Mind-body practices like yoga, pilates, and barre focus on controlled movement, flexibility, and core strength. Unlike high-intensity exercise, the goal isn't maximum calorie burn - it's mindful movement. Your nutrition should support this: light enough to feel comfortable in inversions and twists, substantial enough to maintain focus.
Key Principles for Mind-Body Practice
Before practice: Keep it light. A heavy meal makes twists, inversions, and core work uncomfortable. Eat 1-2 hours before, or a very small snack 30-60 minutes before. After practice: A balanced meal is fine - these practices don't deplete glycogen like intense cardio. For hot yoga specifically, rehydration with electrolytes is important.
All Mind-Body Guides
What to Eat Before Yoga
Light and comfortable for practice
What to Eat After Yoga
Mindful recovery nutrition
What to Eat Before Hot Yoga
Pre-hydration for heated practice
What to Eat After Hot Yoga
Rehydration and electrolyte recovery
What to Eat Before Pilates
Light nutrition for core focus
What to Eat After Pilates
Post-session recovery
What to Eat Before Barre
Light fuel for ballet-inspired fitness
What to Eat After Barre
Recovery for isometric training
