Achieving your fitness goals starts with what you put into your body. To build muscle, you must fuel your body with the right foods. There are many options, so trying to figure out what’s best for you can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 30 muscle-building foods to help you reach your goals. From protein-rich meats to complex carbs and everything in between, these foods will help you build the strong, healthy body you’ve been working towards. So, what are you waiting for? Start adding these items to your grocery list today!
Chicken
Protein is essential for muscle growth, so you need to make sure you’re eating enough of it if you’re looking to build muscle. A great source of protein is chicken. Comparatively low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for those trying to gain muscle mass. Try to include chicken in your diet several times per week, either cooked at home or as part of a healthy restaurant meal.
Salmon
- Salmon: Wild-caught salmon is one of the best muscle-building foods you can eat. It’s packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals like selenium and vitamin D. These nutrients are essential for building muscle, staying healthy, and performing your best.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein essential for muscle growth. They’re also packed with nutrients like B vitamins and choline, which are important for energy production and metabolism. Plus, they’re inexpensive and easy to find. You can eat them hard-boiled, scrambled, or as an omelet or frittata.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a great option if you’re looking for a muscle-building food packed with nutrients. A complete protein, quinoa provides all the essential amino acids your body needs to build and maintain muscle tissue. Additionally, quinoa contains a lot of fiber and antioxidants, and it has a high protein-to-carbohydrate ratio, making it ideal for athletes and bodybuilders.
Greek Yogurt
There are many reasons to love Greek yogurt. It’s a great source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, and it can help you feel fuller longer. Greek yogurt also tends to be lower in sugar than regular yogurt.
And if you’re looking to build muscle, Greek yogurt can be a great addition to your diet, and that’s because It has every essential amino acid your body requires to grow muscle tissue.
Plus, research has shown that protein-rich foods like Greek yogurt can help increase muscle mass and strength (1). So if you want to add extra protein to your diet, Greek yogurt is a delicious and nutritious option.
Broccoli
- Broccoli
Broccoli is a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. It’s also low in calories and fat, and these nutrients make broccoli an excellent food for people trying to build muscle.
- Salmon
Salmon is a fatty fish high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and these nutrients are essential for muscle growth and repair. Salmon is also a good source of vitamin D, which is important for bone health.
Spinach
Spinach is one of the best foods you can eat for building muscle. It’s packed with nutrients like iron and magnesium, essential for muscle growth. It’s also a great source of protein and fiber, both of which are important for maintaining healthy body weight. Spinach is also low in calories, making it a great food to eat if you’re trying to lose weight.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a popular muscle-building food because it is a whole grain and provides complex carbohydrates. Brown rice also contains a fair amount of protein, making it a good option for those looking to build muscle.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates for athletes and bodybuilders, and they are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. Sweet potatoes can be eaten boiled, mashed, or roasted, and they can also be used in recipes in place of white potatoes.
Seed and Nuts
Outstanding sources of protein are nuts and seeds. Healthy fats and essential nutrients. They can help you reach your muscle-building goals by providing the energy and nutrients your body needs to build muscle.
Almonds: Almonds are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and they also contain magnesium, which is important for muscle contraction and energy production. Just a handful of almonds (1 ounce or 28 grams) contains 6 grams of protein and 14 grams of healthy fats.
Walnuts: Like almonds, walnuts are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Additionally, they include omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining cell membranes and reducing inflammation. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of walnuts contains 4 grams of protein and 18 grams of healthy fats.
An excellent source of magnesium is pumpkin seeds, zinc, iron, and copper, and they also contain plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving provides 5 grams of protein and 12 grams of fat.
Chia seeds: Chia seeds are abundant in calcium, fiber, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids. Just 1 ounce (28 grams) provides 4 grams of protein and 11 grams fiber.
Beans and Legumes
There are many benefits to incorporating beans and legumes into your diet, especially if you want to build muscle. Legumes and beans are excellent sources of protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber, and they’re also low in fat and calories, making them an ideal food for those trying to bulk up.
In order to build and repair muscles, you need protein. Beans and legumes are a great way to get the protein your body needs without having to eat a lot of meat. For example, one cup of cooked black beans contains about 15 grams of protein.
Complex carbohydrates are important for providing energy to your muscles during workouts. The fiber in beans and legumes also helps promote satiety, making you less inclined to binge or nibble on junk food between meals.
In addition to being nutritious, beans and legumes are also inexpensive and easy to find. You can buy them dried, canned, or frozen at most grocery stores. They can also be used in many different recipes, so you’re sure to find some that fit your taste preferences.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a muscle-building food that can help you reach your goals. This dairy product is a good source of protein and calcium, which are important for building muscle. Cottage cheese also contains casein, a slow-digesting protein that can help keep your muscles fueled during exercise.
Turkey
Turkey is a great protein source, essential for building muscle, and it also contains all the amino acids your body needs to repair and build muscle tissue. Turkey is a lean meat, so it’s also a good choice if you’re trying to lose fat.
Red Meat
Red meat is an excellent protein source, essential for building muscle, and contains other nutrients important for muscle growth, such as iron and zinc. For these reasons, red meat should be a staple in your diet if you’re looking to build muscle.
Remember a few things to remember when choosing red meat for your muscle-building diet. First, opt for leaner cuts of meat to avoid excess saturated fat. Second, choose grass-fed beef whenever possible, as it contains more healthy omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef. Finally, cook your meat using healthy methods such as grilling, roasting, or stir-frying to minimize the formation of harmful compounds.
Regarding portion size, aim for around 3-4 ounces (85-113 grams) of cooked red meat per meal, and this will provide you with adequate protein while keeping calories in check. Include red meat at least a few times per week in your muscle-building meals, and you’ll be on your way to achieving your goals.
Oatmeal
If you want to build muscle, oatmeal is a great food to fuel your goals. A good source of protein and fiber is oatmeal and carbohydrates essential for muscle growth, and they’re also packed with fiber, which can help promote fullness and prevent overeating. Simply cook up a bowl of oats with some milk or water, add a few toppings, and you’re good to go.
Fruit
Fruit is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating fruit can help you reach your muscle-building goals by providing your body with the nutrients it needs to build muscle. Fruit is also a great source of energy, so it can help you stay focused and motivated during your workouts.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are an excellent source of carbohydrates and can help you reach your muscle-building goals. A few types of whole grains are oats, barley, quinoa, and millet. And brown rice. Whole grains contain essential nutrients for building muscle, including fiber, B vitamins, and iron. When selecting whole grains, look for 100% whole grain products or have the word “whole” in the ingredient list. Avoid products that contain refined grains such as white bread or white rice.
Vegetables
Vegetables are an important part of any muscle-building diet. Not only are they packed with nutrients essential for health and growth, but they also help promote fullness and reduce calorie intake. Aim to include a variety of vegetables in your meals, such as leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, starchy vegetables, and legumes. And don’t forget to incorporate raw and cooked veggies into your diet!
Dairy Products
There are plenty of dairy products to choose from regarding muscle-building foods. Whole milk, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and whey protein are all great options.
A wonderful source of protein is whole milk and calories, which are both important for muscle growth. Greek yogurt is also a great protein source, packed with probiotics that can help with gut health. Cottage cheese is another excellent source of protein, and it’s also low in fat and calcium, which can help with bone density. Whey protein is a concentrated protein that bodybuilders and athletes often use to help meet their protein needs.
Green
Green foods are rich in nutrients that are essential for building muscle. These include vitamins A, C, and E and minerals like iron and magnesium. Green vegetables are also a great source of fiber, which is important for keeping your digestive system functioning properly. Some of the best green foods for building muscle include:
-Spinach: This leafy green contains vitamins and minerals essential for muscle growth. Additionally, it’s a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
-Broccoli: Broccoli is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like calcium and magnesium. It’s also a good source of fiber.
-Kale is another nutrient-rich leafy green that’s great for building muscle. It contains vitamins A, C, and K and minerals like calcium and iron.
-Swiss chard: Swiss chard is a nutrient-dense green vegetable high in vitamins A, C, and K. It’s also a good source of magnesium, potassium, and iron.
