Does a banana count as fiber? I know it has fiber but also sugar. I workout in the morning and I typically eat a banana and some nuts before a workout because they don’t bother my stomach.
Great question! Bananas and berries absolutely contain fiber, and they count, but context matters. When we talk about “eating fiber first,” we're trying to optimize blood sugar response by slowing digestion and buffering glucose absorption. The fiber in fruit helps, but the natural sugars in bananas (or any fruit) still impact blood glucose more rapidly than, say, leafy greens or legumes.
If you're using a banana and nuts pre-workout and feel good, energy’s steady, digestion’s easy, that’s a great example of functional habit tailoring. Especially if it's before movement, your body’s more insulin sensitive and ready to use that glucose.
So, how to think about fruit like bananas or berries?
With a meal: Treat as part of your “carbs last” strategy, eat greens, protein, and fat first.
As a standalone snack: Pair with fat or fiber (like nuts) to stabilize the glucose curve.
Before a workout: It’s okay to bend the rules. You’re fueling for movement, not rest.
In short: yes, they contain fiber, but if you're not also eating veggies or beans first in a full meal context, fruit is still best treated as a natural carbohydrate. When in doubt, think “whole fruit, paired wisely.”
Yes, absolutely! You want to drink a smoothie over 30 minutes or longer because you are consuming a large amount of food in liquid form, and want to simulate eating a regular meal.
I had this same question. I often include fruit in my meals, especially breakfast. For example, berries. I wasn't sure whether that would count as fiber (eat first) or carbs (eat last).
A is for amazing. Loved this post. Up next, B is for brilliant and my Belief you will educate and delight. None of this is hard to remember. So glad you walk it out in a way that forms a tiny habit instantly, which grows into the other tiny habits.
Why does fiber cause excessive gas in some people?
What do you think about adding fiber via Metamucil, for example?
Great article. Can't wait for B is for blood sugar. Is the letter I going to be for insulin?
I will be for Inflammation. :)
Starting every meal with fiber really surprised me! I’m going to do that from now on. Thank you!
Wonderful!
Does a banana count as fiber? I know it has fiber but also sugar. I workout in the morning and I typically eat a banana and some nuts before a workout because they don’t bother my stomach.
Great question! Bananas and berries absolutely contain fiber, and they count, but context matters. When we talk about “eating fiber first,” we're trying to optimize blood sugar response by slowing digestion and buffering glucose absorption. The fiber in fruit helps, but the natural sugars in bananas (or any fruit) still impact blood glucose more rapidly than, say, leafy greens or legumes.
If you're using a banana and nuts pre-workout and feel good, energy’s steady, digestion’s easy, that’s a great example of functional habit tailoring. Especially if it's before movement, your body’s more insulin sensitive and ready to use that glucose.
So, how to think about fruit like bananas or berries?
With a meal: Treat as part of your “carbs last” strategy, eat greens, protein, and fat first.
As a standalone snack: Pair with fat or fiber (like nuts) to stabilize the glucose curve.
Before a workout: It’s okay to bend the rules. You’re fueling for movement, not rest.
In short: yes, they contain fiber, but if you're not also eating veggies or beans first in a full meal context, fruit is still best treated as a natural carbohydrate. When in doubt, think “whole fruit, paired wisely.”
Does a smoothie with plant protein, flax, berries and frozen cauliflower sound ok?
Yes, absolutely! You want to drink a smoothie over 30 minutes or longer because you are consuming a large amount of food in liquid form, and want to simulate eating a regular meal.
I had this same question. I often include fruit in my meals, especially breakfast. For example, berries. I wasn't sure whether that would count as fiber (eat first) or carbs (eat last).
Hi Karen see answer above.
Thanks!
You are welcome!
A is for amazing. Loved this post. Up next, B is for brilliant and my Belief you will educate and delight. None of this is hard to remember. So glad you walk it out in a way that forms a tiny habit instantly, which grows into the other tiny habits.
Thank you!
I’m a 2 yr subscriber to Substack. I’m retired and am wondering if you’d offer me a scholarship to be a member?
Hi Pat, please email us at info@drmarbas.com. Happy to help.
OK will do so, thank you!
:)