Tastiest foods for muscle gain

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Abs are made in the kitchen, so the saying goes. For bodybuilders, it’s a fact that a proper diet is crucial to achieving your goals. Even the hardest gym routine won’t help you build much muscle if you don’t support your training with good eating habits.

However, if you’re trying to put together a diet for muscle gain, you’ll need to combine delicious food ideas with meal prep habits so you’ve got good nutrition on hand all week long – otherwise, you’ll end up cheating. Here are some good ideas for healthy, protein-rich snacks and meals:

Snacks

Snacking on unhealthy foods is a bodybuilder’s kryptonite, with easy access to crisps, sweets and chocolate limiting your athletic prowess. Instead, take a look at these healthy snack ideas to help fend off cravings.

Dry roasted chickpeas:Packed with protein, roasted chickpeas can be seasoned with cayenne, cumin and paprika and taken to work, the gym or out on a hike. With 19 grams of protein per 100 grams and around 350 calories per serving, you’ll be able to indulge without the guilt.

Nuts:Buying a packet of mixed nuts, or combining a DIY mixture of cashews, pistachios, almonds, peanuts, walnuts and more makes for an excellent snack. They’re all full of protein, fibre and healthy fat – which is vital for the proper functioning of the human body. If they don’t scratch your sweet tooth, feel free to add a few dried cranberries or blueberries – but keep the amount down as they’re high in sugar.

Protein Shake:A post-workout protein shake will be familiar to most bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts – but enjoying a shake as a snack is also a good way to top up your protein levels and keep you fuller for longer. For a truly sweet treat, blend the best protein powder you can find with milk or a non-dairy alternative, a spoonful of peanut butter and 2-3 squares of dark chocolate.

Meals

Piling on the muscle means eating more. Meals should be built around high quality protein, wholegrain carbohydrates and an abundance of leafy vegetables. However, sticking to meal plans can be hard if you have tasteless food options. Add some flavour with these staples:

Seasoned chicken:Plain chicken breast may be great for muscle gain thanks to lean protein, but it makes for dull eating if you have it day in, day out. Don’t be afraid to experiment with sauces and seasoning. Adding a few flavours with the likes of turmeric, garlic, coriander and cumin all have lots of health benefits, so make those the base of any chicken seasoning you create. With a bit of experimentation, you’ll be making delicious chicken in no time.

Falafel:Falafel can be handmade, bought from a shop or ordered in a restaurant – but each and every time it’s a great vegetarian option for packing on muscle thanks to its high protein and low fat content, although deep fried versions can absorb fat. Stick to baked falafel and you’ll have a handy veggie treat.

Sweet Potato:The best side imaginable when you’re trying to build mass. Sweet potato is a starchy, low-GI carb that is low in calories but high in flavour. They’re versatile in that you can bake them, cut them into chips and even microwave them for a quick, healthier baked potato. The must-have mass gaining carb.

Greens:Lots of people hate the taste of green vegetables, but unfortunately they’re the healthiest food imaginable and vital for a healthy body. Start steaming vegetables like spinach and broccoli and including them in almost every meal to take advantage of the iron, vitamin c, vitamin a and dietary fibre.

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