Brown rice
Although cooked brown rice provides only 5g of protein per cup (195g), it has the carbs you need to fuel exercise. Consider eating it in the hours leading up to your workout. Bonus: Research has shown that rice protein supplements can result in as much muscle gain as whey protein when weight training.
Lean beef
This should be your “go-to” if you’re looking to gain muscle mass. Lean beef is loaded with iron, zinc (which supports your immune system and muscles), magnesium (this plays a role in metabolism and muscle health and helps manage sleep) and B-vitamins. Most importantly, it’s a high-quality protein source (not all proteins are equal) and its amino acids work with insulin to promote muscle growth.
Skinless chicken
Like beef, chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is important for muscle maintenance and repair, bone health and weight maintenance. Plus, it’s super-versatile so you won’t get bored easily.
Oats
Oatmeal is a great source of carbs because it’s low GI and minimally processed. Low-GI foods can aid fat loss (they keep you fuller for longer) and provide a constant source of carbs for muscle preservation.
Fruit and veggies
Fruit and vegetables are a rich source of antioxidants, which are important for the healthy functioning of your immune system. They also pack a bunch of other nutrients, such as vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene. Best part? The fibre for optimum digestion.
Healthy fats
We know – the idea of adding fat to your diet sounds a little counterintuitive, but we need good fats for muscle growth. FYI: they play a vital role in hormone production, which helps drive muscle growth and strength gains.
Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are the good ones. You’ll find them in salmon and other fatty other fishes, nuts, leafy veggies, oils such as flaxseed, avocado, seeds and nuts.
Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is almost entirely pure casein protein. Casein is a slow-digesting protein, which means it’s great for maintaining and growing muscle.
Eggs
Our fave brekkie food, eggs contain “good for you” fat. They’re also a high-quality protein source, have nine essential amino acids, choline and vitamin B.
Whey protein
There’s a reason fast-absorbing whey protein is popular among athletes, bodybuilders and fitness models. It increases the release of anabolic hormones, which can stimulate muscle growth.
Tofu
Each half-cup (124g) serving of raw tofu contains 10g of protein, 6g of fat and 2g of carbs. Tofu is also a good source of calcium, which is important for proper muscle function and bone health. FYI: Soy protein, found in foods like tofu and soybeans, is considered one of the highest-quality plant proteins.
Soybeans
Which leads us to… Half a cup (86g) of cooked soybeans contains 14g of protein, healthy unsaturated fats and several vitamins and minerals. Soybeans are also a particularly good source of vitamin K and iron.
Tuna and other fatty fish
In addition to 20g of protein per 85g serving, tuna contains high amounts of vitamin A and several B vitamins, including B12, niacin and B6. These nutrients are important for optimal health, energy and exercise performance.
Fish in general are high in protein, low in fat, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which assist with metabolism and fat loss.
Quinoa
While protein-rich foods are a priority for building lean muscle, it’s also important to have the fuel to get active. Foods with carbs, like quinoa, help to provide this energy.
Scallops
Like shrimp, tilapia and lean poultry, scallops dish up protein with very little fat. If you’re looking to add protein to your diet without consuming too many calories, these very lean sources are good choices. Around 85 of scallops provide around 20g of protein and fewer than 100 calories.
Pork tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat that provides 18g of protein and only 2g of fat per 85g. Some research has even shown that pork has effects similar to those of other muscle-building foods, such as beef and chicken.
Almonds
Half a cup (about 172g) of blanched almonds provides 16g of protein and large amounts of vitamin E, magnesium and phosphorus. Phosphorus helps your body use carbs and fats for energy while at rest (bonus!) and during exercise.
Greek yoghurt
Dairy is a mixture slow-digesting casein protein and fast-digesting whey protein, so snacking on it after or before a workout could be beneficial in building muscle. Fast fact: Greek yoghurt packs double the protein of regular yoghurt.
Tilapia
An 85g serving provides around 21g of protein, along with good amounts of vitamin B12 and selenium. Vitamin B12 is important for the health of your blood cells and nerves, which allows you to actually perform the exercise you need to gain that prime muscle.
Protein powder
Sometimes getting protein from food isn’t enough. You can add protein shakes to your daily routine for optimum results.
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