Exercising is very important for our overall health. It has countless benefits or both our mind and our body, and it is one of the best and cheapest ways to make sure that you look and feel good. One of the negatives is that it can make you feel a lot more tired and that, if you do not have the proper nutrition, it can cause you to have cramps, which might put you off exercising for a while. But there is an easy remedy to this that many people dismiss because of its simplicity, and that is eating a banana before going to the gym.
Bananas are one of nature’s best superfoods, as they are full of nutrients and minerals that can help our bodies in a myriad of ways. They are also sweet and full of fiber, which are added bonus as it makes them taste really good (as long as you like the flavor) and can give you a big healthy boost of energy that few other healthy foods can.
How to eat bananas to get the most out of their benefits
Well, given how many benefits they have overall, you can eat them whenever and you will probably get some of the benefits no matter what, but you might want to consider having one before going to the gym or doing any kind of strenuous physical activity.
The first reason for this is that they are a great source of natural carbohydrates, mainly in the form of natural sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) and starch. Since these are naturally occurring, they are also quickly absorbed by our gut, making them an immediate source of energy. While this means that you could also eat a banana as a post workout snack, doing it before will help you maintain intensity and endurance as you exercise. Plus, they are not as filling or heavy as some of the artificial snacks.
Another thing that makes them key as a pre workout snack is their high potassium content, which is an essential mineral for muscle and nerve function. Potassium contributes to the transmission of electrical impulses in muscle cells, regulates contraction, and prevents cramps, which are common when you exercise. Plus, since we tend to sweat when we exert ourselves, we lose this important mineral and so it is important to replenish it to maintain electrolyte balance.
When we combine the potassium with the magnesium also found in high quantities in bananas, we can also count on them as a way to reduce the incidence of muscle cramps in people who exercise. In addition to these minerals, hydration and a proper diet are essential to reduce the risk of muscle spasms, and while bananas do not replace water and you should still drink plenty of water, it can help contribute to their prevention.
Bananas also offer a gentle source of soluble fiber that supports digestion without upsetting the stomach, making them a suitable pre-workout choice. Unlike heavier fiber-rich options, they are light enough to eat within an hour of exercising and are unlikely to cause bloating or sluggishness. Physically active muscles rely on glycogen for fuel. Eating a banana before training can enhance glycogen availability, helping maintain energy levels throughout a session. Afterward, pairing bananas with protein or additional carbohydrates may speed up recovery by helping restore those depleted reserves.
And last, but by no means least, bananas are easy to transport and to eat without mess, which makes them perfect to transport and to eat while out and about, making them almost the perfect daily snack. If you do not like the flavor, you might want to consider eating something else, but if that is not your issue, give them a chance to surprise you.