Perfect Post-Yoga Smoothie

As a yoga teacher and nutritionist, I am regularly asked what one should consume before or after yoga. I've written here about what best serves the body pre-yoga, but what about after the practice? After 60-90 minutes of mindful movement, sweating, twisting, lengthening, strengthening and moving, how might one best replenish the body of lost nutrients?

Post-movement, it's essential to ingest carbohydrates within an hour, as this will replenish stores of glycogen which were likely used up during the practice. We nutritionists have a "no naked carbs" rule, meaning never eat a carb (even an apple!) by itself as a meal, always pair it with a healthy fat and clean protein.

Enter the perfect post-asana smoothie. I typically use water as a base, but I have also tried brewed, unsweetened iced tea. Simply brew your favorite tea and then store in the fridge to cool for later use. I love raspberry, nettle, dandelion and licorice root, rooibos and even decaf green tea.

I also used Brazil nuts — just one or two Brazil nuts in your diet can provide you with enough selenium for an entire day, which is great for thyroid health.

Treat a smoothie as a meal, giving the body time to digest (remember digestion starts in the mouth, with the salivary enzyme amylase, so make sure to "chew" the smoothie and let it mix with saliva to ensure proper digestion).

Relax, grab a spot in the sun, and enjoy! Namaste.

Perfect Post-Yoga Smoothie