We’ve all been there, after the slump of a lazy winter, we all want to get our summer bods back. If you already have a gym membership, you’re one step closer to hot girl/guy summer! The only thing you have left to focus on is your diet. We’ve got you there! Here is the best protein food for the gym.
Eggs
You can never go wrong with eggs. This ingredient is so versatile, you can cook them in so many ways. One staple is eating eggs for breakfast, either scrambled or sunny side up. However, if you’re feeling extra and you’re sick of the generic cook for eggs, you could search the internet for ways to spice up your egg. You could do a Spanish Omelette, or even a frittata if you’re up for the challenge! Eggs will never fail you.
Chicken
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Well, it doesn’t matter because we can eat them either way for a protein-rich addition to our meals. Chicken is an easy enough protein to master. Chicken breast, in particular, is something that you can cook in multiple ways. You can bake them with aromatics, shred them and add them to your salad, or cook them in a stir-fry. You can never go wrong with chicken. It has the essential nutrients you need before or after hitting the gym.
Fish
If you’re a picky eater, you might not have liked the fish you tried before. But that just means you haven’t tried the right fish for you. If you’re turned off by the fishy taste, there’s plenty of fish in the water, as they say. You can easily find one in your supermarket that might amaze you.
The thing about fish is, you don’t want to eat it alone. You can pair it with whole grains, legumes, and so many spices to count. Fish is a pretty versatile protein that you can elevate with the right aromatics.
It’s not only rich in protein but also in Amino acids and Omega-3 oils that can strengthen your muscles and reduce swelling after a particularly grueling workout. Don’t shut it down until you’ve tried it! Some good fish to eat without the smell are salmon, bass, tuna, and trout. Of course, you can explore your options and expand your horizon.
Greek Yogurt
This is for my non-lactose intolerant guys and girls out there. As we all know, any dairy product is a good source of protein. But Greek yogurt, specifically, is one of the best protein food for the gym because it contains good bacteria that your tummy will thank you for.
You can eat it as a post-workout snack, or even for breakfast. Just throw in some nuts and fruits, and you’ll have your own acai bowl that isn’t just gym-friendly, but Instagramable as well!
Quinoa
I bet you weren’t expecting quinoa to be part of this list. But contrary to what most people know, quinoa isn’t just a great substitute for carbohydrates. It is a known superfood among vegans that could provide the protein needs your body craves.
You can pair quinoa with virtually anything. You can pair it with fish, chicken, red meat, salads, anything your mind could come up with. There are also some great quinoa recipes online if you’re running out of ideas.
Lean Beef
If we’re talking about protein, good old beef is your friend. However, since you’re on a diet, forget about A5 Wagyu and Kobe beef for a minute. Go for the leaner cuts of beef. These are cheaper and less fatty but yield protein to support your heavy workout.
Leaner cuts are a little harder to cook, even for pro chefs. However, if you want a foolproof way of cooking, cut it into thinner strips. This way, it cooks evenly and you can even make a barbeque or kebab out of it.
Cottage Cheese
There are so many kinds of cheese out there, but why focus on cottage cheese? Well the answer is, it has low-fat content, but contains all the goodness in cheese.
Cottage cheese has casein protein that can be absorbed in the body. You can easily pair it with crackers that won’t make that much of a dent in your calorie count. You can also use it when dressing your salads, or even pair it with fruits and make a healthy protein-rich charcuterie board.
Complete Your Health Regimen with These Best Protein Food for the Gym
Protein is essential to the body especially if you’re working out. It repairs tissue and helps your body build its muscles up. It can literally give you the strength you need to lift those heavy weights at the gym. If you’re not following a specific diet, focusing on protein will never go wrong. So add these workout foods to your grocery list this summer!