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Woke up this morning and my back was killing me before I even got out of bed.
Isn’t that just how it goes now? Used to be I could sleep on the couch or in some weird position and wake up fine. These days my body keeps a running tab of every little thing I do wrong. Getting old is weird like that.
Been trying to figure out what actually helps versus what’s just noise. You know how everyone’s always telling you to eat this or don’t eat that. Gets exhausting honestly. But I’ve noticed something with bananas that’s kind of stuck with me.
Sounds dumb maybe. It’s just a banana.
But stick with me here.
They’re Just Easy
My stomach’s not what it used to be. There I said it.
Coffee hits different now. Toast sometimes sits heavy. And don’t even get me started on trying to eat a big breakfast when I’m not hungry yet. But my doctor keeps saying I can’t just skip eating in the morning anymore. Something about blood sugar and energy and blah blah blah.
So I started grabbing bananas. Because they’re right there on the counter and I don’t have to think about it.
They don’t upset my stomach. Don’t make me feel gross. Just kind of… work. Which is more than I can say for a lot of foods lately.
Plus I can eat one while I’m getting ready or checking my email or whatever. Don’t need a plate. Don’t need utensils. Just peel and go.
What They Actually Do
Okay so here’s what I’ve figured out without trying to sound like a science textbook.
Bananas have potassium. You’ve probably heard that before. What you maybe don’t know is potassium is one of those things your body needs more of as you get older. Helps your heart keep doing its thing. Helps your blood pressure not go crazy.
I didn’t really pay attention to this stuff until my friend Linda had a health scare last year. Now I’m more aware I guess.
Also – and this is kind of embarrassing but whatever – they help keep things moving if you know what I mean. Digestion slows down after 50. Nobody warns you about that part of aging. Bananas help without being dramatic about it.
And my legs don’t cramp up as much at night anymore. Used to wake me up sometimes. Those Charlie horses in my calves were the worst. Still happens occasionally but not as bad since I started eating bananas more regularly.
Could be coincidence. Who knows. But I’ll take it.
How I Actually Eat Them
I’m not fancy about it.
Sometimes I just eat it plain while I’m standing at the counter scrolling through my phone. Sometimes I slice it up and put it on peanut butter toast if I have time.
My daughter showed me how to freeze them and blend them into smoothies but that feels like too much work most mornings. I did it once. It was good. Haven’t done it since lol.
Mostly I just keep them around. When I remember to buy them at the store anyway. Always forget something.
The point is it doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s kind of the whole thing. If it’s complicated I won’t do it. And I’m guessing you’re the same way.
Not Trying to Sell You Anything
Look I’m not saying bananas are magic. They’re not.
But here’s what I know. After 50 everything feels harder. You get tired faster. Your body complains more. And everyone’s always trying to sell you some supplement or shake or whatever that costs fifty bucks.
A banana costs like thirty cents.
And it actually helps me feel better. More energy. Less cranky by lunchtime. My body just seems to appreciate it.
Is it going to fix everything? No. Do I still have aches and pains and days where I feel old as dirt? Yep.
But the little stuff matters now. Drinking enough water. Getting enough sleep. Eating something decent for breakfast even when I don’t feel like it.
These aren’t big dramatic changes. But they add up. And honestly that’s all we can do sometimes.
Just Give It a Try
Keep some bananas around. That’s it. That’s my advice.
Eat one when you remember. Or don’t. I’m not your mom.
But if you’re looking for one easy thing that might actually help you feel a little better as you’re getting older, this could be it. It’s cheap. It’s simple. And your body might surprise you.
Mine did.
And if it doesn’t work for you? You’re only out like two dollars. No big deal. But if it does help even a little bit, that’s something.
We take the wins where we can get them at this age.
