When people talk about strength training programs at home, they always think about workout regimes that involve lifting weights and a lot of intensity. However, while these are important aspects, it’s also important to consider that the food you eat plays a huge role in the way your muscles develop. In fact, making sure that you have a dietary plan that includes high protein and calorie intake is very important. Proteins are the building blocks of your body and you need them to build muscles. Calories, on the other hand, help you gain the right amount of energy needed to workout and train.
What foods should you eat for strength training?
If you are planning to start strength training, you need to start by speaking to your fitness trainers in Brooklyn about your goals. They will explain what the right diet is for your needs. However, in general, the following foods are great ones to include in your diet if you are strength training:
- Chicken breast: This offers lean protein which is good for muscle building.
- Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein and Vitamin B along with healthy fats.
- Cottage cheese: Also known as paneer, this food has 25 grams of protein in a single serving, along with calcium.
- Beans: Pinto beans, black beans, and kidney beans have 15 grams of protein in a single serving and are a good option to add to your diet.
- Salmon: Omega-3 fatty acids present in salmon can help with building muscles.
- Tempeh: This is a good protein source for people who are on a vegan diet.
- Tofu: Tofu is rich in calcium, which is good for your bones, along with protein.
- Quinoa: This has 8 grams of protein in a single serving, along with complex carbs.
- Brown rice: Brown rice has more nutrients and protein than white rice as it is not a refined product.
- Greek Yogurt: this is a good source of protein and can be used in smoothies.
- Tuna: Tuna has both proteins and healthy fats that can help your body with better muscle development.
- Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds (such as peanuts, sunflower seeds, cashews, almonds, walnuts, and so on) have a good amount of protein in them per cup.
What foods should you avoid for strength training?
There are certain food items that you should strictly avoid if you are going in for strength training. Some of these are:
- Added sugars: Added sugars can promote the development of fat in the body and this is why this is bad for you when you’re trying to build muscles.
- Alcohol: Alcohol adds empty calories in your body and does not offer any nutritional value. It can lead to muscle fatigue, pain, and hangovers which make it hard to work out.
- Processed foods/ fried foods: These types of foods are very heavy on fats and this can be a major problem for those who want to lose fat.
There are many things to consider when you’re building the right diet for strength training. Everyone’s body has its own metabolism and this is something that you need to discuss with your trainer so that they can help with crafting your diet. Drastically changing your diet can also have adverse effects on your body and this is why it’s important to speak with a professional about the same instead of doing it on your own. Strength training programs at home would help an individual to become more fit and adjust according to the needs of the body.