Dietitians Urge People to Stop Dipping Watermelon in Pre-Workout

TikTok has been home to many pre-workout trends and hacks. First there was dry-scooping, where people are downing cups of pre-workout completely dry for a supposedly better effect (not effective; not recommended).

Now TikTokers are mixing pre-workout supplements with fruit, particularly watermelon, for a “refreshing” take on a summer treat.

We first spotted the trend in a video by user @taetnjhi showing of a day in the life of his fitness routine, in which he dips watermelon in pre-workout before eating it and heading to the gym.

After another user calls him out in the comments, he elaborates in another video stating “the only way to take pre[-workout] in the summer.” Multiple videos from other users follow suit, mostly showing them pouring pre-workout all over their watermelon and mixing it in, liquid-free.

While dipping watermelon in your candy-flavored pre-workout may sound like an appetizing fusion, registered dietitians (as in, people who are actually qualified to give nutrition advice) advise against it.

What even is pre-workout?

Previously reported by Men’s Health, “pre-workout” supplements are marketed to help you work out longer and harder, mixing a variety of vitamins, minerals, and ingredients to boost vitality.

There isn’t always transparency about the exact ingredients in the product as listed on the label, which could potentially counteract with other supplements and medicines you’re taking.

Like with any supplement, always consult a doctor before adding it to your fitness regimen.

So, should you mix watermelon with your pre-workout?

Yes, and no. Matt Mazzino, R.D., a registered dietitian at Gainful says the TikTokers might be onto something with this mix. “The quick digesting carbohydrates in fruit can actually complement pre-workout to increase energy during exercise,” says Mazzino, however he believes there are safer ways to consume the mix.

“When you’re dipping something into pre-workout, you can’t really keep track of how much pre-workout you’re actually consuming,” says Abby Langer, R.D., author of Good Food, Bad Diet. “You can end up ingesting a harmful amount of it.”

Pre-workout supplements and powders often contain premixed ingredient blends like caffeine and creatine designed to boost your energy and improve blood flow to the muscles, but just like with any supplement, it’s possible to take too much, would could lead to energy jitters, vomiting, or even a heart attack.

Mixing watermelon with pre-workout can also create a possible choking hazard, says Mazzino. “This is because the powder in pre-workout is meant to be diluted in liquid, and not consumed ‘dry.’ Doing so would also not increase the benefits of the pre-workout. However, the safest way to come these together would be to mix your pre-workout in liquid, and then eat the fruit separately.”

Still craving the watermelon flavor? The safest way to do it is either a watermelon-flavored pre-workout powder, or blend up your favorite pre-workout with watermelon and water for a pre-workout mix that won’t potentially land you in the hospital.

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