Elevate your yoga journey with 3 simple steps

Yoga, an ancient practice that connects the body and mind, is a gateway to wellness. However, for complete well-being, it is also crucial to pay attention to mindful eating habits along with your yoga routine. For International Yoga Day, health-centric brand Saffola highlights ways to multiply the benefits of yoga by adopting three simple steps for a holistic lifestyle. These easy-to-follow tips include eating right and maintaining an active lifestyle every day:

1.Enhance your Yoga practice with the Power of Good Fats

One significant way to complement your yoga practice is by choosing good fats over bad fats. Good fats are essential for your health because they provide essential fatty acids, support cell function, and help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Include healthy fats in your diet by consuming fatty fish, nuts and seeds. Additionally, be mindful of your oil type. Blended oils are excellent choices for cooking oils, with a higher smoke point and a good balance of MUFA (Monounsaturated Fatty Acids) and PUFA (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) compared to single-seed oils. These oils provide essential vitamins and antioxidants, offering a better fat profile to maintain good health with LOSORB technology which will help you feel lighter after meals. On the other hand, limit your intake of palm oil, dalda, and margarine, as unhealthy fats can increase health risks.

2.Nourish your Yoga journey with Seasonal Foods

Embracing seasonal foods is another simple yet powerful way to make your yoga practice more effective. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are fresher and rich in antioxidants, meeting your body’s nutritional needs for the season. They provide essential vitamins and minerals that support your overall well-being.

For instance, during the monsoon season, include vegetables like brinjals, okra, beans and gourds, as well as fruits like pears, java plum (jamun), papayas, apples and bananas in your diet. Adding these seasonal foods can help boost your immunity during the rainy season. This dietary approach will complement your yoga asanas as nutrient-rich foods provide energy and enable you to practice yoga for longer periods of time. By incorporating seasonal foods into your diet, you can unlock the synergy between nutrition and yoga for a holistic approach to health and wellness.

3. Deepen your Yoga practice with Balanced Salt and Sugar Intake

Being mindful of salt and added sugar intake is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially when you are committed to deepening your yoga practice. Liberal consumption of salt and sugar can lead to health issues which can hinder your physical and mental well-being. Excessive salt in particular can result in bloating and water retention, thus negating your yoga efforts.

Instead of reaching for the saltshaker, flavour your dishes with herbs and spices. Options like lime, tamarind, and amchur powder can add a tangy zest to your meals without the added sodium. Similarly, replace refined sugar with natural sweeteners such as jaggery, honey or dates. Enjoy fresh fruits instead of packaged juices, and choose plain yoghurt over flavoured varieties. Reading food labels to check for ‘added sugars’ and avoiding items with ingredients ending in ‘ose’ like sucrose, dextrose, and fructose can also help you make healthier choices.

International Yoga Day is not just about practising asanas; it’s about embracing a holistic approach to health and wellness. Consistent steps that combine healthy eating habits with your yoga routine pave the way for wellness. It supports your body’s physical demands, aids recovery, and promotes overall well-being. By making mindful choices, you can achieve a harmonious balance of body, mind, and spirit, leading to a healthier, happier life.