Foods that Build Muscle – Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean cutting out all of your favorite places to eat out at. At the end of the day it’s about how you balance your meals, and choosing high protein options when you can to get the most out of your meals to promote muscle growth.
Going out for food can seem contradictory to a healthy, high-protein diet, but as long as you choose high-quality and high-protein options, fast food can align with your fitness goals once in a while, especially while you are in a bulking phase.
Fast food can fit into your diet in moderation, as long as you’re choosing high-protein, quality options. Here are some of our favorites:
Chipotle
We, of course, couldn’t leave out a fan favorite and had to start off with our all-time favorite! Chipotle is great since they offer calorie-dense, high-protein options with relatively large portions, such as their burrito or burrito bowl. It also provides a great balance of food groups, by adding fajita veggies, beans, lettuce, and salsas, while also providing a good amount of carbs. You could even double whatever meat you chose for your protein if you really wanted to boost your protein intake.
Subway
Subway is another great option, with a wide variety of veggies and proteins you can choose from, and freshly baked bread. You can theoretically make it as healthy (or unhealthy) as you want, whilst getting a big portion for a good price. Choosing from one of their many protein options, you can also add vegetables like spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, avocado, and more to make it filling and align with your macros!
iHop
iHop, everyone’s favorite chain for pancakes and everything breakfast-related, also offers a great option for high-protein meals. Their customizable omelets can be filled with veggies and chicken, and you could also add a pancake or even some bacon or oatmeal on the side as well. Although higher in carbohydrates, it also provides you with plenty of protein.
Final Thoughts on Foods that Build Muscle
Being healthy doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite foods or cutting out going out for food entirely. It all boils down to making good quality choices, focusing on protein intake, and having things in moderation. Having some “unhealthy” food once in a while isn’t going to kill your gains or your diet, and if chosen correctly, can actually help to up your protein intake without sacrificing too many of your daily calories or fat.
To learn more, visit Train Fitness.