Should You Eat Before or After a Massage? Tips for Handling Meals Around Massages

Should You Eat Before or After a Massage?

Getting a massage can be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. However, one question that often comes up is whether you should eat before or after your massage appointment. There are pros and cons to both options, so it's important to consider your personal preferences and needs.

Eating before a massage can help provide energy and prevent distracting growling stomachs during the treatment. However, some people find lying face down uncomfortable with a full stomach. Eating a large meal immediately before a massage may leave you feeling too full and sluggish.

On the other hand, waiting to eat until after a massage allows you to remain relaxed during the treatment. You don't have to worry about getting in comfortable positions with a full stomach. However, you may feel lightheaded or weak if you haven't eaten in several hours.

Benefits of Eating Before a Massage

Here are some potential benefits of eating a light meal about an hour before your massage appointment:

Provides energy. The nutrients from a small snack or meal can help fuel your body and brain during the massage.
Prevents dips in blood sugar. Going too long without eating can sometimes cause blood sugar levels to drop, leading to dizziness or feeling faint.
Avoids disruptive stomach grumbling. Eating something ensures your stomach remains satisfied during the massage.
Maximizes relaxation. Not having to worry about feeling hungry allows you to fully relax during the massage treatment.

To reap these benefits without feeling uncomfortably full, stick to something small and easy to digest. Some good pre-massage snacks include:

A piece of fruit
Half a sandwich
A small salad
Low-fiber cereal or oatmeal
Granola bar
Yogurt
Trail mix

Be sure to avoid eating anything too heavy or greasy right before a massage, as this can leave you feeling sluggish. It's also a good idea to avoid dairy, if you know you're lactose intolerant, as well as anything spicy or acidic which could cause indigestion.

Downsides of Eating Before Massage

While eating before a massage does have some benefits, there are a few potential downsides to consider as well:

Feeling too full. If you eat a large meal right before your appointment, you may end up feeling uncomfortably full while lying down.
Decreased comfort. Lying face down can cause more stomach discomfort with food in your belly.
Less effective treatment. Feeling stuffed limits the massage therapist's ability to physically manipulate your muscles and tissue.
Digestive issues. Large meals may cause bloating, indigestion, gas or cramping during the massage.

To avoid these issues, have just a small snack instead of a heavy meal before your massage. You want to eat enough to feel satisfied but not so much that you feel miserably full. It's generally best to avoid eating anything within the hour before your appointment.

Benefits of Eating After a Massage

There are also some advantages to waiting to eat until after your massage:

No discomfort from full stomach. You can lie comfortably in any position needed during the massage.
Deeper relaxation. Not having to digest food allows your body to relax more fully.
Unrestricted technique. The massage therapist can use deeper pressure or stretching without causing discomfort.
Enjoyment of food. Your snack or meal after the massage may seem exceptionally tasty.

After a massage, your body is very receptive to nutrients that can aid recovery. Some excellent options for post-massage meals include:

Protein shake or smoothie
Eggs with vegetables
Oatmeal with fruit
Yogurt with granola
Turkey sandwich
Salmon with rice
Healthy wrap or salad

Focus on getting a balance of protein, healthy fats and carbs to help rebuild muscle, restore energy levels and stabilize blood sugar.

Potential Downsides of Waiting to Eat

While waiting to eat until after a massage can maximize relaxation during the appointment, there are some possible downsides to consider:

Lightheadedness or dizziness. Going extended periods without food can result in blood sugar crashes.
Lack of energy. You may feel weak or fatigued when your body needs fuel.
Overeating later. Feeling ravenous after a massage may lead to poor food choices.
Headache. Hunger headaches are common if it's been too long since your last meal.

To prevent these unpleasant effects, be sure you don't go longer than 3-4 hours without eating before a massage. Have a light snack a few hours prior or make sure you eat right away afterward.

Tips for Eating Around Massages

Here are some top tips for handling meals and food timing around massage appointments:

Eat a small snack - Stick to something light and easy to digest about 1 hour before the massage.
Avoid heavy meals - Large, heavy, greasy or acidic meals can cause discomfort.
Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of non-diuretic fluids like water before and after.
Listen to your body - Skip the pre-massage snack if you already feel full.
Have a post-massage plan - Know what healthy meal or snack you'll eat afterward.
Discuss with your therapist - Let them know if you have discomfort due to eating.
Allow digestion time - If eating before, wait at least 1 hour for food to digest.
Balance blood sugar - Try to eat a meal with carbs, protein and fat within 1-2 hours.

Paying attention to your own personal preferences, needs and how your body feels can help determine the best timing for meals around a massage. Open communication with your massage therapist is also key.

What the Experts Say About Eating and Massages

Most massage therapists agree that what and when you eat before a massage comes down to personal choice. However, many experts share the following guidance:

Eat a very light snack about an hour before a massage if needed for energy and to prevent stomach growling. Fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds are good options.
Drink plenty of water before and after the massage to stay hydrated.
Avoid large, heavy meals right before a massage as this can cause discomfort.
Eat a nutritious meal within an hour after a massage to replenish nutrients.
Communicate with your massage therapist if you have any discomfort related to eating.
Some people prefer not to eat right before a massage and opt to have a meal afterward.
Use your best judgment based on your personal needs and preferences.

Most reputable massage therapists ensure clients are as relaxed and comfortable as possible throughout the session. Avoiding overeating right before a massage can aid this goal.

However, some clients feel weak, dizzy or unfocused if they go too long without food. A small, veggie-based snack about an hour before the appointment helps offset this.

Drinking water is also key before and after massage therapy to prevent dehydration and muscle cramps. Communicate openly with your massage therapist regarding any challenges you face regarding eating around massages.