Some people don’t know what to eat before exercising. What is healthy, tasty, and suitable before your training or competition starts? Many then end up with a banana. Read on if you want to know why eating a banana before exercise is recommended.
What’s in a banana?
A banana is a tropical fruit and comes from the subtropics. In the subtropics there are banana plantations where the bananas grow. It is one of the most eaten fruits in the Netherlands and therefore also one of the most popular fruits.
A banana is full of minerals and vitamins. Think of vitamin B6, vitamin B8, manganese, vitamin C, potassium, copper and magnesium. Below are the nutritional values of a 165 gram banana:
- Energy: 152 kcal
- Fat: 0.5 g, of which 0.2 g saturated
- Carbohydrates: 33 g, of which 25.6 g are sugars
- Fiber: 3.1 g
- Protein: 1.8 g
- Salt: 0 g
A banana contains many carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. With this information, we can answer the question “Eat a banana before exercise, or after?” reply. Read the answer below.
Banana before or after exercise?
Before exercise you need carbohydrates to burn during exercise. Your body needs energy during exercise to provide your muscles with fuel. A banana is suitable for this, since a banana contains a lot of carbohydrates. It is therefore more suitable to eat a banana before exercise than after.
When to eat a banana before exercise?
The question now is when you should eat the banana before exercising. It is wise to eat the banana about an hour in advance, so that your body can still digest it. This way you do not suffer from a heavy stomach and your body has been able to get the nutrients into your system.
Benefits of a banana for exercise
Eating a banana before exercise brings a number of benefits. We have listed these advantages for you below.
✓ A banana contains a lot of carbohydrates, so you have more energy during a workout.
✓ It is healthy, there are many minerals and vitamins in a banana.
✓ They are good for your intestines, Bananas contain a lot of fiber, these are good for your bowel movements.
✓ A banana is easily digestible, so you do not suffer from food in your stomach.