Building muscle is not all about workout. Diet is just as important as working out. Without proper diet, no matter how hard you train your body, you can’t expect to gain the muscle that you want.
However, it doesn’t mean that all foods are equally effective in building muscle. In order to gain muscle mass, you should choose foods that are high in protein. Adequate protein intake helps prevent muscle from breaking down and stimulates new muscle growth. Therefore, having enough protein is crucial when trying to build muscle.
If you want to build muscle, here are some high protein foods that will help you get started.
Chicken and turkey
Chicken and turkey contain a very high amount of protein and have low saturated fat than red meat, making them the ultimate muscle building foods. One ounce of chicken breast and turkey contain about 9 grams of protein. Chicken is also very versatile and can be consumed in a variety of ways, like baking, grilling, boiling, and barbecuing.
Eggs
Eggs are probably the least expensive source of complete protein. They contain all nine essential amino acids which is essential for the building and maintenance of muscles. One egg contains 6 grams of protein which is almost equally divided between the white and the yolk. Eating whole eggs can be more effective in building muscle, however if fat content is an issue, then you can remove the egg yolk by just consuming the egg white.
Fish
Fish is also a good source of protein. A serving (3 oz) of fish contain about 20 grams of protein and has a very low amount of saturated fat, making it an excellent protein food choice. Fish like salmon and tuna are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for your muscles and overall health.
Nuts
Nuts are the best muscle building snack as they contain a good amount of protein and fat. Nuts such as peanuts and almonds contain 9 grams and 8 grams of protein per ounce.
Whey protein
Whey protein, also known as ‘fast protein’, is one of the most useful types of protein for muscle building. This because it is rapidly broken down into amino acids and absorbed into the bloodstream, making it a very good protein to consume before and after a heavy workout. For this reason, it is a great option to supplement your protein needs when you’re trying to build muscle.
Low fat milk
Milk is one of the best muscle building foods because it contains both high quality proteins (whey and casein) that the body needs for muscle gaining, strength and recovery. One cup (250 ml) milk contains about 8 grams of highly beneficial protein.
Casein is digested more slowly than whey so it provides a steady supply of protein to your muscles, while whey gets metabolized more quickly. Since milk provides both of these proteins, it gives your body a perfect combination of muscle-building protein.
Low fat milk can be the best beverage after workout, as it contains all the required components needed by your body after workouts.
Cottage cheese
Another best source of whey and casein protein is cottage cheese. A half cup of low fat cottage cheese provides your body with about 16 grams of high quality protein, at an average 80 calories. Cottage cheese also contains live and active cultures which are good bacteria that will help breakdown and absorb all the nutrients you need to get bigger and stronger.