By Dr. Surya Bhagwati
Chief In- House Doctor
BAMS, DHA, DHHCM, DHBTC | 30+ Years of Experience
Do you hit the gym often? Well, building muscle is more than that. It also involves consuming the right amount of protein in your meals. Protein plays a very vital role in repairing, growing, and recovering muscle cells. So, if you want to have that muscular look, then you need to focus on rich sources of protein. Let’s talk about the top protein foods for a body-building regime and how they can help in attaining your targets.
But the standard Indian diet provides insufficient amounts of protein required to gain muscle mass.
Best High Bodybuilding Food
Eggs
Over the years, eggs have become known as a body-building food, and for a good reason. Eggs are simply a very dense source of high-quality protein; with all nine amino acids your system needs. No matter when you consume them, immediately after any type of workout, the protein in an egg will help to facilitate repairing and building muscle. Additionally, they are also quite versatile and easy to prepare, scrambled, poached, or however you will.
Salmon
Salmon is great in taste and full of protein and healthy fats. Rich in omega-3s, salmon does much more than just reduce inflammation; it keeps the heart healthy. Besides its omega-3-rich content, salmon has high volumes of proteins that work toward muscle recovery and growth. Salmon should be a staple high-protein, muscle-building meal for bodybuilders, have it at least twice a week to get all its value.
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast has always turned out to be one of the most popular choices bodybuilders turn to for high protein and low fat. It, being lean meat, gives large amounts of protein with every serving, and this is very important for repair and muscle growth. Grilled, baked, or sautéed, chicken breast is good with any high-protein muscle-building diet.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yoghurt is creamy and rich in protein, a typical dairy ingredient needed in building muscle. Compared to regular yoghurt, it contains more protein foods for bodybuilding. More than that, it is rich in calcium, which works towards keeping breaks away from your bones. Greek yoghurt can be taken plain, mixed with fruits, or added to a smoothie to pump up its protein content.
Tuna
Tuna is another easily accessible and relatively cheap source of quality protein. It’s low in fat and calories as well, making it a great protein food for bodybuilding without much extra weight. Fresh or canned tuna goes well in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
Lean Beef
Although lean beef could be an excellent source of protein and other vital elements like iron and zinc. The intake will help in maintaining and repairing muscles with energy during strenuous exercises. Go for lower-fat cuts like sirloin or tenderloin that have ample protein but are low in fat. Take lean beef as part of high-protein muscle-building foods to supplement your bodybuilding exercises.
Soybeans
As one of the best protein meals for muscle growth, Soybeans are a powerhouse of plant-based protein, perfect for bodybuilders, especially those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Packed with all essential amino acids, they’re crucial for muscle growth.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is regarded as number one for muscle building. It is low in fat and rich in the casein protein, which digests slowly to offer a steady supply of amino acids to the muscles. Snack on it or add it to various dishes for a protein boost.
Tilapia
This fish has a very mild flavour but a high protein count and an extremely low fat count. Hence, it would add a great combination to any diet wanting more protein without consuming too much fat. Tilapia can be baked, grilled, and pan-seared, so it’s one of the versatile and healthy protein foods for bodybuilding.
Beans
Beans are excellent plant-based sources of proteins and fibres. They work to bulk up your muscles and render long-lasting energy. As one of the best protein sources for muscle building, beans are nutrient-rich and can be added to salads, in soups, and even in side dishes.
Protein Powders
Thus, protein powders are useful in cases of persons always on the go and yet wanting to ensure that they reach their daily dosage of protein consumption. They come in forms such as whey and casein, and they also have plant-based forms. You can add some protein powder into your shakes or smoothies to hit your daily goals with protein consumption and help in muscle recovery.
Scallops
Low in fat yet high in protein, scallops are power-packed with nutrients like a good amount of protein per serving, vitamin B12, and selenium. Scallops may be grilled or seared and added into foods to create an interesting protein-rich meal.
Peanuts
Peanuts are good sources of healthful fats and protein foods for bodybuilding. They will satisfy your protein needs while, simultaneously, giving many other major nutrients and energy. Snack on them like peanuts, add to salads or use peanut butter in smoothies and recipes.
Tofu
Tofu is another great and versatile plant-based protein source derived from soybeans. This forms one of those foods that vegetarians and vegans should seek more for available proteins. It can be used in everything from stir-fries to smoothies. This really hits the spot for good amounts of protein for building muscle.
Cow’s Milk
Cow’s milk is a traditional source of protein that has both whey and casein proteins. It is also a very good source of calcium, necessary in large amounts for the production of bone mass. You can meet your protein needs simply by drinking milk or adding it to smoothies and recipes for recovery beverages after your workouts.
Feed your muscles high-protein foods for bodybuilding, muscle growth and recovery. One can also include in their regime the likes of Dr Vaidya’s Plant Protein Powder and Weight Gain Powder to boost muscle development. These Ayurvedic Supplements are created to increase muscle growth and power your workout.
FAQs on Protein Foods for Bodybuilding
Which protein food is best for muscle gain?
Soybean, paneer, and chicken breast are great for muscle gain. Just ensure that you take in sufficient protein to promote muscle protein synthesis.
What foods help build muscle?
A diet that’s rich in protein foods for bodybuilding can naturally help build muscle.
How many eggs should I consume per day to get enough proteins?
When it comes to eggs for bodybuilding, most people can benefit from eating 3-6 whole boiled eggs per day.
Which vegetable is rich in protein?
The best veg protein food for muscle gain include broccoli, soybean, and asparagus.
I am a vegan. Tell me what food items are protein rich for muscle building?
Gaining muscle by following a vegan diet is possible by consuming protein-rich foods for bodybuilding like peas, soybeans, and pumpkin seeds.
Can you eat peanut butter for muscle gain?
Yes, you can eat peanut butter for bodybuilding as each tablespoon contains 4 grams of protein. It also contains monounsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for healthy and natural muscle gain.
What are 5 bodybuilding foods for vegetarians?
For a bodybuilder’s vegetarian diet, the top 5 bodybuilding foods for vegetarians include soybeans, paneer, beans, lentils, and pumpkin seeds.
Which fruit is best for muscle gain?
Potassium-rich fruits, like bananas, oranges, and cantaloupes are some of the fruits you can consume along with your other protein foods for bodybuilding.
What is a good breakfast protein?
Whole grain toast, chia seeds, berries, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, oatmeal, nuts & fruits are some of the good protein-rich items you can have as a breakfast.
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
BAMS (Ayurveda), DHA (Hospital Admin), DHHCM (Health Management), DHBTC (Herbal Beauty and Cosmetology)
Dr. Surya Bhagwati is an established, well-known Ayurvedic expert with over 30 years of experience in treating and consulting in the field of Ayurveda. She is known for the timely, efficient, and patient-centred delivery of quality health care. The patients under her care receive a unique holistic treatment comprising not only medicinal treatment but also spiritual empowerment.