Food List for an Anabolic Diet

Individuals looking for diet that both improves muscle mass and burns fat may want to look at the anabolic diet. This diet is built around the idea of increasing testosterone and fueling the body to build muscle mass while weightlifting or working out. This eating plan also relies on a schedule--most commonly involving eating no carbs on the weekdays but only protein and fat, but then eating some healthy carbs on the weekend along with protein.

Meat

• Meat is a huge part of the anabolic diet because so much animal fat is required. For this eating plan, red meat must be the main part of your meals. Virtually any red meat is approved for the anabolic diet, including beef, lamb, buffalo and many others. While white meat is allowed, it is actually discouraged on this diet, best only as a change of pace; stick to darker, fattier cuts of poultry. Fish and shellfish, with their of their healthy omega-3 fats, are preferred to poultry.

Dairy and Eggs

• Acceptable dairy is most often seen as a snack or complementary portion in this diet. Whole milk is allowed only on the carb days but cheese can be eaten on any day. Cheese offers a combination of protein and fat--important for the anabolic diet. For this particular diet, eggs are included as dairy and are encouraged for any day or any meal. Other dairy is to be ignored.

Nuts

• One of the common themes of the anabolic diet is to look for food that is high in protein and fat. For this reason several nuts make the list. Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts and pistachios are all examples of excellent snack nuts for the anabolic diet.

Vegetables

• On the carb days, most of your carbs should come from vegetables, and all meals during the protein days should also have vegetables. Green veggies of any kind are approved as part of the anabolic diet food list. Mushrooms, avocados and zucchini are also acceptable choices for this eating plan.