Bodybuilding is a process of developing muscle fibers through the combination of weight training, adequate caloric intake, and rest. It is an anaerobic exercise that uses muscular strength and endurance to stimulate growth in specific muscles.
Eating the right diet is essential for anyone looking to build muscle and achieve their ideal physique. They need to consume enough protein to rebuild their muscles after workouts, but they also need to be careful not to overdo it and end up with too much fat.
Basically, the problem most people face when they start their bodybuilding training is that they do not consume enough calories. Bodybuilding foods isn't just about eating enough quality proteins, dietary fats, and carbs alone but also to make sure that you optimize your calorie consumption.
If you’re a bodybuilder in Nigeria, you’re in luck. This blog post will guide you through a list of some of the best protein-rich foods that are native to Nigeria and perfect for building muscle.
From beef to beans and more, read on for some great ideas of the best bodybuilding foods that you should to add to your diet:
Best Protein Foods for Bodybuilding in Nigeria
- Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega 3 fatty acids which help you increase insulin sensitivity and stay mentally balanced. It's also rich in protein, vitamin B-12, selenium, and niacin. Just make sure to watch out for the amount of salt that's added to the salmon - it can be high in sodium which could lead to high cholesterol or high blood pressure if consumed in large quantities.
- Beans
Beans are one of the healthiest foods you can eat with lots of protein, fiber, folate (a B vitamin), and magnesium (another important nutrient for bone development). This food provides a great source of protein without all the extra sugars found in other food sources. Plus, beans are low in fat and also a good source of iron, which is essential for carrying oxygen to the muscles.
- Chicken
Chicken is a lean protein source that is low in fat and calories and contains all the necessary amino acids, making it an ideal choice for those looking to build muscle mass. Chicken is also a good source of essential nutrients such as iron and zinc.
- Egg
Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs to build muscle. A single large egg contains around 6-7 grams of protein, making it an excellent choice for bodybuilders looking to increase their protein intake. It is also very versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways. They can be boiled, scrambled, fried, or even made into an omelette or frittata
If you're looking for a high-protein food that will help you build muscle, eggs should be at the top of your list.
- Tofu
Tofu is an excellent source of protein for bodybuilders in Nigeria. Tofu, sometimes referred to as 'Soya Wara' or 'beske' is a lot like Wara (A milk curds gotten by adding a coagulant to fresh milk), but it's made from soybeans instead of milk.
It is a rich source of essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle tissue. It also packed with calories and several other nutrients. For these reasons, Tofu is often considered the one of best protein source for bodybuilders.
- Milk
Milk is an excellent and highly nutritious source of protein for bodybuilders in Nigeria. It is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids needed to build and maintain muscle tissue. Milk is also a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
In addition to its high protein content, milk is also a good source of other nutrients such as vitamin D, potassium, and phosphorus. These nutrients are all important for maintaining a healthy body.
- Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt(also referred to as strained yoghurt) is a great source of protein, and it's also packed with other nutrients that are important for bodybuilders.
Greek yogurt is a really thick type of yogurt that is made from milk. It has a higher protein content than regular yogurt, and it is also lower in fat and calories. Greek yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, which is important for bones and muscles. It also contains probiotics, which can help with digestion.
- Crayfish
Crayfish is an excellent source of protein for bodybuilding in Nigeria. It is a low-fat, high-protein seafood that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for muscle growth. Crayfish is also a good source of B vitamins and minerals such as zinc and iron
- Locust Beans
locust beans (also known as ‘Iru’ by the Yorubas, ‘Ogiri’ by the Igbos, and ‘Dawa Dawa’ by the Hausa) are a good source of protein, with incredible benefits. They are also a good source of fiber and several vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium.
Protein occupies about 6.5% of its calories. You can easily spice up, and at the same time, increase the protein value of your soup by adding locust beans to it.
- Shrimp
Shrimp is a lean protein source that is low in calories and fat but high in essential nutrients like iron, selenium, and zinc. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to promote muscle growth. Plus, shrimp is quick and easy to cook, making it a convenient option for busy bodybuilders.
Whether you enjoy shrimp grilled, boiled, or sautéed, be sure to include it in your diet if you’re looking to build muscle mass.
Bottom Line
Thus, these are some of the best protein foods for bodybuilding in Nigeria. If you want to bulk up and build muscle, then you need to include these items in your diet. With the right diet and exercise regime, you can achieve your desired physique in no time.
If we missed any of your Nigerian favourite foods that is high in protein in this blog post, let us know in the comment section below. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Protein Food For Bodybuilding
Getting all the protein you need from food is possible, but it can be difficult to do if you're not eating a lot of calories. Supplements can help increase your intake of protein.
The best times to eat proteins are before and after workouts, as well as first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day rather than three large meals. This will help keep your metabolism going and prevent your body from breaking down muscle for energy.
How much protein you need depends on your weight, training schedule, and goals. The general rule is to consume 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, you would need to consume 150 grams of protein per day.
Building muscle mass requires consuming enough protein. Good sources of protein for bodybuilding in Nigeria include poultry, eggs, fish, lean beef, and soy products.
