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When it comes to making “top ten” lists regarding muscle building foods, I’m not exactly the biggest advocate. What I would rather do is list good quality sources of foods and when to eat these foods. It’s not as cut and dry as just knowing WHAT muscle building foods to eat. Knowing WHEN to eat them is EVERY BIT as important! Some people want to make it all about protein. And protein is important, but you can’t build muscle without fats and carbs as well.
For starters, let’s examine a few muscle building foods you’ll want in your home.
First, there’s yogurt. This easily digestible dairy source is full of protein. It has the healthy cultures to promote proper amounts of certain necessary bacteria in your system to help digest all your daily intake. This is a must have in my opinion when it comes to muscle building foods. I like to eat it with fruit in the morning or before bed if I am having strong food cravings. Use in place of ice cream if you are craving sweets.
Eggs: Eggs have the highest protein digestion rating of any natural protein source. Another one of the must have muscle building foods. Scramble them up for a very quick, easy breakfast PACKED with protein. Take half a dozen eggs and slip them into a bowl. Whisk them into a frenzy. Throw in some sweet or hot peppers, onions, or even some broccoli is good. The great thing about eggs is that they have great protein to fat ratio. Eggs provide just enough fat so that you can stave off your hunger and keep those nasty blood sugar spikes away.
Chicken Breasts: I could put steak here or any other meat, but chicken is the best in the meat category of muscle building foods. Chicken breasts are so versatile. You can make an amazing assortment of foods with chicken breasts. They are a terrific thing to keep on hand. Chicken fajitas and enchiladas are two of my very favorites. This mexican dish is almost a perfect muscle building meal.
Rich carbs from such sources as yams, rice, oatmeal, and potatoes are also included. Stop listening to people saying, “all carbs are bad!” These sources actually provide essential nutrients that make protein do its job better. Your body will burn protein for energy instead of building muscle if you don’t eat carbs. The problem with burning protein is that it is an expensive energy source compared to simple carbs. If you tend to be slender and have a hard time gaining weight, then you especially need to consume carbs. I regularly remind the skinny guys to UP THE CARBS significantly if they truly wish to put on some solid, lean muscle mass.
Better Nutrition requires post-training consumption of simple carbs and fat-free meals
You are after fast digesting simple sugars right after training. Avoid anything containing fat in the food or drink you ingest right after training. As previously mentioned, fat slows absorption of vital nutrients into your muscles. So, you obviously you would do well to eat foods that break down faster at this critical time.
The rest of the day, consume fat in your diet
Consume moderate amounts of fat throughout the day, NOT following your workout. The problem with eating fat-free meals is that your body tends to absorb those meals at a faster rate than your body can use them. So then your blood sugar rises and drops. This isn’t good for your dieting efforts overall. Proper fat intake at proper times of the day can help you avoid this. You will also get more out of the food you eat since it will absorb at a slow and steady rate.
Of course, WAY too many muscle building foods - really GOOD ones - exist to list them all, but this will certainly get you off on the right path!
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