Vegan Muscle - 5 Must Have Things

If your on the road to building your perfect body, gaining muscle and going the vegan route these five items are must haves!  To build muscle you have to have some protein.  The general rule the bodybuilding world has lived by is to build muscle, you need to eat 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day.  This, in my opinion, is probably more then is needed.  At any rate you need protein and here are the five must haves as a vegan trying to build muscle.

Oatmeal - There really isn't a better way to kick off your day.  Conventional bodybuilders have been utilizing oatmeal for eons.  To clear up any confusion we're talking about good old fashioned rolled or steel cut oatmeal - NOT the sugar laden flavored kind!  Not only is oatmeal great for your heart and cholesterol, it contains a bunch of fiber, may help fight cancer and is a great source of protein.  If you need more "sweetness" add a little pure maple syrup.  Oatmeal is a top notch way to start your day.  Oatmeal provides 7 grams of protein per serving.

Beans - All kinds of beans are excellent sources of protein.  They will definitely make you feel fuller longer, contain good amounts of fiber, may help prevent heart disease and cancers.  It doesn't matter what type of bean your eating - black, kidney, great northern, pinto they all are great!  Average serving contains 7 grams of protein.

Soy Milk - Versatile and delicious!  Make your oatmeal with it, great for cooking, smoothies, cereals and down right drinking.  Expect to get 6 grams of protein per serving.  If your using a vegan protein replacement you can double dip by mixing it with soy milk.

Nuts - Nut Butter -  After workouts theres nothing that hits the spot like whole grain toast with peanut butter or any nut butter!  If your eating right (6-8 smaller meals a day) a handfull of nuts is perfect.  4-6 grams of protein in each ounce, thats awesome!  Plus you get health benefits from them too!

Water -  You simply can not build muscle without adequate water intake.  Since water is everywhere in the body here is where you can go wrong without enough of it.  You can be lacking electrolytes in the muscles, can reduce your strength, can leave you tired and without enough water your hampering the transfer of essential nutrients to even reach muscles to help them grow.  Ya' gotta drink your water!



Thanks for visiting the blog!  Until next time,
Kel