High Protein Foods For Muscle Building And Weight Loss

Originally posted on September 18, 2022 @ 8:31 am

Weight loss and muscle gain are two of the most desired goals in fitness. To achieve those goals, you have to eat the right foods and do the right workouts. 

However, there are a lot of misconceptions about what contributes to weight loss and muscle gain.

To shed pounds, you need a diet that is high in protein but low in sugar and carbs so as not to disrupt your metabolism. 

But if you want more lean muscle, don’t go on a typical “bulking” diet because it can cause excess calorie intake without adding much nutritional value.

The key is to find foods that have a high protein content, and are low in calories but are not carb and sugar-heavy. 

In this article, SleekNaija will share High Protein Foods For Muscle Building And Weight Loss.

Eat These High Protein Foods For Muscle Building And Weight Loss

Quinoa

Though technically a seed, Quinoa can substitute for whole grains like pasta and rice in meals. 

Quinoa has 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per cup when cooked. Quinoa is also rich in all nine essential amino acids. You can enjoy Quinoa in place of grains, in salads, or in your smoothies.

Quinoa helps in weight loss by helping to boost metabolism and decrease appetite, research shows and it appears to help your body metabolize fat better. 

In the lab, rats fed a high fructose diet and then quinoa were healthier than those not fed the quinoa. And, because you eat quinoa in place of other high caloric grains, it can help reduce daily caloric intake. 

Quinoa contains significant amounts of phytochemicals including flavonoids, phenolic acids, squalene, fat-soluble vitamins, fatty acids, and it has a low glycemic index.

The fiber in Quinoa will keep you fuller for longer, pushing you to your weight loss goals. It also helps in increasing mass muscle index.

Almonds

Almonds are another great source of protein and healthy fat that help you feel full longer so you aren’t as tempted to overeat later on. 

Almonds also contain magnesium, which is a vital nutrient for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, as well as helping with muscle recovery after a workout.

Salmon fillets

Salmon is an excellent source of both protein and fat, making it an excellent weight loss food. 

It’s also a rich source of vitamin D, which is important for the proper functioning of the immune system and for helping your body absorb calcium into your bones. 

Salmon also has high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids to help support heart health. 

The Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon are beneficial because they help control triglyceride levels, which can otherwise contribute to heart disease.

Chicken breast

Chicken breast is a great source of protein that is also low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for weight loss as well as for building lean muscle mass. 

Chicken breast contains all the essential amino acids and is also a good source of B vitamins and iron. It helps curb appetite as well as improve your mood. 

Because of this, it is commonly eaten by people suffering from depression. Chicken breast is also high in selenium, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, which help stabilize blood sugar levels, increase metabolism and improve your mood.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein, which helps you feel full longer so that you aren’t as tempted to overeat later on. 

Eggs are also a rich source of healthy fat which is important for building lean muscle mass, helping you burn calories faster, and improving your mood. 

The eggs also have choline, a nutrient that helps the body process fats more efficiently into energy. 

This means that your body will be able to use fat more effectively for fuel and burn calories throughout the day instead of storing it for future use like other foods high in fat tend to do.

The richest source of concentrated protein in the egg is the yolk, which contains all 9 essential amino acids – the building blocks of proteins. 

These nutrients help build muscle mass, increase metabolism and improve your mood. 

Studies have also shown that people who ate eggs daily performed better on cognitive tasks like working memory and visual recall. 

This is because the choline in eggs helps to break down the amino acids used for these functions.

Greek yogurt or kefir

Greek yogurt or kefir are high-quality sources of protein that are also low in carbohydrates and sugar. They are also a good source of healthy fats to keep you feeling full.

Greek yogurt also helps to build muscle mass and repair damaged cells. It also has a healthy fat profile including omega-3 fatty acids, which help you stay full for a longer period. 

The probiotic qualities of this food aid in digestion by providing good bacteria to your gut instead of the bad bacteria found in junk foods. 

This helps keep your digestive system healthy and helps build lean muscle mass.

Coconut milk

Coconut milk has a surprising amount of protein per serving, which comes from its high-fat content. 

The fat found in coconut milk is largely saturated, which has been shown to assist weight loss efforts by keeping you feeling full for longer periods. 

It also promotes steady blood sugar levels instead of the spikes commonly associated with eating high-carb foods.

Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt is one of the best ways you can indulge your sweet tooth while adding nutrients at the same time. 

The high protein content helps you feel fuller longer and thus avoid the sugar crash that commonly accompanies a large dessert. 

Greek yogurt is also an excellent source of calcium, which contributes to stronger bones and lower bone loss.

Cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is a rich source of high-quality protein and calcium. It contains casein protein, which contributes to weight loss and muscle gain. 

The fat found in cottage cheese is the same as that found in full-fat milk, which has been shown to help decrease appetite and increase feelings of fullness. 

The lactose intolerance commonly associated with cottage cheese is due to the processing process, not because it contains milk.

Cheese

Cheese is a great source of protein because it contains casein, whey, and milk proteins combined with different kinds of fats (e.g. omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids). 

The three proteins found in cheese have differing effects on the body. Casein, which is found in all cheeses, is known to slow the progress of weight loss because it causes a slower decrease in fat cells, thus curbing hunger. 

Whey protein contributes to muscle growth by stimulating muscle mass and inhibiting protein breakdown. It also increases metabolism by helping to stop muscle breakdown. 

Milk proteins contribute significantly to bone health by helping to build bone stronger and more effectively than calcium alone.

Conclusion

Read this information line to line, it will help you in weight losing and muscle building.

Any questions or suggestions feel free to drop it in the comments section.