A good strength training diet is not just for muscle builders, since anyone who is wishing to lose weight or to slow or reverse the aging process would also benefit from a proper diet. After you turn 35, your body could lose a half of a pound of muscle per year and replace it with 1 1/2 pounds of fat. Strength training can help not only to reduce this; it can reverse the trend, reducing feelings of fatigue and weakness when you get older.
These diets are also useful for losing weight. Muscle burns fat, so gaining muscle mass increases your metabolism. If you have tried to diet to lose weight, you know that following a diet is difficult and the results are often not permanent. If you build up your muscle mass, you will have a much higher probability of staying lean and fit.
What to Eat to Gain Muscle Mass
A proper diet for muscle strength includes carbohydrates, fat, and protein, which all work together to keep your body performing well. Eating the right mix of these at the proper time can help you to avoid being sore and give you extra energy to complete your workout. Water is also essential for a proper diet.
Eating protein after strength training helps your body to restore the muscle tissue that you have torn down during the workout. If you are trying to gain lots of muscle, it may be necessary to supplement with protein, such as whey, for there to be enough for optimal gains. If your goal is to gain a large amount of muscle mass, eat as many grams of protein as your weight in pounds per day. When the goal is to increase muscle mass to lose weight, you should eat half as many grams in protein as your weight in pounds per day. Eating 20 to 30 grams of lean protein within a half-hour after your workout is ideal.
Carbohydrates give your muscles the energy to work out. Whole grains such as whole wheat bread or pasta contain more nutrients and fiber than white bread and pasta. If you are trying to lose weight, try to limit the grains you consume, especially wheat. Rice and quinoa are tasty substitutes.
Easy Meals for a Strength Training Diet
Lean meats such as beef are a rich source of protein. A stir-fry which also includes rice for carbohydrates and fiber from fresh vegetables is a perfect, and simple to prepare, after workout meal.
Eggs are an excellent source of all the amino acids, the building blocks for protein. An omelet with cheese and fresh vegetables makes a perfect meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This supplies about 25 grams of protein and adding a slice of whole-grain toast adds carbohydrates and fiber. To lower the cholesterol intake, you can make your omelet out of just egg whites and use soy cheese.
Chicken breast without the skin is a lean, low-fat source of protein with 20 grams of protein and only 94 calories. A chicken quesadilla with low-fat cheese and fresh vegetables made with a whole-wheat tortilla is an easy-to-make meal that supplies everything needed for a strength training diet.
Snacks to Include in a Diet for Strength Training
Milk is a great muscle building food, supplying protein and carbohydrates. Cottage cheese is high in protein and easy to prepare with some lemon juice or fresh fruit. Almonds and almond butter supply lots of protein as well as fat for energy. Eat almonds plain, on sandwiches, or in shakes.
No matter whether your goal is to build lots of muscles, lose weight, or prevent or reverse aging, a strength training diet is a healthy way to get in shape. Developing good habits now can help you to stay healthy in the long run.