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HEALTH

Power Foods to Build Lean Muscle Mass

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Power foods are available that help to build lean muscle mass. The secret is knowing which foods work best in conjunction with weight training, and then avoiding empty calories.
These foods help build muscle while you lose weight, strengthen bones, protect against heart disease and lower blood pressure. Be sure to eat three meals daily, along with three snacks, and focus on foods from the list. Variety in food selections is key to maintaining good health by providing all of the necessary vitamins and minerals, along with protein, carbohydrates and fat.
Power Foods to Build Lean Muscle Mass
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Whole Grains
Whole grains include brown rice, oats, whole wheat breads and pastas. Whole grains contain fiber, protein, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc, all of which help build lean muscle. Whole grains also provide energy. Be sure when choosing grains that the word “whole” is included in the package label, otherwise you may buy imposters without the healthy fiber or nutrients.
Nuts
Almonds, pecans, and walnuts are good for building muscle and providing satiety. Nuts contain healthy fats and protein that help protect the body from obesity, certain types of cancer, and heart disease. Nuts also provide vitamin E, folate, fiber, magnesium and phosphorus. Choose unsalted nuts as too much sodium can cause blood pressure to spike
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a super food in building muscle. Peanut butter provides protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, niacin and magnesium. It is important to choose all natural, sugar free peanut butter.
Raspberries and Other Berries
Berries contain antioxidants that protect against disease and preserve eyesight, fiber and vitamin C. Berries are a good choice for something sweet, instead of sugary, high fat foods that provide empty calories.
Olive or Canola Oil
Olive and canola oil boost the immune system while lowering cholesterol. These oils protect against heart disease and high blood pressure, while providing vitamin E and healthy fats. Watch out for hydrogenated oils or trans fats, which do not have the same protection.
Eggs
Eggs contain protein and vitamins A, and B12. Eggs help build muscle while burning fat. Egg Beaters have no yolks, but do have the nutrients with fewer calories.
Turkey and Lean Meats
Turkey, chicken, lean steak and fish are good sources of protein, iron, zinc and omega 3’s, vitamins B6 and 12, phosphorus and potassium. Lean protein strengthens the immune system while building muscle, protects against memory loss, mood disorders and obesity.
Fat Free or Low Fat Dairy Products
Fat free and low fat dairy products include milk, cheese, and yogurt. Dairy is important for strengthening bones, and providing calcium, vitamins A and B12, riboflavin, potassium and phosphorus. Dairy protects against osteoporosis, high blood pressure and certain cancers.
Green Vegetables
Green vegetables include spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, and peppers. Green vegetables contain vitamins A, C, and K, beta-carotene, folate, calcium, magnesium and fiber. Green vegetables protect against free radicals, osteoporosis, cancer, obesity, stroke and heart disease.
Beans
Beans include navy, pinto, kidney, lima, chickpeas and soybeans. Beans help regulate digestion, prevent obesity, build muscle and burn fat. They also protect against colon cancer, high blood pressure and heart disease. Beans contain protein, fiber, folate and iron.
Include these power foods as you work out to build lean muscle mass and you will be sure to provide the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are necessary. These foods should make up a large part of the diet, and will provide the proper nourishment.

 

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