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How do you find low-cost bodybuilding foods to help you build massive muscles? Bodybuilding may seem like a daunting task. However, it can also be expensive since you will spend a lot on equipment, healthy foods, and supplements for muscle building.
However, building muscle doesn’t have to be costly, and it is possible to achieve lean muscle mass even if you’re on a budget. We’ve gathered five healthy and affordable foods to add to your bodybuilding diet. You might even find some of these foods in your kitchen already.
If you’re interested to know more about the five low-cost foods to help you bulk up, keep reading.
What nutrients to look for in a low-cost bodybuilding food to help you build muscle?
What are the critical factors in bodybuilding? First, we must diet correctly, get 8 hours of sleep, and use compound and isolation exercises in our weightlifting workouts to build muscle.
1. Protein
Protein is one of the most important ingredients you should look for when bulking up. Foods that contain protein help you build muscle and assist with rebuilding muscle fibers that tore after an intense workout. Some affordable foods rich in protein are whole eggs, canned tuna, chicken breasts, almonds, ground beef, etc. However, you can also try protein shakes such as the Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass.
2. Amino acids
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are another essential component for building muscle. BCAAs contain leucine, which increases muscle growth. It triggers muscle growth synthesis by activating a pathway. Some examples of food rich in amino acids are milk, chicken, eggs, and beef.
3. Iron
Iron is another vital ingredient to look for as it brings oxygen to your muscles. Without proper oxygen, you cannot work out properly. Iron also helps with your metabolism, which will help you if you want to lose weight fast.
4. Low calories
When starting a bodybuilding diet, keep in mind your calorie intake. Therefore, you might also want to eat foods that contain low calories. Fiber is an indicator that carbohydrates have low calories. The more fiber, the lower the calories. Therefore, foods like black beans are the best. Overeating food with calories might prevent you from achieving your weight loss goals, especially if you don’t exercise regularly or sleep eight hours a night.
Five low-cost bodybuilding foods
1. Eggs
Eating eggs is an affordable way to bulk up or build lean muscle mass if you’re on a tight budget. One thing to admire about eggs is that they’re very versatile, and you can eat them with almost anything.
Eggs include complete and highly bioavailable protein that gets easily digested and gets to work fast. One egg provides you with six grams of protein and only five grams of fat, with only 1.5 saturated fat. Aside from protein, eggs are also a source of choline. Eating two whole eggs can offer you up to 300 mg of choline, a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
According to research, acetylcholine precursors can boost the production of human growth hormone (HGH). This advantage makes it a perfect low-cost food to consume for gaining muscle. Eggs’ essential vitamins and micronutrients are Vitamins A, D, E, zeaxanthin, and lutein. First, you’re focused and serious about staying lean and clean bulking. Then, you can add some egg whites to your egg-based meal. You can buy egg whites for a low price, and you don’t have to worry about your fat content getting higher.
2. Tuna
Canned tuna is another low-cost food you can consume for bodybuilding. Tuna may be highly affordable, but it is also high in protein and low in fat! It doesn’t include any carbs or fat. Like eggs, canned tuna is easy to prepare and a cheap, lean source of protein. One hundred grams of canned tuna offers you 30 grams of protein, which will surely help you gain muscle. Vitamin B, Selenium, and Phosphorous are other micronutrients found in canned tuna. Canned tuna also contains Omega-3 fatty acids.
According to studies, Omega 3 fatty acids can help you prevent a decrease in your muscle growth and strength. As a part of aging or getting older, our muscles become weaker. However, eating canned tuna can help your muscles stay strong. However, we highly suggest consuming canned tuna only a few times per week. Daily consuming canned tuna might increase your risk of excessive mercury intake.
3. Chicken
As we all know, chicken is one of the cheapest and most widely consumed meat sources worldwide. However, it’s also one of the best budget-friendly, muscle-building foods and sources of protein. Chicken is also versatile; you can cook it in various meals such as pasta, wraps, salads, quesadillas, rice, and sandwiches.
However, avoid the winged parts if you have cholesterol problems. Typically, 100 grams of chicken breast offers you 25 to 31 grams of protein and a few grams of fat. You’re on a tighter budget; you can also purchase chicken breasts in larger packages.
4. Avocados
You’re looking for a quick snack before an intense muscle-building session. Avocados are a great option. We know avocados for being a calorie-dense food for bulking. One pear of this fruit contains 29 grams of fat and around 320 calories. However, they also serve as a significant fiber and vitamin K source.
A scientific review of Dr. Heben’s Team has stated that eating healthy fats, such as avocados, boosts hormone growth and testosterone. These two essential components are necessary for muscle building. Avocados also contain more potassium than bananas, containing over 60% electrolytes.
Nature also loaded avocados with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, with excessive calories. You can eat it, whether hot or gold; you can also eat it right away or pack it on the go. Eating avocados is good if you’re looking for an easy way to consume more vitamins.
5. Whole Milk
Milk is another low-cost and straightforward bodybuilding food. One cup of skim or low-fat milk contains about 8 grams of protein. Milk is not only cheap but is also versatile and offers a decent source of protein.
Dr. Stuart M. Philips, Ph.D., and his researchers compared the effects of nonfat milk, soy protein drink, and carbohydrate milk on building muscle and burning fat after a weightlifting workout. According to Dr. Phillips, drinking milk received the best results. Another ingredient we find in milk is calcium, which strengthens your bones. You can also add whole milk to protein shakes.
Last words on low-cost bodybuilding foods
Bodybuilding may seem daunting, but it can also be costly. However, building muscle while on a tight budget is also possible. You can still create a bodybuilding diet with affordable foods, regular exercise, and sleep. We highly recommend you eat foods rich in protein sources, such as chicken, eggs, and tuna. These are affordable, but they can also support you in bodybuilding and working out.
