International Yoga Day 2024 is being celebrated all over the world on June 21. According to the United Nations, the day aims to raise awareness about the many benefits of practicing yoga for people around the world. Practicing yoga certainly has many health benefits, such as mental and physical relaxation, as well as increasing strength and flexibility. When healthy food is consumed along with yoga practice, it can do wonders! On International Yoga Day, here’s how you can stay fit with yoga, and what to eat before and after a yoga session.
It is considered best to practice yoga early in the morning and on an empty stomach. However, one can consider eating some fresh fruits and nuts before hitting the mat. It is also advisable to keep a time gap of 2-3 hours between a meal and the session; this helps your body to function optimally while performing the asanas. After the session, our body may crave for food, but we should not eat immediately. We should give our body about 30 minutes to re-adapt itself. After that, one can opt for healthy food options like banana oat smoothie, moong dal paneer cheela or egg wrap. A very important factor is to stay hydrated at all times.
Here are some recipes to try after a yoga session:
1. Banana Oat Smoothie:
Material:
1/4 cup rolled oats
1 banana (chopped)
1 cup yogurt (plain)
1 tablespoon cold-pressed virgin coconut oil
1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
Method:
1. Put the oats in the bottom of the blender and stir a few times until finely ground. Add banana, yogurt, cold pressed virgin coconut oil and cinnamon powder
2. Blend until smooth and creamy. Enjoy immediately!
(Also read: 5 Native Beverages for after yoga session)
2. Moong Dal Paneer Cheela:
Material:
1 cup green moong dal (soaked)
1 green chilli (chopped)
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 cup carrot (grated)
1/2 cup capsicum (finely chopped)
1/2 cup onion (chopped)
2 tablespoons coriander (finely chopped)
salt to taste
4 teaspoons cold-pressed virgin coconut oil
100 gms Paneer
Method:
1. Mix the soaked moong dal.
2. Add chopped onion, carrot, capsicum, green chillies, turmeric and salt and mix well.
3. To proceed, apply one tablespoon of cold pressed virgin coconut oil on a non-stick pan, take one tablespoon of the batter and spread it on the pan in a circular motion. Cook on low flame for two minutes. Flip and cook till the other side turns light brown. Garnish with coriander leaves and grated cheese.
4. Serve hot with mint coriander chutney.
3. Egg Wrap:
Material:
3 egg whites
1 tbsp cold pressed virgin coconut oil
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
1/2 cup tomatoes (finely chopped)
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 teaspoon green chillies (chopped)
1 tablespoon coriander (chopped)
salt to taste
1 chapati
Method:
1. Heat cold pressed virgin coconut oil in a thick bottom pan and add cumin seeds.
2. When the seeds begin to crackle, add onions and fry on high flame for 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and 2 tbsps water, mix well and cook on low flame for 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring continuously.
4. Add garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, green chilies and 1 tbsp water, mix well and cook on medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Now, break the egg and add salt, coriander leaves and 1 tbsp water, mix well and cook on medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Egg bhurji is ready.
6. Take chapati, spread egg bhurji on it and make a quick and delicious wrap.
7. It can be served with mint coriander chutney or tomato salsa.
(Also read: 7 Healthy Drinks To Help You Practice Yoga)
Happy International Yoga Day 2024!
About the author: Sheryl Celis is a nutritionist and diabetes educator.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the personal views of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information provided in this article. All information is provided as is. The information, facts or opinions in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
