What to Eat Before a Massage? (foods to Eat and Avoid Before/after a Massage)

A massage is an incredibly rejuvenating experience, but what you eat before and after your massage can also impact how you feel and what you get out of it.

In this article, I’m going to cover some of the best foods to eat before and after a massage, as well as some foods to avoid.

I’ll also discuss why it’s important to drink plenty of water after a massage and how long to wait between eating and having a massage.

What to Eat Before a Massage

Eating the right foods before a massage can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during your massage.

Some good options to consider include:

• Light, easy-to-digest foods: To avoid feeling sluggish or uncomfortable during your massage, it’s a good idea to eat light, easy-to-digest foods beforehand. Some good options include fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Hydrating foods: Massage can help to flush toxins out of the body, so it’s important to stay hydrated before and after your massage. Foods that are high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables, can help to keep you hydrated.
• Complex carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and legumes, can provide sustained energy and help you feel more energized during your massage.

Related – Here is what you need to know about having an upset stomach after a massage.

What Not to Eat Before a Massage

While there are certain foods that can help you feel more comfortable and energized before a massage, there are also some foods that you may want to avoid.

These include:

• Heavy, greasy foods: Heavy, greasy foods can take longer to digest and may leave you feeling sluggish or uncomfortable during your massage.
• Spicy foods: Spicy foods can irritate the digestive system and may cause discomfort or bloating during your massage.
• Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase your heart rate and may make it harder to relax during your massage.

What to Eat After a Massage

After your massage, it’s important to refuel with nourishing foods that can help your body recover and repair.

Some good options to consider include:

• Protein-rich foods: Protein is essential for repairing and rebuilding muscle tissue, so it’s a good idea to eat protein-rich foods after your massage. Some good options include chicken, fish, tofu, and beans.
• Hydrating foods: As mentioned above, massage can help to flush toxins out of the body, so it’s important to stay hydrated after your massage. Foods that are high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables, can help to keep you hydrated.
• Complex carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and legumes, can help to restore energy and support muscle recovery.

What Not to Eat After a Massage

While there are certain foods that can help you recover and refuel after a massage, there are also some foods that you may want to avoid. These include:

• Heavy, greasy foods: Heavy, greasy foods can take longer to digest and may leave you feeling sluggish or uncomfortable after your massage.
• Alcohol: While a glass of wine may seem like a nice way to relax after your massage, alcohol can interfere with muscle recovery and may cause dehydration.
• Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with sleep and may make it harder to relax after your massage.

Why It’s Important to Drink Plenty of Water After a Massage

Drinking plenty of water after a massage is important for a few reasons.

First, massage can help to flush toxins out of the body, and drinking water can help to flush these toxins out of your system.

Additionally, water can help to replenish any fluids that were lost during the massage, and it can help to keep you hydrated and feeling refreshed.

Finally, water can help to support the overall health and function of your body, including your muscles and joints.

If you’re feeling sore or tender after your massage, drinking water can help to reduce inflammation and support muscle recovery.

Related – Here’s why it’s important to drink plenty of water after a massage!

How Long to Wait Between Eating and Having a Massage

It’s generally a good idea to eat a light meal or snack at least an hour or two before your massage. This will give your body enough time to digest your food and avoid feeling sluggish or uncomfortable during your massage.

After your massage, it’s also a good idea to wait a bit before eating a full meal.

This will give your body time to adjust and allow you to fully relax and enjoy your post-massage relaxation.

A light snack or smoothie can be a good option if you’re feeling hungry after your massage.

In conclusion, the foods you eat before and after a massage can impact how you feel during and after your massage.

By choosing light, easy-to-digest foods before your massage and nourishing, protein-rich foods after your massage, you can help your body feel comfortable, energized, and ready to recover.

Don’t forget to drink plenty of water after your massage to flush toxins out of your system and support overall health and recovery.

Image credits – Photo by Tania Melnyczuk on Unsplash