It’s healthy and ideal to get a massage on a lighter belly as it makes deep tissue pressure bearable and provides a better overall experience.

Proper nutrition is essential pre- and post-massage, as your diet can make or break your relaxation goals. Since some foods eaten at the wrong time can change how your body burns fat or responds to pressure, timing is another element to consider to get the most out of every massage session. Ensure you get the most from your massage experience by avoiding and substituting these foods.  

Foods to Avoid Before a Massage

In general, skip foods that are hard or take hours to digest. The best practice is to take a liquid diet to prevent bloating during your massage session. A full belly can cause sickness and uncomfortability during a massage session. If eating is as must before your appointment, avoid the following foods.

1. Spicy Foods

Capsaicin — the compound found in chili — creates a burning sensation in the chest in addition to swelling of the throat. Sometimes, eating may lead to diarrhea. When changing from standing to lying down for an extended period of time, these sensations can be uncomfortable, so they’re a no-go before any type of massage session.

2. Fried Foods

Even healthy forms of fried — like potatoes and onion rings — should be kept away from.. Foods cooked in oils are loaded with fats that the stomach can’t metabolize immediately. A swollen belly will only hinder the relaxation you are paying for.

3. Avocado

It’s a superfood, but it’s one of the foods to avoid. It’s slow-digesting because of its high fat and fiber content. Eating a few slices pre-session will make you feel full for hours, which is not ideal when working out those muscle kinks.

4. Fatty Foods

Oil, cheese, sauces and red meat are slow to digest. Eating can lead to stomach upset while lying down. Avoid them at all costs unless your scheduled class is several hours away, giving ample time for proper digestion.

Foods to Eat After a Massage

A massage is a rewarding and exciting experience meant to care for your body and give you a way to relax. When going in for your massage or practicing self-massages, it is best to avoid heavy foods that can hinder the experience, but post-massage treatment is just as vital as the preparation. As a massage helps with muscle soreness, stress relief and detoxification, it is imperative to pair that support with energizing and clarifying foods. An instrumental way to revitalize your body is pumping it with the proper nutrition after your massage is complete. 

1. Salad

During your massage appointment, your muscles are being worked to alleviate any aggravation or knots. As these muscles are getting the proper treatment, blood flow starts to increase, building a stronger muscle. With your muscles getting stronger, it is vital that you eat foods that are rich in vitamins, such as salads. Salads contain water and antioxidants to repair and recover the muscles from their massage. 

2. Eggs

Eggs are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce bloating and focus on your muscles’ relaxation.  Purchasing fresh eggs that are clean and uncracked are the best way to ensure you are getting all the nutrients from your prepared eggs. 

3. Fruit Smoothies

Blended fruits are excellent after your appointment and a tasty addition to water in hydrating your body. They’re good for the gut, help you wake up in the morning, and keep your energy levels high after laying on the massage table for an extended period of time. 

4. Stir Fry

Stir fry is an excellent option for a post-massager meal through the various ingredients incorporated throughout. Pairing high protein foods, such as chicken, beef or tofu with vegetables, stir fry can help reduce cramping and pain. 

5. Watermelons

These refreshing fruits can help replenish your body after working your muscles through a massage. They contain 92% water, making them extremely hydrating and useful in replenishing the fluids you might have lost while sleeping. They’re also nutritious snacks to resupply the body with water after sweating it out.

Be Mindful of the Foods to Eat Before and After a Massage

It’s not just about the quality of the food you eat but also the timing. Eating fatty fruits like avocado is generally recommended, but it’s not a good massage food as it can make you feel bloated and make moving difficult. 

Your massage nutrition must default to easy-to-digest options, like eggs, watermelons, stir fry, smoothies and salads. Have these foods to eat after your session, but take just enough to gain the energy to bust out a power flow. 

Myobuddy’s goal is to help clients get the most out of their massage sessions and muscle therapy. Any questions about products, services or resources are more than welcome. Find out how to connect with us and find all your answers!