Eating the right food while doing bodybuilding is one of the most important things there is.
Sadly, there are quite a few amateurs out there who don’t yet understand the concept of bodybuilding food and as a result end up slowing down their progress.
The whole idea of bodybuilding food is quite deep and goes around many ideas from pre workout food to post workout food, both of which are very important for successful campaign.
We have set up a list for you with a few ideas about bodybuilding food that will give you enough protein.
Protein is important to support your muscle tissue regeneration after an intense workout for better results and bigger, harder and stronger muscles.
We all know that the muscles are growing while they are resting but what we forgot to mention is that they also need the proper food to help them regenerate and transform.
Animal Protein Foods For Bodybuilding
Egg Whites
Let’s begin with Egg Whites. Best protein value you can buy these days. There is pretty much no bodybuilder these days without any egg whites in his diet.
They offer about 3.7 g of protein per egg and are competing for the title of ‘best muscle building food’.
Nothing like waking up in the morning and beating up about 6 eggs for the ultimate protein breakfast that will keep you powered during your adventures.
Low Fat Milk
Next up is 2% milk. Also quite cheap and very high on protein with about 8.2 g per cup.
We all know that fruits are also very good bodybuilding food for boosting your energy and stamina so a good idea here might be homemade smoothies.
Get some fruit and some milk and blend yourself the perfect shake or a smoothie for an amazing doze of protein and energy. It’s very tasty as well, surely an idea that must not be neglected.
Steak
Nothing like a mouthwatering steak after an intense trip to the gym. This meal can give you about 1g of protein for every 7 calories making it not only delicious but also a muscle building king.
Or if you like it, 1 steak (360 g) contains 98 g of protein.
Many studies have shown that bodybuilders consuming steaks are experiencing a significant increase and improvement in their workout.
If you don’t have steak in your diet then you should really consider adding them.
Chicken Breasts
The chicken is probably the classic. Chicken breasts offer the stunning 24g of protein per every 3 oz. making them the ultimate protein stuffed food money can buy.
There is no mistake that every bodybuilder on this world has chicken in their diet not only because its tasty, but because its great value.
Chicken is not a heavy food making it an even better meal after your workout that can allow you to rest nicely after your workout without feeling bloated.
Salmon
Salmon fish is ranking pretty close to the chicken. If you are a fish lover then you will be very happy to read that salmon, same as chicken, is very high on protein with the stunning 23g per 3 oz.
If you love to eat fish, then salmon is the right path for you and your workout.
Plant Protein Foods for Bodybuilding
Although plants are mostly sources of incomplete proteins, combining them you can include all essential amino acids.
Tofu
Tofu is made from whole soy and are an excellent source of plant proteins.
Tofu is made from coagulated soy milk. Nutritionally, tofu is a very valuable food and is an important source of protein.
A portion of tofu gives approximately 8 g of protein per every 3 oz, and smoked tofu as much as 10 g. In addition, it is a good source of calcium, potassium, phosphorus and iron.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian food product made from fermented soy. It is rich in plant fibers that bind to toxins, thus detoxifying our colon.
The protein content in 3 oz is about 11 g. Tempeh is also a good source of fiber and iron and contains potassium and calcium.
Quinoa
Quinoa contains more protein than any other “real” cereal, ie. 17-20%, while rice contains only about 7% protein.
The amino acid composition of quinoa is fantastic and almost complete in terms of the presence of essential amino acids, which cannot be said for other “real grains”.
One cup (185 grams) of cooked quinoa provides roughly 8 grams of protein.
Quinoa is rich in “rare” amino acids in the plant world – lysine, methionine and cysteine. Quinoa is considered a great substitute for animal protein, so it is great food for vegetarian or vegan bodybuilders.
It is rich in starch and “simple sugars” and is therefore a good source of both “slow” and “fast” energy necessary for every athlete.
Besides, it contains monounsaturated fats that are good for heart and blood vessel health, such as oleic acid and linoleic acid (omega-3 fatty acids).
Quinoa is also rich in minerals including manganese, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper and selenium and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, E.
Amaranth
Amaranth is another pseudocereal that is a complete source of protein.
One cup (246 grams) of cooked amaranth gives approximately 9 grams of protein. It is also an excellent source of manganese, magnesium phosphorus and iron.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are tiny round seeds that are often black or white in color.
Two tablespoons (28 grams) of chia seeds give 4 grams of protein. They are also a good source of omega-3, iron, calcium, magnesium and selenium.
Eat Right Protein Foods For Bodybuilding
So there you have it, some of the best bodybuilding foods that can really take your workout to the next level.
Be sure to eat the right food before and after workout to ensure best possible results.
Keep in mind that there are many more products out there we did not cover here that are also amazing for building muscle.
If you have any high protein food for bodybuilding you wish to share, please do so in the comments bellow.
