1. Oatmeal Oats have become a very popular ‘health food’ over the years, providing a unique nutritional profile that benefits the overall health. Start your day with a pre-workout food that will offer long-lasting energy before workouts. Soluble fiber in this grain enters your bloodstream at a slow rate, giving you a steady supply of energy for intense workouts. In addition, oats contain complex carbs and protein, nutrients necessary for muscle building after exercise. 2. Lean Beef To maximize muscle building and strength, adequate intake of protein and a well-balanced diet will produce satisfactory results. Red meat is one of the most complete dietary sources of protein, its amino acid profile being almost identical to that of our own muscles. Sources of animal protein appear to be of particular benefit where muscle tissue is being build, and show to promote muscle maintenance and growth. 3. Sweet Potatoes Besides being a high-nutrient food, sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates that provide a good source of energy for bodybuilders. The low glycemic index in sweet potatoes makes this food burn up more slowly in the body, sustaining energy levels that help give you the boost needed before hitting the gym. 4. Eggs Extremely delicious and nutritious, eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and provide the energy needed to sustain an active lifestyle. The body also uses protein for building and repairing muscle tissues after stressful workouts. Moreover, eggs contain Vitamin D which reduces body fat and increases muscle protein synthesis, making them a true muscle-building powerhouse. Eggs could be cooked in several techniques, like poached, boiled, scrambled, or a healthy muscle-building omelet. 5. Greek Yogurt (Plain) Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) is naturally made by your body when you expose your skin to the sun. Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to numerous degenerative conditions and weak, fatty muscles. Vitamin D reduces fat infiltration in the muscle tissue which can affect strength and may impair physical functioning. Greek yogurt has been strained, resulting in a thick and creamy texture, with less carbohydrates and sugar, and more protein than regular yogurt. Plain, full-fat variety is higher in nutrients, giving you boosting energy for tough workouts. 6. Spinach Limit high-sugar foods which can disrupt energy levels, making you crash and feel tired. Spinach is one of the green-leafy vegetables often recognized for its wholesome nutritional package and strength-boosting properties. Chemicals in fresh spinach have shown to help with the body’s conversion of protein into muscle mass, speeding up muscle building and strength. Low in calories but packed with nutrients, spinach could be added to salads, stir-fried vegetables, soups, and healthy vegetable drinks. 7. Legumes Protein-rich legumes such as beans, lentils and chickpeas, are the most nutritious and inexpensive food staples, providing an important role in traditional diets. To help you feel energized during the day, a balanced meal with the appropriate nutrients will help in the production of energy molecules. Legumes contain uniquely high levels of fiber, carbohydrates, and iron, a ‘holy trinity’ that turns the food you eat into usable energy for your overall bodybuilding program. 8. Chicken Breast To successfully stay longer on the treadmill and achieve stronger and bigger muscles, you will need all the help you can get. One way to accomplish your goals is to consume bodybuilding nutrients such as those found in poultry. Loaded with protein, niacin and selenium, grilled chicken breast delivers muscle-friendly nutrients to sustain your bodybuilding goals. Chicken is also a good source of vitamins and minerals that are very useful in numerous activities in the body, including eliminating weakness. Remove the skin before or after cooking to eliminate unnecessary fat and calories. 9. Brown Rice The process that produces brown rice removes only the outermost layer of the rice kernel, and is the least damaging to its nutritional value. Protein-packed brown rice has a relatively high amount of amino acids which are the building blocks of muscle and body tissue. The body uses dietary proteins to provide the amino acids for rebuilding muscle tissue after exercise and intense workouts. Cooked brown rice has many benefits for health and fitness, for all diets and lifestyles. 10. Wild Pacific Salmon Muscle-building foods is the most important factor in achieving your ideal physique. Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon have anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight inflammation after intense training and workouts. Healthy muscle-building proteins in salmon help build mass and repair muscle tissue. The protein and healthy fats in salmon are a unique combination to pack on lean muscle mass and to help cover numerous nutritional needs.