The Best Protein Foods for Bodybuilding

Protein is an important part of your diet if you're trying to build muscle mass. High-protein foods become a staple because protein helps repair muscles and helps them withstand vigorous training by recovering more quickly between sessions. Here are some of the best protein foods for bodybuilders to choose from.

Fish

• Fish are high on the list of the best protein foods for bodybuilding because they are both dense in protein and low in saturated fat and carbohydrates. Cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and trout are some of the best choices. All have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids, are easy to digest and contain essential minerals. Milder-tasting fish such as cod, haddock or flounder are good options if you aren't a fan of seafood and fish, but they don't contain the rich essential fatty acids that cold-water fish provide.

Kidney Beans

• Kidney beans are delicious and easy to incorporate into your diet. They provide plenty of protein (14g per cup), as well as a significant amount of fiber (11g per cup). They are also low fat and high in potassium, iron and other nutrients beneficial to bodybuilders. Eat them alone as a snack, in a side dish (such as three-bean salad) or toss them into your favorite salads.

Eggs

• Eggs have a high biological value, which means that your body can easily use them for protein synthesis. Add that to the fact that they are very high in protein and it's obvious that eggs should be at the top of your list. They're also easy to cook, and hard-boiled eggs can be a great portable snack. An average egg contains 2g of saturated fat, but you eliminate this by removing the yolk, and using egg whites only in your omelets or scrambled eggs.

Poultry

• Chicken, turkey and other poultry are rich in high-quality protein and low in fat. They also have a high biological value. Chicken and turkey can be bought just about anywhere without hitting your wallet too hard. Use ground turkey in pasta sauces or burgers instead of beef. However, if you grow tired of those two options, consider ostrich. It costs a bit more and isn't as easy to find, but offers a delicious alternative. Ostrich is technically a red meat, but has 40 percent less fat than beef.

Other Sources

• There are plenty of high-protein foods out there that are good choices for bodybuilders. Other foods to consider are steak or lean red meats, nuts, cottage cheese and other low-fat milk and dairy products.