Bikram Yoga Diet

India native Bikram Choudhury introduced his style of yoga to the U.S. in the 1970s after his Indian guru, Bishnu Ghosh, directed him to help spread hatha yoga to the West. Sometimes known generically as "hot yoga," Bikram yoga is a strenuous sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises that yogis practice in a room heated to about 105 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no official "Bikram diet," but Bikram yogis often find that diet affects the quality of their practice, and vice versa.

Dietary Changes

Some yogis find themselves eating differently after beginning a Bikram practice. Their dietary changes may be deliberate or manifest naturally over time. For some people, heavier foods like meat and cheese suddenly become less appealing, particularly during periods of intense, frequent practice. Because Bikram yogis sweat profusely during every 90-minute session, they may naturally gravitate toward foods with high water content, such as salads and juicy fruits. Foods and beverages high in potassium, such as bananas and coconut water, are popular for replacing electrolytes lost during class.

Lifestyle Changes

Detoxification is a fundamental object of Bikram yoga, and back bending poses such as Camel Pose, are included to "wring out" toxins from your internal organs so that you may eliminate them through breath and sweat. Many yogis experience nausea in Camel Pose, especially as beginners. Bikram teachers like to explain that Camel Pose forces you to let go of things that don't serve you anymore. These might include drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, food additives or -- on an esoteric level -- toxic emotions and relationships. If you keep dietary toxins to a minimum you may find your practice becoming stronger and more enjoyable, even in difficult postures.

Nutrition

On a similar note, Esak Garcia, a high-profile Bikram studio owner and 2005 winner of the Bikram-sponsored International Yoga Asana Championship, recommends that Bikram yogis avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates to prevent subclinical inflammation that can inhibit yogic flexibility. Although there were no scientific studies that pertained directly to carbohydrates and yoga practice at the time of publication, University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that osteoarthritis sufferers, who typically suffer pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion in their joints, not to eat white breads, pastas, and sugars to decrease inflammation throughout the body.

Weight Management

A 90-minute Bikram yoga class can burn up to 900 calories, according to the Women's Health website. As a result, you may be able to lose or maintain weight simply by practicing several times per week, even in the absence of dietary changes. If weight loss is your goal, supplement your Bikram class with a diet rich in lean protein, whole grains and vegetables. If Bikram theory holds true, you should naturally experience a normalized appetite and fewer cravings for unhealthy foods as the practice supports your body systems to work concordantly.