Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Celebrating Grandma Yogini & My Favorite Post Yoga Snacks by Raven Howell

 

 


Henry and his sister, Meredith, can hardly wait for Grandma to arrive for a visit. But what should they expect? Among the children's diverse friends and their grandmothers who bake, create art, and speak Spanish, will Grandma be able to share something unique and fun with the kids? Henry's fears are alleviated when, not long after arrival, they flutter like butterflies, slither like snakes, and enjoy other challenges of stretching their muscles and calming their minds. This is no run-of-the-mill grandma, and when it’s time for goodbye, the kids know this was the BEST grandma visit ever.

Celebrating Grandma Yogini & My Favorite Post Yoga Snacks

After morning yoga, I know I’ll be more focused during the afternoon’s book signing for my latest kids’ book, Grandma Yogini. But first, I head to the kitchen to prepare some snacks. I make sure to drink plenty of water. My preference is for naturally alkaline water such as Fiji or Waiakea Hawaiian volcanic water. But as long as you rehydrate, drink what you like or works for your budget. Some people prefer coconut water, a drink that’s growing in popularity and a good choice for replenishing electrolytes lost during exercise.

Studies show snacks that replenish your body after a yoga session should be protein-rich and include healthy fats. Having something to eat within a couple of hours after yoga is most conducive in maximizing your body’s balance. Usually, I’ll eat a lightly sweetened vanilla Greek yogurt with dried fruit mixed in. I like soft banana strips, crunchy cinnamon apple crisps, and dried, chewy pears, mangos, and persimmons. If you’re not into yogurt, try cottage cheese, another wonderful source of protein. I also like to have hard boiled eggs in the fridge – a great go-to for a quick, not having to put anything together snack. And protein smoothies are super yummy! My choice is a peanut butter blend. 

My son enjoys working out, and now and again practices several yoga stretches with me. His favorite post-work-out snack is hummus. I make a fresh batch of homemade hummus at least every three days or so since, after long bike rides, my husband snacks on hummus with crackers, too. Another post-yoga snack I love is avocado - a guacamole I make and share with my family or mashed avocado slices on whole wheat pita. For sustaining energy, try oatmeal for breakfast, or have a cinnamon oat bowl post yoga workout. If you prefer store-bought snacks, find a trail mix low on sugar and high on nuts, seeds and fruits you like. Ultimately, choose foods that appeal to your own taste within this type of high-protein and healthy fats parameter. And happy snacking!

 


About the Author 

Raven Howell is an award-winning children’s book author. She works as a writer, journalist, columnist, poet, and publishing advisor. Raven's work is featured in magazines including Story Monsters Ink, Ladybug, Highlights for Children, Humpty Dumpty, and The School Magazine. Her books have won several awards, including Excellence in Children's Literature, Creative Child Magazine's Best Children's Book, Mom's Choice Award, and the NYC Big Book Award. She writes preschool storybooks for educational publishers worldwide. Raven enjoys library and school visits and has been practicing yoga for over four decades. 

You can find her online at:

https://www.ravenhowell.com

https://twitter.com/atpearthkeeper

https://www.instagram.com/atpearthkeeper/

https://www.facebook.com/raven.howell.75/

https://www.facebook.com/RavenHowellAuthorandPoetPage/

https://www.pinterest.com/pickward

https://www.linkedin.com/in/raven-howell-5a813015b/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ravenhowell22

https://bsky.app/profile/ravenhowell.bsky.social

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