Endika Montiel, nutritionist: "That banana you eat before training is the biggest mistake you can make."

For many, eating a banana before a workout is synonymous with quick energy, vitality, and fewer cramps . This carbohydrate-rich fruit quickly converts to glucose, which improves physical performance during moderate or short-duration activities. Furthermore, its potassium content helps maintain electrolyte balance, which can help prevent muscle cramps during exercise. Being an easily digestible food with natural antioxidants , many people consider it an ideal snack before hitting the gym or going for a run.

Many nutritionists even recommend eating it 30 to 60 minutes before physical activity to take advantage of its energizing effect without causing digestive discomfort. The amount is usually adjusted to the duration and intensity of the workout, and one piece is often enough for short workouts. In some cases, it is suggested to combine it with other foods such as honey, berries, or smoothies to enhance its effect and ensure better recovery after physical exertion.

However, not all experts share this view. Conscious eating coach Endika Montiel has been blunt on the matter: “ That banana is possibly the biggest mistake you can make before a workout .” He explains that eating this type of carbohydrate before training “makes no sense whatsoever,” since the body doesn't have the time to metabolize it and transform it into useful energy for the muscles. Montiel maintains that the body allocates up to 80% of its blood to the digestive system to digest food, precisely when that blood should be in the muscles to provide oxygen and nutrients.

Montiel goes further and warns that this habit can be counterproductive: "That banana you ate an hour before could possibly sabotage your workout because it interferes with your digestive system and the muscle periphery." According to the expert, this "state of interference" not only decreases performance but could also lead to injury . His recommendation is clear: optimize energy stores in advance , ideally " the night before or at least four hours before training." And if not, it's better to train on an empty stomach .