Abundant Potassium

Bananas get a bad rap

Did you know that a 4 ounce banana has the same number of carbs as the following which translates into the same amount of calories (60 kcal)

•1/2 of an English Muffin

•1/3 cup of rice (white or brown)

•1/3 cup of pasta (white or whole grain)

•1/2 cup ready to eat unsweetened cereal

•1/2 cup sweet potato

•12 cherries

•17 grapes 

And the list goes on and on

Think about this, if you ate double the  amount of the above listed foods and portions, you could eat an 8 ounce banana and derive even more nutritional value from it. 

As the worlds most convenient and transportable fruit, bananas are an excellent choice when on the run. It contains no fat and approximately 400 mg of potassium, important for muscle contraction including your heart muscle.  Bananas also contain fiber and  a host of other vitamins and minerals all of which contribute to good health. 

So, before you shun the banana, think about what you are replacing it with and compare it to see if you are missing out on this wonderfully filling, nutritionally sound  and convenient fruit. As with any weight management effort, it's not only what you eat but what you do that matters. If you are trying to lose weight and think that cutting out bananas is one of the keys, are you eating other carbs that could be sabotaging your ability to lose weight? Are you including exercise in your weight loss effort?

Important note: Potassium needs differ with age and depends on kidney health. On average, a healthy adult, age 19 and older needs 2000 mg of potassium. 

Remember, Eat Well, Be FIT~1FITrd