Bananas!

**Lee Penman** · 07-06-2009, 12:18 AM

Okay, when it comes to bananas what are your thoughts? Some say bananas are bad since they are high on the glycemic index. Others say green bananas (why would anyone WANT to eat a green banana...lol!!) actually assist you in losing weight....Input needed on the great banana debate!

**tammyp** · 07-06-2009, 06:10 AM

i dont ever do them. they stay with me for hours..the gift that keeps on givin!

**figurebre** · 07-06-2009, 11:32 AM

I read this on the Jillian Micheals interview...I have no clue. Interested to hear also.

**stephaniewicked** · 07-06-2009, 11:38 AM

I love bananas and have 2-3 per week (usually pre-workout). I used to consume them daily or several times a day, but I cut back because of the carbs... I enjoy eating them, but I try to moderate my consumption more nowadays. I'd like to hear more about this, as well!

Mouse · 07-06-2009, 12:34 PM

I know this is the women's forum but I saw the thread title of one of my favorite foods and couldn't resist. I love them and eat at least one every day. Given that I always eat them with a meal (i.e. a protein & fat), the GI index of them gets a bit skewed. Even when dieting I'll eat them post workout but at some point if I'm trying to get into single digits then they unfortunately have to go. I've found that during times I don't eat them, I tend to get more painful calves and hamstring cramps but I'm sure a good multi with potassium would fix that.

BTW, the best way to eat them is when the little spots first appear. Green bananas are wretched things.

**sassy69** · 07-06-2009, 02:33 PM

Off-season I like them for recovery. On season I stick w/ more low GI carbs like yams, oats, etc. Also my stomach gets touchy so I try to stick w/ the same boring stuff that is also proven to be wonderfully neutral on my digestive system.

**Northman** · 07-06-2009, 02:47 PM

Banana's and Isolate protein, chocolate chip cookie dough are my off season post recovery drinks.

**Gymrat65** · 07-07-2009, 12:58 PM

Green Banana's sugar level is lower than yellow due to the fermenting process as they ripen.

**capone1153** · 07-08-2009, 10:12 AM

i use 8 oz of bananas blended in my PWO shake during the off season and love ittt

**fitmomma3** · 07-08-2009, 03:21 PM

Although I do throw in bananas once in a while mostly post workout and ONLY in the off season I tend to stay away from them... For fruit I stick with the most bang (vitamins/fiber/antioxidants) for the least amount of waste (cal/sugar)... I favor strawberries, oranges, and apples.

**capone1153** · 07-08-2009, 10:15 PM

I read somewhere that bananas are a good choice PWO because they are simplier carbs but not as simple as other fruit which is only sugar.. has anyone heard anything like this?

**SadFatty** · 07-09-2009, 09:48 AM

My coach just put me on one banana a day 5 days a week. I'mmaking great progress but i"m not going to attribute it just to the banana. They are yummy though.

**Lee Penman** · 07-09-2009, 10:05 AM

Green bananas seem to contain a type of indigestible starch that seems to speed up metabolism. I did a small piece on it in the July Species Nutrition newsletter (subscribe to this newsletter by going to www.speciesnutrition.com)
That was the theory about the 'banana diet' that send Japan into a national banana shortage. The banana also had to be cold when consumed (?!)

**MikeS** · 07-09-2009, 11:24 AM

Bananas also contain vitamins/minerals/fiber/water so theyre good. Just dont go overboard.

**fitmomma3** · 07-09-2009, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by Leigh Penman

Green bananas seem to contain a type of indigestible starch that seems to speed up metabolism. I did a small piece on it in the July Species Nutrition newsletter (subscribe to this newsletter by going to www.speciesnutrition.com)
That was the theory about the 'banana diet' that send Japan into a national banana shortage. The banana also had to be cold when consumed (?!)

i've seen green bananas in some of the cleanse/detox diets too.