9 Foods You Need to Eat to Build More Muscle

If you want to build muscle, you have to give your body the building blocks it needs, and that means protein. These are the foods that will make pumping iron pay off.

How much protein do we need?

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of bodyweight—that’s about 46 grams per day for a woman and 56 grams per day for a man. However, that number could vary wildly depending on your daily caloric intake and physical activity. “If you’re strength training, your body requires more protein than the average person in order to repair muscle that’s broken down during training and build new muscle tissue,” says Lisa Davis, PhD, chief nutrition officer at Terra’s Kitchen. “The average weight lifter may need 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight, whereas a professional bodybuilder may need 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight. (Here’s what could happen if you don’t eat enough protein.)

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Soybeans

Soybeans have a high protein profile—just one cup, roasted, has a whopping 43 grams. (And 418 calories.) Soy also comes in the form of soy milk, tempeh, miso, and tofu. “Firm tofu packs 10 grams of protein per half-cup, and the firmer the better when it comes to amount of protein,” says Dr. Davis. Soy is also rich in magnesium, a nutrient needed for energy metabolism, especially when you’re pumping iron (or any weight-bearing exercise) to build muscle. It also plays a vital role in muscle growth and repair. In fact, magnesium is so key to muscle building that some research suggests taking supplements when you’re doing resistance training to help increase strength further, according to Krissy Kendall, PhD, of bodybuilding.com. “Low levels can lead to fatigue, lethargy, reduced powered output, and muscle cramps,” she adds. (Find out the other reasons soy isn’t so bad for you after all.)

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Quinoa

Quinoa is unique in that it’s one of the very few plant-based foods that’s a complete protein. “Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids that your body needs, but can’t produce on its own,” says Dr. Davis. Though meat-eaters get plenty of protein through beef, chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy, vegetarians and vegans can turn to quinoa, usually considered a grain but actually a seed, to help pick up the slack. Quinoa packs in 8 grams of protein per cup and is a good source of fiber and iron to boot. (Here are 15 creative recipes that use quinoa.)

hemp seeds
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Hemp seeds

Hemp seeds are loaded with protein, and no, they won’t get you high. Just three tablespoons of hemp seeds (also known as hemp hearts), will provide 10 grams of protein and a healthy amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Just watch your portions, because at 50 calories per tablespoon, the calories from this heart-healthy fat can add up quickly. Get your daily dose by adding hemp seeds to a smoothie, atop yogurt or oatmeal, or in a salad. (Learn the differences between hemp hearts vs. hemp seeds.)

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Guava

A tropical fruit with protein? Dr. Davis says this exotic fruit delivers 4.2 grams of protein per cup. The good news doesn’t stop there. Since guava is packed with vitamin C (100 grams provides three times the RDA) it’s also a tasty way to fend off signs of skin aging, as it boosts the production of collagen, which makes skin look smooth. Foods packed with vitamin C also improve your circulation. Now, learn the 15-minute strength training routine to build muscle.

nutritional yeast
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Nutritional yeast

The next time you need to make a cheesy or creamy sauce or want to add cheesy flavor to popcorn, try nutritional yeast. “Three tablespoons of this vegan staple contains 12 grams of protein, and is a good source of B vitamins,” says Davis. B vitamins are essential for muscle strength. They also aid in amino acid metabolism and protein metabolism, and help repair muscle tears even as they help prevent muscle damage.

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Greek yogurt

Getting enough calcium is important when you’re building muscle because you need strong bones to properly anchor your muscles. “Calcium plays a critical role in both the contraction and relaxation of your muscles,” says Kendall. If you don’t get enough calcium, it could lead to muscle cramps, making pumping iron not so much fun. “Greek yogurt contains almost twice the protein of regular yogurt, plus it has gut-friendly probiotics and bone-strengthening calcium,” says Kendall. A 6-ounce serving of 0 percent Fage Greek yogurt has 20 percent of your daily intake of calcium and 18 grams of protein. Just watch out for the prepackaged flavored varieties, which can be chock-full of added sugar. “If plain Greek yogurt doesn’t do it for you, try sweetening it with a little honey or stevia and a handful of blueberries for an added antioxidant punch,” suggests Kendall. (Here are simple ways to prevent muscle loss as you age.)

salmon
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Salmon

We know that most seafood is a good source of protein, but salmon swims to the top for other reasons. “You’ll also reap the benefits of its fat-fighting, cognitive-enhancing omega-3 fatty acids,” Kendall says. Adequate intake of omega-3’s, combined with regular exercise, has been shown to reduce waist circumference, more than just exercise alone. Just 3 ounces of salmon delivers a hefty 23 grams of protein and between 1 and 1.5 grams of omega-3’s. (Here’s how to get more protein into your diet easily.)

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Lean ground beef

Each 3-ounce serving of beef gives us 18 grams of protein and is a significant source of iron, amounting to about 15 percent of our recommended daily intake. “Because iron is so critical to proteins involved in oxygen transport, low iron levels can lead to fatigue, lowered immunity, feelings of weakness, and poor performance in the gym,” says Kendall. Just make sure you choose the 90/10 or leaner versions of your favorite cuts to avoid extra fat and calories. (Check out the best upper body exercises to do with dumbbells.)

chocolate and vanilla protein powders
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Protein powders

Protein powders are a tasty go-to option for post-workout recovery or as a meal replacement, but not all protein powders are equal. “I like using a substantial protein powder that doesn’t only contain pure protein, but also has some fiber in it for sustained energy and fullness,” says Ilana Muhlstein, RD, nutritionist for Explore Cuisine. “The healthiest protein powders should have at least 15 grams of protein per scoop (usually 42 grams) and ideally have the same, if not more, grams of fiber than sugar,” she says. Consider buying a protein powder that also has vitamin D, C, iron, and calcium, vital nutrients that Muhlstein says Americans are often missing. (These are the ways you can improve your workout right now.)

Sources
Medically reviewed by Elisabetta Politi, CDE, MPH, RD, on March 18, 2021

Lisa Marie Conklin
Lisa Marie Conklin is a Baltimore-based writer and writes regularly about pets and home improvement for Reader's Digest. Her work has also been published in The Healthy, HealthiNation, The Family Handyman, Taste of Home, and Realtor.com., among others. She's also a certified personal trainer and walking coach for a local senior center.