Top 10 Foods That Pack On Muscles

Awesome Foods to Help You Pack on Muscle

You might think sculpting the perfect set of abs or thick thighs requires spending countless hours working out. But there’s definitely more to it.

Exercise is, of course, a key component to getting the body you want but food is also highly important. What you eat can either help or hinder your health ambitions and goals. From cheat days that last for weeks or the sneaky possibility of under eating, there are many ways food could be your enemy.

Knowing what foods to add to your diet can help you not only drop the fat but also pack on the muscles. Whether you want to be lean or get all the gains so you can look like a superhero, here are the top 10 foods you’ll need to bulk up.

Top 10 Foods That Pack On Muscles

1. Plain Yogurt

One of the most popular reasons why people choose to eat yogurt is because of how it helps regulate the digestive system. It’s a great addition to your diet because of the probiotic compounds. But did you know it also builds muscle? It’s best to stick to plain, as flavored yogurts have added sugar. But a healthy gut means no buildup of toxins and you can have the abs you’re working toward.

2. Soy

Soy products can be used to replace dairy and meat products. The soybean is one of the handfuls of plant-based protein sources. Besides proteins, there are tons of minerals and beneficial vitamins. You can incorporate edamame (which is the actual, steamed soybean), tofu or even soymilk and get great results.

3. Almonds

Almonds aren’t just great as a low-calorie snack; they also help increase your muscle mass. This is because they are also a source of protein—almost 8 grams in just a ¼ cup. Almonds can also help provide you energy as they have a fair amount of magnesium, a mineral used in several bodily functions.

4. Chicken

If you prefer to get your protein from an animal, chicken is one of the best options. In fact, even those who just want to lose weight choose chicken and with good reason. It has a low fat content while also having high protein content. It’s also one of the more versatile meats that can be used in different recipes.

5. Cottage Cheese

Though the texture might make some a little suspicious, this protein-packed product is definitely something that should be included in your muscle-building menu. Cottage cheese is essentially, pure protein. The casein protein in it is digests very slowly, meaning it helps maintain muscles over time.

6. Fruits and Vegetables

There’s no way to avoid getting a good, healthy daily dose of fruits and vegetables if you want to change your body. Among the benefits of these food groups are: vitamins, beta carotene, antioxidants and healthy sugars. Another key component is the fiber found in these foods. This is also a great way to include keto-friendly foods like peaches or avocados.

7. Eggs

These are easy enough to crack but they sway in terms of popular opinion. Eggs offer a great source of cholesterol and contribute to building gorgeous muscles. Eggs are a good way to get healthy fats as well as vitamin D. They also contain necessary amino acids, choline and lucine (which is a great way to kick-start your muscle growth).

8. Beans

Besides the things beans can do for your digestive system, they also provide other benefits. For example, beans are rich in muscle enhancing protein so there are times when you can substitute them for meat.

9. Oatmeal

Some of us just can’t give up our carbs even when we want muscles and for that, there’s oatmeal. Oatmeal is a superb way to get your daily carb count without going overboard. The glycemic index is low in oatmeal but it also helps you feel fuller, less hungry, provides more fiber and helps with weight loss overall.

10. Fish

The benefits of fish are so great; there are some people who make it their only choice of meat. People choose fish because it has the right combination of healthy fats, omega vitamins and protein. Salmon is generally the most popular choice but tuna is a close second. Salmon can give you a whopping 25 grams of protein out of a 100 gram serving, meaning you won’t be missing out on great value in your meals.

The Bottom Line

Getting the most of your workouts is only part of getting your ideal body. Your nutrition matters a great deal—sometimes even more than your workouts. Cutting calories will help you lose weight but building strong muscles and bulking up requires the right combination of foods. Mix and match the various food groups in order to get the most benefits out of your meals. Even if you’re following a keto lifestyle, you can incorporate a wide range of foods to contribute to your muscle sculpting. The key is to try and eat as cleanly as possible and keep your goals in mind.