Lean meat like turkey and chicken are fantastic foods for building muscle as they contain a high amount of protein and not much else; they have a very low carb and fat content and no nasties if they are not overly processed.
Chicken is the go-to protein source for athletes and bodybuilders. But beef also contains a high level of protein and a significant amount of creatine, which helps produce lean muscle much more quickly. The level of protein found in both protein and beef varies, but the differences are minor.
Chicken breast is the primary whole-food protein source for many bodybuilders. This makes sense because it's low in calories and high in protein.
Lean Beef: Everyone knows that meat contains protein, but the reason it falls last on this list is due to the fact that beef often has more saturated fats and calories than its above counterparts -- after all, your goal is to build muscle, not gain weight.
Least healthy meats
Processed Meats: Notably, there are over 200 types of cold cuts and processed meats. These include hot dogs, bologna, and Vienna sausages. Processed meat is often made of less healthy organs like the stomach, lips, and heart.
Chicken is a common go-to for many of those seeking muscle mass gains and for good reason. It's lean, it's highly versatile, and it's relatively cost effective as well. Chicken breast is one of the leanest meat varieties that you can buy so it should be a staple in your overall diet program.
By and large, chicken is a greater source of protein than beef, which is, on the other hand, a high-fat and consequently higher-calorie meat. This makes chicken a good option for people who need more control over caloric intake and fat consumption.
So there you have it: The rundown of which meats are highest in protein. Chicken breast and lean cuts of beef are top choices, offering high protein-per-gram ratios. Turkey breast, bison, venison, pork tenderloin, fish, chicken drumsticks, lean beef, lamb, and chicken thigh are also solid high-protein options.
Nimai Delgado is a professional bodybuilder who has never eaten meat his entire life. That's right, Nimai was raised vegetarian since birth and, in 2015, even while in peak training for bodybuilding competitions, went all in and became 100% plant-based.
Lean meat like turkey and chicken are fantastic foods for building muscle as they contain a high amount of protein and not much else; they have a very low carb and fat content and no nasties if they are not overly processed.
While chicken can be a versatile and convenient protein to cook, if your diet doesn't have a diverse protein profile, you lose out on some key nutrients—including essential fats, such as omega-3s. "Eating chicken every day as your sole protein source could result in some nutrient gaps," says Burgess.
Yes, Chicken Can Help You Build Muscle Mass
Some of the best sources of protein come from steak, bison, turkey breast and chicken breast. Chicken gets the most points because it's versatile, low in fat and inexpensive.
Chicken has more protein, vitamins, and fewer calories, while beef has more minerals. If you're trying to regulate blood cholesterol, lose weight, or build muscle, chicken is a better choice. You can also choose lean cuts, such as lean beef if you're watching your meat consumption.
Essentially, meat is well-balanced and excellent natural source of various elements crucial for muscle growth. However, meat can be high in saturated fats so, for optimum muscle growth, it's recommended athletes choose lean cuts like turkey, chicken breast and lean steaks and trim off any excess fat before cooking.
The Benefits of Rice, Chicken, and Broccoli
The benefits are quite simple, it helps bulk up the body and refuel a lot of energy. The high protein of the chicken will help rebuild damaged muscle fibers while the carbohydrate content of the rice will replace muscle glycogen levels and refuel.
That's why the Healthy Eating Plate encourages choosing healthy protein foods. Choose fish, poultry, beans, and nuts; limit red meat and cheese; avoid bacon, cold cuts, and other processed meats.
Nutritional profile: Beef is rich in nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Whereas chicken is lower in these nutrients but higher in niacin and vitamin B6. Fat content: Steak can be high in saturated fat, depending on the cut of the steak. Saturated fat can leave to health risks.
Chicken has long been considered a healthy alternative to red meat. And it is indeed low in saturated fat, contains higher amounts of omega-6 fatty acids than other animal meats, and is high in protein and essential vitamins and minerals such as B6, B12, iron, zinc, and copper.
Chicken Breast
You probably guessed this one. High in protein, low in fat, chicken is a staple for many people, and it's no surprise that chicken breast is the healthiest meat to eat. And there is an almost endless list of ways to prepare it. Let's see why so many experts listed this as their top choice.
Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that plays an integral role in tissue growth and healing. “It helps repair and maintain cartilage and bones, which is especially helpful for athletes,” says Ruth Frechman, R.D.