In addition to sticking to a great workout routine that works for you and your body, one of the most important things to do in order to stay fit and healthy is prioritize a balanced diet. And when muscle-building and fat loss is your goal, ample protein intake is an absolutely crucial component. Protein provides your body with essential amino acids it needs to repair and build muscle, promote satiety to improve weight loss efforts, and could even boost your metabolic rate.
So, adding lean protein to your plate every day is one of the best things you can do to achieve the body of your dreams. To discover a few of the best options you should work into your meals won a regular basis, we spoke to Jesse Feder, a personal trainer and registered dietitian. He told us that fish and legumes are two fantastic choices. Learn about the benefits of these foods below.
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1. Fish
Fish is one of the healthiest foods out there, offering up a wide array of benefits. In addition to the fact that healthy fats are great for your heart—along with your hair, skin, and nails—fish is also the perfect lean protein to eat on a regular basis to build muscle and lose fat.
"Fish are high in many nutrients and healthy fats," Feder says. "They are quite low in calories and loaded with protein. This is great for helping people lose weight while building muscle." Plus, he notes, "all of the nutrients in fish are great for supporting healthy joints, bones, brain health, and heart health." What's not to love?
2. Legumes
Looking for a great plant-based protein to shake things up? Legumes have you covered. Delicious, versatile options like beans, lentils, and peas not only work perfectly in a range of recipes, but also offer up incredible nutrients that can do wonders for your body—especially when it comes to shedding pounds and building muscle.
"Legumes are nutrient dense and contain high amounts of fiber for being a protein," Feder points out. "The high amount of fiber and protein is great for building muscle and supporting a healthy weight." He explains that fiber can increase your satiety, lowering your impulse to overindulge in unhealthy foods.
Plus, fiber can even improve your gut health, which is another vital key to a flatter belly. Overall, legumes are an especially good choice for anyone who doesn't get enough fiber in their diet.
The bottom line
Ultimately, it's important to remember that fitness is a comprehensive effort. In order to burn fat and build muscle, you should commit yourself to a number of healthy habits—but maintaining a nutrient-rich, diverse diet is one of the most important things to do. When you add fish and legumes to your plate, along with other nourishing, whole foods, you'll be taking strides towards a healthier body.
