banana's

I've recently learned some very good health benefits of having a banana per day. For one potassium plays a major part in muscle growth, along with cardiovascular, kidney & bone health. I used to avoid them thinking they were way to high in cal's, now I just budget them in.

Anyway, I've read on here where some of you believe in the banana for a pre work out meal/snack, while other's say a banana afterwards is better. Just wanted to get a few opinions on this. Before or after?

For the nutritional/health value, it doesn't matter when you eat it during the day. The potassium, fiber, and other good stuff is good at any time of the day. In terms of a banana being basically simple carbs, it's useful as both an easily digested pre-workout snack or a good post-workout recovery food. Basically, eat it whenever you like.

I love having a banana for either breakfast or pre-workout. It gives you those yummy carbs that get you moving.

After a workout, just eat something high in protein...like nuts, milk...I don't know. Anything really even a banana.

i know lots of ppl that avoid them whilst trying to lose weight.. so silly..

i loooove bananas! hehe I have one every morning blended in my chocolate protein smoothie.. with skim milk and psyllium husk.. it gets me waaay past my workout without feeling tired or hungry.

I don't know how i feel about a fruit that is so calorie dense. I eat them sometimes but i consider them a dessert.

I got into the habit of eating a banana prior to working out when I played soccer in high school. They were handed out before a game to help prevent muscle cramps. I don't know how effective they are to that end, but there is certainly some benefits on extra potassium if you exercise. For one it increases the body's vasodilation abilities during exercise: as in, it helps your blood vessels expand while you're working out. Potassium also works with sodium to regulate osmotic pressure, so it acts as a buffer against dehydration. Whether or not it actually prevents muscle cramps, it is recommended that people who work out regularly eat extra potassium : )

And after high school soccer, I just don't feel right working out if I haven't had my banana

Original Post by skinnylea:

I don't know how i feel about a fruit that is so calorie dense. I eat them sometimes but i consider them a dessert.

Why do you say they are calorie dense? I don't understand.

Every morning I have a banana and a hard boiled egg for breakfast. Balanced, delicious, and always eaten on the run!

It's scientifically proven that if you eat a banana in the morning, you smile more throughout the day!