Nutrition & Lifestyle Guidance Flashcards

A student with type 2 diabetes asks about eating before yoga. The most appropriate response is:

Answer: Eat a small balanced snack and monitor blood sugar, advising them to consult their doctor

A small balanced snack can help stabilize blood sugar, but students with diabetes should always follow their healthcare provider's guidance for exercise nutrition.

Which practice best exemplifies 'saucha' (purity) in daily lifestyle, as taught in yoga philosophy?

Answer: Maintaining cleanliness of body, mind, and environment

Saucha means purity and encompasses cleanliness of the physical body, thoughts, speech, and one's surroundings as a holistic lifestyle practice.

How does chronic stress most directly impact a yoga student's nutritional status?

Answer: It can lead to emotional eating, poor digestion, and nutrient depletion

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can disrupt digestion, trigger emotional eating, and deplete nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins.

Which of the following is the most accurate description of a plant-based protein source appropriate for yoga practitioners?

Answer: Lentils and chickpeas

Lentils and chickpeas are excellent plant-based protein sources that align well with yogic dietary principles emphasizing ahimsa.

A yoga instructor notices a student who frequently skips meals before evening class then overeats afterward. The best lifestyle guidance is:

Answer: Suggest small, balanced meals throughout the day to maintain steady energy

Eating small, balanced meals throughout the day stabilizes blood sugar, prevents overeating, and provides consistent energy for practice.

Which antioxidant-rich food group is particularly recommended in yogic nutrition for combating oxidative stress from physical practice?

Answer: Colorful fruits and vegetables

Colorful fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E and phytonutrients that neutralize free radicals produced during physical activity.

Which of the following best represents scope-of-practice boundaries for a YMCA yoga instructor providing nutritional guidance?

Answer: Sharing general evidence-based nutrition principles and referring complex cases to dietitians

Yoga instructors can share general wellness nutrition information but must refer individuals with medical or clinical nutrition needs to registered dietitians or physicians.