From plant-based proteins to lean meats, these healthy superfoods are loaded with good-for-you nutrients that help increase energy, build stronger muscles and ease workout ailments.
Eggs
Eggs are a high-protein choice with versatility for every meal. Whether for breakfast in a frittata or mixed into a dinner salad, they can help build and maintain muscle. One large egg contains several B vitamins, which have been shown to be critically important for energy production. Eggs also contain large amounts of the amino acid leucine, which aids muscle growth. However, the majority of the nutrients can be found in the yolk; the egg white contains only protein. Additionally, eggs can help you feel satiated for longer, women who ate eggs for breakfast felt fuller longer and ate fewer calories throughout the day, which could contribute to fat loss.
Salmon
Salmon is one of the most plentiful sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which could improve muscular health and muscle gain. One 3-ounce portion of salmon, for example, contains 2 grams of omega3s, almost twice the recommended daily value for adults. That same portion also contains 17 grams of protein and half of the recommended daily value of selenium, a metabolism-boosting mineral that comes from food. Additionally, salmon is rich in energy-producing B vitamins, similar to eggs. These nutrients all help repair muscles, so a piece of salmon at dinner could keep muscles healthy after a tough workout.
Greek Yogurt
Dairy products that are packed with protein could have an impact on building lasting lean muscle. People who consume a combination of fast- and slow-digesting dairy proteins might experience increases in lean mass. However, star probiotic Greek yogurt stands out among other dairy proteins. Greek yogurt contains nearly double the amount of protein as regular yogurt. This high level could help boost metabolism and keep you satiated longer than regular yogurt can. College-age men who consumed nonfat Greek yogurt after resistance training “increased most measures of strength, biceps muscle thickness and fat-free mass.”
Quinoa
The popular grain is a good high-protein choice—24 grams per cup—for a post-workout side dish. This superfood is also rich in magnesium, with one cup providing nearly one third of the recommended daily value, which helps promote protein synthesis. The same serving of quinoa is also packed with all nine amino acids that can be found in food, which is essential for building muscle. Because quinoa is high in carbohydrates, containing more than 39 grams per cooked cup, eat it right after a workout to aid muscle recovery.
Milk
While milk is often associated with building healthy bones, science shows that it can also be a strong choice for muscle building. According to the American College of Sports Medicine in 2016, “milkbased protein after resistance exercise is effective in increasing muscle strength and favorable changes in body composition. Drinking milk promotes greater lean muscle gains of the amino acid leucine, which aids in muscle protein synthesis. Dairy milk is also a strong source of calcium, and that assists muscle contraction, which helps build muscle during exercise.
Bison
A lean alternative to other red meats, bison contains several essential nutrients that aid in muscle health. One 4-ounce serving contains 68 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin B6, as well as 19 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin B₆, which can aid energy production. It also contains nearly one third of the daily recommended value of selenium, which can boost metabolism. This low-calorie choice—just 124 calories per 4-ounce serving—also has a mild taste, which makes it a lean swap for beef or other red meats.
Avocados
Touted as an all-encompassing superfood, avocados are packed with 20 essential vitamins and minerals that can help keep muscles healthy. Avocados are rich in vitamins B₅, B₆, C, E and K, as well as potassium and folate. They contain about 20 percent of the recommended daily value of folate, a B vitamin that helps convert carbohydrates into energy, which makes them an essential pre- and post-workout pick. They also contain about 14 percent of the daily recommended value of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate fluid balance and muscle contractions. Additionally, avocados are rich in fiber, which helps the body stay satiated for longer, supporting weight loss.
Bananas
Bananas are an easy and convenient snack. Because they are rich in water and carbs—27 grams in one medium banana— they can improve exercise performance and recovery. While they don’t contain as much potassium as avocados, they still have about 10 to 14 percent of the recommended daily value. Consuming potassium helps to avoid muscle cramps while exercising, so eating a banana before a workout. Additionally, since potassium is excreted through sweat, consuming bananas can help replete electrolytes to further boost workouts. However, eating bananas after a workout can also prove beneficial, for example, a combination of water and a banana is likely more effective for exercise recovery than sports drinks.
Nuts
Many types of nuts can be used in a variety of satiating snacks and meals, and many varieties strongly benefit muscle health. One serving of pistachios, for example, provides as much protein as one egg. Pistachios also have a higher ratio of essential amino acids than most other kinds of nuts. Additionally, peanuts are a prominent source of biotin, a vitamin that helps convert food into energy, which can help with overall workout performance and muscle building. For a lowcarb, workout-friendly option, almonds contain just 2.5 grams of digestible carbs and only 161 calories in a small handful.
Chickpeas
Whether tossed in a salad or blended into hummus, chickpeas are a versatile legume that can act as a meat replacement in any meal. They’re also high in plant-based protein, with 14.5 grams per 1-cup cooked serving. The same serving contains 71 percent of the recommended daily value of folate, which helps convert carbohydrates into energy. Chickpeas contain nearly every essential amino acid that can be obtained from food, minus methionine. Pairing it with a grain that contains methionine, such as quinoa, can help you get a complete protein–based meal.
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