Top Foods to Eat Before and After Sauna (Avoid These 3)

Do you feel drained and dehydrated after a sauna session? Struggling to find the right foods to support your body before and after? Discover how the right nutrition can enhance your sauna experience, boost recovery, and leave you feeling revitalized.

What should You eat before using the sauna?

Fruits

Choose water-rich fruits like watermelon, oranges, and grapes. They help keep you hydrated and provide a quick energy boost.

Vegetables

Opt for hydrating vegetables such as cucumber, celery, and bell peppers. These veggies offer essential nutrients and help maintain hydration.

Whole Grains

Consume whole grains like oatmeal, quinoa, or whole wheat bread. They provide sustained energy and keep you feeling full longer.

What foods should You avoid eating before using the sauna? 

Too heavy Foods

Avoid heavy, fatty foods like burgers and fries. They can make you feel sluggish and uncomfortable during your sauna session.

Spicy Foods

Skip spicy foods like hot peppers and curry. They can cause excessive sweating and discomfort while in the sauna.

Meat and fish

Steer clear of large portions of meat and fish. They take longer to digest and may cause digestive discomfort during your sauna time. 

What should You eat After using the sauna?

After using the sauna, replenish lost fluids with water-rich fruits like watermelon and hydrating vegetables like cucumber. Restore energy levels with whole grains such as quinoa. Avoid heavy, spicy foods, and large portions of meat and fish to prevent digestive discomfort. 

How long do you have to wait to eat after the sauna?

After a sauna session, it’s best to consume hydrating drinks and light, nutritious foods. Wait at least 30 minutes after your sauna session before eating. Taking a break of 30 minutes allows your body to cool down properly and return to its normal metabolic state.

How long do you eat before the sauna?

For the best experience, it’s a good idea to wait at least two hours after eating before heading into a sauna. Here’s why: when you eat, your body uses energy to digest the food. This can clash with the energy your body needs to handle the heat in the sauna. By giving yourself a couple of hours, you allow your body to digest properly, making your sauna time more comfortable and enjoyable.