Nuts and Seeds
ID-ART/shutterstock While nuts and seeds are highly nutritious and nourishing, they are high in fat and protein and more likely to sit in the stomach while your body demands blood flow. Instead, reach for a handful of fresh raspberries, which will go down a lot easier.
MORE: 8 Things You'll Never Catch A Yoga Teacher Doing
Fried Food
NATASHA BREEN/shutterstock We've all experienced how long it takes to digest foods like French fries or onion rings. It can take hours until we feel hungry again. If it's going to sit in the stomach, it won't be fun on the yoga mat. Get the crunch factor in before practice—minus the discomfort—with some sliced cucumber or jicama.
Cheese
ID-ART/shutterstock Cheese, even a vegan alternative, is going to be high in fat and protein, making it a food that's slow to digest. If you want to feel light and graceful in your yoga practice, say no to this one. Instead, reach for some dark chocolate (at least 65% cacao) to give you an energy boost before your practice.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Meats and Fish
YULIA GRIGORYEVA/shutterstock ᐧAvocados
RODRIGOPINEAPPLE/shutterstock While avocados are normally considered a superfood, their high fat content does take longer for your gut to process, and therefore they are best served après yoga. As an alternative, go for some grapefruit slices, celery sticks, or steamed veggies.
Oily Dressings, Dips, and Sauces
BRENT HOFACKER/shutterstock There are a lot of hidden oils and fats in seemingly healthy foods, like salad dressing, hummus, or other dips. These foods, while delicious, will sit idle in your belly. Instead, opt for fresh, seasonal, low-sugar fruits (preferably organic) to get your sweet fix and hunger satisfied.
MORE: 10 Things You Never Want To Hear In A Yoga Class
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Spicy or Pungent Foods
TRAVELLIGHT/shutterstock It's never fun to be in a forward bend with heartburn. Even worse is tasting the dreaded "garlic burp" every time you flow from Cobra Pose to Downward-Facing Dog. Try a fast-digesting organic banana for some flavor, and get your curry after class!
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below