powerful you’ll feel in your body.
Avocados are a great source of fiber, have more potassium than bananas, and they are highly anti-inflammatory.
While it’s always best to shop organic, avocados are one of the few foods that are still ok to eat when conventionally grown because of their thick skin. Like greens, avocados are versatile and can be added into most meals to boost power.
Try half an avocado with a little lemon juice squeezed on top as a mid-day snack. Add some chopped avocado to your salads, or even blend into your juice and smoothies to add some energy and creamy texture.
3. Water
Our bodies are over 70% water, which is why hydration is essential for proper organ function, smooth digestion and overall optimum health and energy.
Okay, technically, water is not a ‘food’ item, but it’s worth including in the list because water helps move everything through our system and eliminate toxins. When the body is cleansing regularly, more vital energy is available to live life fully in your power.
Water helps transport oxygen and other essential nutrients to your cells, and is essential for vibrant skin. It plumps up the skin cells making you look younger, flushes out impurities and improves blood flow. All of this keeps your skin looking clear, clean and luminous!
When you’re hydrated, your muscles and joints are fully lubricated and you can go longer without “hitting a wall” in your Power Yoga practice.
Note: If you’re feeling thirsty, then you are already dehydrated. A good rule of thumb is to drink eight glasses of water per day, and sometimes more depending on how much activity and yoga you’re doing.
If you sweat a lot in your power yoga practice, remember to add in electrolytes like lemon too.
The effects of our food choices are powerful and far-reaching, and eating well is essential in caring for ourselves, boosting immunity and increasing energy. Try adding in more kale, avocados and water throughout your day, and experience the results for yourself on your mat.
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When you eat clean, nutrient-dense whole foods, you will feel a boost of energy and power both on and off the mat!