The Top 20 Healthy Fruits Nutrition Facts

Apple nutrition facts:

Apples are a good source of vitamin A and C and ward off colds and infections. They are powerful blood purifiers and benefit the blood and lymphatic systems.

Apple juice is a wonderful cleanser, great for a weight loss diet and useful as a general tonic.

One medium size apple as around 100 calories.

Grapes, fresh pineapple and kiwi fruits are fabulous for your skin.

Grape nutrition facts:

Grapes are often used in elimination and weight loss diets because of their powerful cleansing action and their ability to stimulate the metabolism. The high magnesium content promotes good bowel movement and proper kidney function.

Grape juice is also a good blood and liver cleanser and eliminates unwanted uric acid from the body. Grapes are high in potassium, which aids kidney function, strengthens the heartbeat and keeps the skin looking fresh and healthy.

Grapes are well known for cleansing the system. Dark grapes are high in iron, which makes them good blood builders. A hand full off grapes on your weight loss diet is a good snack.

There's around 100 calories in 1 cup of grapes.

Pineapple nutrition facts:

Because of their high vitamin C, content pineapples are considered to be a protective fruit. The juice is good for reliving constipation and poor digestion and the combination of vitamin C. Acids and enzymes make pineapples highly eliminative and a great boost for detox diets.

Pineapples can also be used to soothe sore throats. Beta-carotene, folic acid, potassium, iodine, calcium and magnesium are some of the nutrients found in pineapple.

Kiwi nutrition facts:

Kiwi contains twice the amount of vitamin c than oranges. They are also rich in potassium, which helps to stave off colds and flu. Kiwi fruits should be firm but not hard.

Lemon and Lime nutrition facts:

Lemons and lime are very high in vitamin C. They contain up to four times the amount of citric acid as oranges or grapefruit.

This high citric acid content is very good for getting rid of toxins. Lemons are also good for soothing sore throats and are widely used for colds and flu.

Mango nutrition facts:

Mangoes are one of my favourite. They are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C and potassium. The riper the mango the more beta-carotene it will contain. They are great blood cleansers and bodily disinfectants and can be helpful to throw off body odour.

Orange nutrition facts:

Oranges are one of the richest sources of vitamin C. they help to protect against a variety of conditions, from colds and flu to heart disease and strokes that gives them very high health ratings. Their nutrients help prevent premature wrinkles and saggy skin.

When juicing peel the skin but leave the pith on as this is where all the good nutrients are. Other nutrients include vitamin A and the b-complex vitamins, bioflovonoids, pectin, amino acids, potassium, zinc and phosphorous.

Vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron, so a glass of orange juice a day can actually double the amount of iron available for use in the body. The high citric acid content in oranges is the most effective in cleansing the gastrointestinal tract and eliminating toxins and acid waste in cells. For this reason, orange juice is often included in eliminative diets.

Banana nutrition facts:

Whenever I'm shopping and I feel hungry the first thing that comes to mind is a banana. Everyone I know likes their bananas a little different. I like mine ripe with freckles on, some like them soft and very sweet, others when they've just turned. If you boil them when they're green you will get more iron from them at that stage.

Bananas are very nutritious, they contain vitamin C and dietary fibre. They have no fat or cholesterol. The vitamin C that they contain helps the body defend and heal against infection.

Potassium is the mineral in bananas that builds muscles. Having a banana before taking part in any physical exercise will give you that instant boost and energy.

The body burns off calories from carbohydrates more easily and quickly than calories from protein or fat. They are free from sodium and very rich in potassium. A banana and a glass of water can keep you going for two hours before feeling hungry.

1 medium banana has around 100 calories.

Pear nutrition facts:

Pears have a high content in vitamin c and B vitamins and the minerals potassium, phosphorus and iron, pear juice is good for the digestive system, and helps to normalise the bowel. It is a valuable addition to elimination diets because of its mild diuretic and laxative effects. Pears are one of the best urinary and gastrointestinal cleansers because of its high level of pectin.

Continues on next page…

Top Eight Foods to Supercharge Your Weight Gaining Effort

If you have been dreaming to gain more weight in order to achieve a muscular body, you should put more importance on your diet nutrition by knowing what that best weight gaining foods are. This is especially true to those who are skinny and wants to put on some weight. Check out this list of some of the best foods to help you to gain weight and achieve a muscular body.

Brown Rice - Carbohydrates is essential when you want to gain weight, and brown rice is a healthy source of .carbohydrates. This is a kind of a whole grain food that is much healthier compared to the traditional white rice that we are accustomed of. Aside from having carbohydrates and proteins, brown rice also contains lots of vitamins, especially B vitamins as well as iron and magnesium.

Fish Oil - It is a given fact that fish oil is filled with omega 3 essential fatty acids necessary to reduce the inflammation in our body and helps us gain weight in a healthy way. The most common examples of fishes that are considered as good sources of omega 3 are salmon, tuna, mackerel and trout. Therefore, you must include these types of fishes in your diet.

Fruit Juices - Fruit juices are another source of dense carbohydrates and therefore, they are great for anyone who is trying to gain some weight. Make sure to drink fruit juice after every meal, instead of the unhealthy beverages such as soda or cola. Fruit shakes are also highly recommended, for just like the fruit juices, they are also rich in calories and are very helpful in gaining weight healthily

Healthy Oils - Adding healthy oils into your diet are very effective in gaining weight and building muscles. Some of the most common examples of healthy oils are virgin olive oil as well as the canola oil. These oils contain mono and polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids too.

Nuts - Cashew, peanuts, walnuts and almonds are nuts that are rich in proteins and fibre, as well as healthy fats like polyunsaturated fatty acids. These nuts are also high in calories. Therefore, people who are skinny should get sufficient amount of healthy fats by including nuts into their diet.

Red Meat - Red meat is considered as the number one sources of protein-rich foods. But these types of foods, does not only have proteins in them - they are also filled with essential vitamins and minerals that are helpful to our body. These foods could certainly help skinny people to gain weight fast and increase muscle mass.

Whole Eggs - Protein is one essential nutrient needed to build muscles and the number one source of this nutrient are eggs. And aside from protein, eggs also contain several other important nutrients like Vitamins A, D and E. Because of these nutrients, eggs are considered as one of the best foods to eat when it comes to gaining weight.

Flaxseed - Flaxseed is rich in proteins and contains omega-3 fatty acids. This food is also known to be the number one sources of dietary fibers that are essential for the overall health of the digestive system. Therefore, if you are aspiring to gain weight and build muscles, make sure to include this food into your diet.

The foods mentioned are just some of the best weight gaining foods that you must include in your diet in order to gain weight. Aside from helping you gain some weight and achieve a muscular built, these foods are also essential for your health. Other foods that are also helpful in gaining weight are oatmeal, bagels, granola, corn, turkey, and many more. Also, keep in mind that complementing your daily meals with protein shakes is important if you want to gain fast progress.

What to Eat and How Much When Bulking Up - For the Most Muscle Gains

Bulking up is the best way to pack on a lot of muscle in the shortest time possible. It is a well know method used by bodybuilders to increase there weight in a matter of months. Then after bulking up you can cut down your body fat percentage to reveal a muscular physique below.

Eat plenty of protein

Protein is the one macro nutrient that your body can use to build and grow muscle. The other two macro nutrients, carbohydrates and fat can only provide energy to help with this.

You must provide your body with enough protein in order for it to build the most muscle mass. A good amount to aim for is 1-2 grams per pound of bodyweight. So if you weigh 150lbs, that's 150g to 300g of protein a day.

How to eat all this protein

In order to make sure you are getting enough protein in your diet, eat protein with each meal. Eat at least 25g per meal. Eat plenty of chicken, beef, eggs, fish and milk.

Mix protein shakes between meals for extra protein. Add a scoop of whey and then mix in fruit and healthy fats. Whey is a great way to boost your protein intake. But remember it is a supplement and shouldn't be used instead of solid meals of high quality protein, just because you can't be bothered to cook. Whey is a supplement to your diet, use it that way.

Eat plenty of calories

Eat more food and then some more. Eat 20-24 times your weight in calories. So if you weigh 150lbs eat 3000-3600 calories a day to successfully gain muscle bulk.

Food is anabolic, you must force feed your body with quality nutritious meals. Not only must you overload your muscles you must overload your body with food - this will great an overall anabolic response. Eat every 3-5 hours, 4-6 meals a day. Have shakes between meals, so eat 2-3 shakes a day and 2-3 meals a day.

Eat plenty of healthy fats

For extra calories eat plenty of healthy fats. Eat nuts as snacks between meals. Drink whole milk with and between meals. Add double cream, coconut cream, almond butter and olive oil to your shakes.

Add avocados to your shakes for and extra 300+ calories of healthy fats and fat soluble vitamins. Drink up to a gallon of whole milk a day, this can add up to 25lbs in one month.

High Protein Foods For Hardgainers

Some people find it really difficult to put on muscle mass. They eat, eat and eat some more, and train as hard as possible, but still struggle to make the scales move up even half a pound. So what's the secret to putting on muscle if you're a hardgainer?

One area in which many hardgainers fall short in is protein consumption. Calories are very important for muscle growth, as they provide the body with energy to build the muscle, but if you aren't eating enough protein, it will be virtually impossible to build substantial muscle.

Each protein molecule is made up of twenty amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of muscle, and without these, the body is not going to be able to add, or even hold on to muscle mass. This is why consuming enough protein is vitally important.

So calories intake and protein consumption seem to be the two areas where hardgainers need to pay particular attention, in order to reach their goals. With that in mind, the suggested foods will be both high in calories, and protein.

Whole Eggs

Whole eggs are a fantastic food. The yolk has been demonised for years, but finally, the medical profession and the general public appear to be realising that the yolk contains many important vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, and does not have an adverse effect on cholesterol levels. One large whole egg delivers around 90 calories, and 8g of protein, depending on the size. They're a great option for breakfast for those who can't stomach meat or fish first thing in the morning, and don't want to resort to having a protein shake.

Eggs are also extremely versatile. They can be boiled, poached, fried, scrambled, cooked as an omelette with added vegetables, cheese or meat, added to salads and used to bump up the protein content of any other meal. They're the ideal food for a hardgainer.

Beef

Many bodybuilders opt for chicken or turkey over red meat, but they're missing a trick. Whilst beef and chicken both contain around 25 grams of protein per 100 grams, depending on the cut, 90% lean beef provides roughly 165 calories, compared to 110 in the same amount of chicken. For a hardgainer, this is a no contest - beef wins every time. Beef is also a brilliant source of iron, B vitamins, and zinc.

If you can, choose grass fed and free range red meat, as opposed to meat from factory farmed animals. Cows are designed to live off grass, and not the corn that they're fed in the factory farms. They are also allowed to grow at their natural rate, and not pumped full of chemicals, meaning they're much healthier. You'll notice a huge difference in taste and nutritional quality in a free range beef.

Oily Fish

Another staple in a bodybuilding diet is tuna. Again, I'm curious as to why it crops up so often, as it is a low calorie food. 100 grams of tuna delivers 120 calories, and 27 grams of protein. The same amount of salmon has 200 calories, and 25 grams of protein Whilst protein is very slightly lower, 25 grams per hundred is still a reasonable amount, and as we've established - calories also play a significant role in muscle growth, so salmon trumps tuna.

Salmon and other oily fish like mackerel, sardines, anchovies, trout and herring also provide a large amount of essential fats, known as omega 3 fats. Consuming a high amount of omega 3 is believed to reduce a person's risk of heart disease, boost the immune system, and help relieve joint and muscle pain.

Whole Milk

Whilst not technically a food, whole milk provides lots of good quality protein, as well as some saturated fat, which is important for regulating hormones within the body, particularly testosterone, which plays a vital role in muscle growth. The reason I've included it here is because whole milk is calorie dense, and easy to drink. 100 millilitres of whole milk will give you 68 calories and 3.4 grams of protein. Whilst this doesn't sound like a lot, it is very easy to have a glass of milk alongside each meal, as well as a couple of pints throughout the day. Without even noticing it, you can consume an extra 68 grams of protein and 1360 calories, and still have enough of an appetite for all your food.

As with beef, if you're able to - look for milk from grass fed cows, or at least organically reared ones.

These are definitely my top four high protein foods for hardgainers. By simply adding these into your diet, or swapping them in in place of leaner proteins, you can easily add an extra few hundred calories to your daily intake, and watch your muscle mass sky rocket.

7 Ways to Lower Your Carbohydrate Intake

A low-carb diet can have many health benefits. It can help keep weight down and lowers the chance of developing illnesses such as diabetes. However, it can be easier said than done. Try following our 7 easy ways to keep carbohydrates in your diet to a minimum.

#7 Skip the Fruit Juice

Fruit juice contains little fiber and is full of sugar and carbohydrates, much like any other sugar-filled beverage. The best thing is to stick to water, but if you want to add a little extra flavor, try adding a slice of lemon or lime to spice things up a little.

Take home message: Just because it says 'fruit juice' doesn't mean it is better for you than any other sugary drink; it's best to stick to water.

#6 Have Eggs for Breakfast

Many breakfast foods such as breads and cereals are high in carbohydrates. Eggs can provide a tasty breakfast meal without loading you up on carbs. They are also full of protein, just be sure to skip the toast.

Take home message: Eggs are a high protein, low carb, breakfast alternative if you are trying to control your carbohydrate intake.

#5 Eat low Carbohydrate Snacks

You may be doing a great job keeping carbohydrates to a minimum when it comes to your main meals, but those snacks can add up. Treats like pretzels and chips are loaded with unwanted carbs. Instead, opt for cheese, almonds or walnuts.

Take home message: Keeping your carbohydrate intake in check when it comes to snacks is just as important as managing it during main meals.

#4 Make Sure Your Dairy Intake is Low Carbohydrate

Dairy products are very tasty and very healthy, but some are loaded with carbohydrates. Fruit flavoured yoghurt and frozen yoghurt are often high in sugar and carbohydrates. Stick with Greek yoghurt and cheese for a low carb alternative. Take home message - remember to choose dairy that is low carb to get the full benefits of dairy products without any unwanted carbohydrates.

Take home message: Remember to choose dairy that is low in carbohydrates to get the full benefits of dairy products without any unwanted carbohydrates.

#3 Switch Potatoes and Bread for Vegetable

When given the choice between potatoes and bread or vegetables, particularly when eating out, always opt for vegetables. Where possible, make sure the vegetables are non-starchy such as carrots, peas or corn.

Take home message: Eating out can be a challenge, so always ask for vegetables instead of a carb-loaded side.

#2 Eat Plenty of Protein

Eating a healthy, high protein source at each meal can make it easier to reduce those carbs. Protein such as meat, poultry, eggs and nuts not only add flavor and variety to meals, but they also make you feel fuller for longer, therefore you will be less likely to reach for an extra piece of bread

or high-carb dessert.

Take home message: Eating a healthy protein at each meal is an easy way to lower your carbohydrate intake.

#1 Cut out Bread

Whilst bread might be a staple in many diets, it is often low in fiber and high in carbohydrates, this is particularly true of white bread. If you are trying to decrease your carbohydrate intake, the simplest and most effective way is to eliminate bread.

Take home message: Whole grain bread contains nutrients, but is also incredibly high in carbohydrates and you can ingest these nutrients through other foods.

Reducing your carbohydrate intake can be difficult, but hopefully, these steps will help you to form healthy habits when it comes to implementing a low-carb diet.

What to Eat to Build Muscle Fast - Top 7 Muscle Building Foods

Building muscle is not only about lifting weight. Your nutrition is also very important. The main thing you need to eat if you want to grow muscle is protein, due to the presence of amino acids within it. Of course, you should never underestimate the importance of carbohydrate intake, just make sure that you choose only complex carbohydrates. Simple carbs like white bread and potatoes have a high glycemic index. On the contrary complex carbs such as oatmeal and whole wheat bread can supply you with all the energy you need to complete your workout.

Here is the list of the top 7 muscle building foods:

1. Eggs: they contain protein of high biological value, which can be easily absorbed by the body. One egg contains 6 grams of protein and many vitamins such as B6, B12, E and D. It would be better to remove the yolk and just eat the white.
2. Tuna: it's a low cost muscle building food that is filled with proteins. It also doesn't contain any fat and you can eat it raw out of the tin or add it to you salad.
3. Milk: milk is full of calcium, vitamins and minerals and can protect your bones during hard workouts. It would be better to consume skimmed milk.
4. Lean red meat: red meat like beef contains, iron and B vitamins and is probably the most nutrient dense food. Make sure that you don't overcook it, because high temperature can damage its nutrients.
5. Chicken or turkey breast: they are excellent sources of protein and are very low in fat, if you remove the skin.
6. Cottage cheese: it's very slow digesting and is great as a late night snack.
7. Nuts: nuts like peanuts, almonds and macadamias can provide you with fiber, vitamin E, potassium, zinc and magnesium. They are full of healthy eats and can help you gain some muscular weight.

Make sure not to skip meals and eat every 2-3 hours. Keep in mind that if you don't eat enough your body will break down your existing muscle tissue to repair itself.

The Best Carbohydrates For Your Muscle Building Diet Plan

As you go about creating a muscle building diet plan to help you pack on more lean muscle mass than ever before, one nutrient that you definitely cannot do without is the carbohydrate.

Carbohydrates are going to be what supplies your body with all the energy that's required to not only carry out the process of muscle building itself, but also to perform those hard workouts in the gym.

Some people may try to utilize low carb muscle building diets and while they may work for a very select few individuals, about 95% of the population is better off avoiding these. They just don't supply your body with what it needs to complete the protein synthesis process.

This said, not all carbohydrates are created equally.

If you really want to see the best possible results from your muscle building diet plan then you need to be taking the time to select the best varieties. Let's have a quick look right now at your top options.

Oats

First up on the list of muscle building carbohydrates are oats. Oats really can't be beat. They're high in fiber, low in sugar, and will produce a steady energy release that will last for hours.

Now, the thing to remember while on your muscle building diet plan however is that since you are aiming to take in more calories above maintenance, you don't have room in your stomach for a lot of high-volume foods.

Unfortunately, cooked oats are exactly that. So instead, focus on raw oats. Eat these cold like you would any other cereal or start adding them to your protein shakes for added calories. That will get you the nutrients you need.

Brown Rice

Second on the list of carbs for building muscle mass is brown rice. Brown rice is easy to prepare and works well with just about any meal. It's also a good source of fiber and will not spike insulin levels quite like regular rice would so you'll see better overall results because of it.

Aim to eat it with at least three meals each day.

Dried Fruit

Finally, the last muscle building carbohydrate that you should definitely consider adding to your muscle building diet plan is dried fruit. Dried fruit is a bit better in fresh in this case because of the fact it is so calorie dense.

Trying to eat three apples would very likely leave you feeling rather bloated and full, but in a simple handful of dried fruit you can easily get those calories in without worry.

Combine some dried fruit, nuts, and whole grain cereal for a quick trail mix to take wherever you go.

So don't shun carbohydrates. If you want to see success with your program they must be included but that said, you also need to be adding the right sources.

What You Should Eat Before, During and After Exercise!

Many people wonder what you really should eat before and after exercise, and how long before and after the workout meal should be consumed. There are many studies done who arrived with very different answers to the question. However, evidence suggests that it is a myth that you can eat anything after training.

This is very individual. For most people however, it is sufficient eating 2-3 hours before exercise. Try also to test an apple or a handful of nuts a half hour or so before training. It is time to adjust habits if you are one of them who eat a lot in a short time before training. There is otherwise a risk that you feel sick and get cramps in the muscles during exercise. It is almost worse to exercise on an empty stomach. When you starts to work out the blood sugar drops and you will feel weaker, a little dizzy, and do less. To train with too little food in the body increases also the risk of injury significantly.

Then what should you eat during training? This is different for every person. Some have more energy to eat something light while they are training, while others will be tough to eat while they are training.

The nutrition you need before, during and after exercise to ensure you have the energy as much as possible and recover the maximum depends on many factors depends on how your body works, what you ate for breakfast, what you train, how fit you are and so on.

Many argue, for example, that it is important to eat plenty of protein as soon as possible after exercise, others argue that they need protein in combination with carbohydrates immediately after exercise to achieve the best results. And then there are those who come to the conclusion that Muscle Building supplements not have any major significance but it is the intake of calories during the day as a whole that matters.

High Protein Foods For Muscle Building: The Truth About High Protein Intakes

High protein foods for muscle building include chicken, eggs, and fish. Protein is one of the most important supplements to be included in your diet to see the best results. If you are not getting enough protein from your diet, it comes in a variety of powders including: whey casein protein powder, whey isolate protein powder, egg white protein powder, and soy protein powder. The body must have adequate amounts of protein to function and if you go one or two days without adequate protein intake you will rapidly start losing muscle mass and experiencing negative health effects. On the other hand, too much protein will not necessarily cause the opposite effect.

Your protein intake should be 1-1.5 grams per pound of body weight. Protein contains calories, so you need to factor that in when planning meals. This is also a factor if you are taking in too many high protein foods for muscle building. You should be attempting to include a protein source with every meal. Some examples of high protein foods for muscle building include lean chicken breasts, turkey breast, lean red meat sources, eggs, seafood, and low-fat dairy products. If you take in too many of these high protein foods, you will wind up having a reverse effect than the one you desire. Your protein excess will most likely be converted to muscle fat instead of causing you to build muscle faster.

For those who are lactose intolerant or who prefer not to consume milk products, egg white protein powder is the next best thing that provides full benefits. This protein powder is relatively quick to digest and also has an excellent amino acid profile. Egg white protein powder is generally tasteless so it is capable of mixing nicely into many of the foods that you are already consuming.

Consuming too much protein increases the body's water requirement and may lead to dehydration. This happens because the kidneys require more water to eliminate the excess nitrogen load of a high protein intake. Also, a high protein and high fat diet after heavy training will cause incomplete replacement of muscle glycogen and impair performance. Such a diet is hard to digest and may lead to feeling sluggish. This is in addition to the fact that it is quite expensive to support a consistently high protein intake. Think about the prices for the protein supplements, lean meat, eggs it would take to sustain an intake of high protein foods for muscle building. This money could be better spent on things that balance out your diet instead of just focusing on protein which would cause you to be further from your ideal body type anyway.

Another reason you should not take in too many high protein foods for muscle building is because it will not cause you to build muscle faster. When you take in more than enough protein than you need, the excess will then begin to be converted to fat. This will push you further away from the muscular physique that you are looking for. Consuming excessive amounts of protein will cause you to gain fat, which will cause you to have to work harder in the gym to lose the extra fat that you have gained. Therefore, you should strive to take in only about 1-1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight.

Ensuring that you take in the adequate amount of protein each week will be vital to your muscle building progress. You should aim to take in a healthy, normal amount of protein instead of a high amount that is neither beneficial or sustainable. You should never use protein powder to replace whole food sources of protein as there are many nutrients found in meat that you will not be able to get from supplements, however when added to the diet they are extremely beneficial. Therefore, you should assess your body's needs and where you are in your workout regimen before overloading on protein. High protein foods for muscle building are good in moderation but too much is definitely detrimental.

Power Foods to Build Lean Muscle Mass

Power foods are available that help to build lean muscle mass. The secret is knowing which foods work best in conjunction with weight training, and then avoiding empty calories.

These foods help build muscle while you lose weight, strengthen bones, protect against heart disease and lower blood pressure. Be sure to eat three meals daily, along with three snacks, and focus on foods from the list. Variety in food selections is key to maintaining good health by providing all of the necessary vitamins and minerals, along with protein, carbohydrates and fat.

Whole Grains
Whole grains include brown rice, oats, whole wheat breads and pastas. Whole grains contain fiber, protein, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc, all of which help build lean muscle. Whole grains also provide energy. Be sure when choosing grains that the word "whole" is included in the package label, otherwise you may buy imposters without the healthy fiber or nutrients.

Nuts
Almonds, pecans, and walnuts are good for building muscle and providing satiety. Nuts contain healthy fats and protein that help protect the body from obesity, certain types of cancer, and heart disease. Nuts also provide vitamin E, folate, fiber, magnesium and phosphorus. Choose unsalted nuts as too much sodium can cause blood pressure to spike

Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a super food in building muscle. Peanut butter provides protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, niacin and magnesium. It is important to choose all natural, sugar free peanut butter.

Raspberries and Other Berries
Berries contain antioxidants that protect against disease and preserve eyesight, fiber and vitamin C. Berries are a good choice for something sweet, instead of sugary, high fat foods that provide empty calories.

Olive or Canola Oil
Olive and canola oil boost the immune system while lowering cholesterol. These oils protect against heart disease and high blood pressure, while providing vitamin E and healthy fats. Watch out for hydrogenated oils or trans fats, which do not have the same protection.

Eggs
Eggs contain protein and vitamins A, and B12. Eggs help build muscle while burning fat. Egg Beaters have no yolks, but do have the nutrients with fewer calories.

Turkey and Lean Meats
Turkey, chicken, lean steak and fish are good sources of protein, iron, zinc and omega 3's, vitamins B6 and 12, phosphorus and potassium. Lean protein strengthens the immune system while building muscle, protects against memory loss, mood disorders and obesity.

Fat Free or Low Fat Dairy Products
Fat free and low fat dairy products include milk, cheese, and yogurt. Dairy is important for strengthening bones, and providing calcium, vitamins A and B12, riboflavin, potassium and phosphorus. Dairy protects against osteoporosis, high blood pressure and certain cancers.

Green Vegetables
Green vegetables include spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, and peppers. Green vegetables contain vitamins A, C, and K, beta-carotene, folate, calcium, magnesium and fiber. Green vegetables protect against free radicals, osteoporosis, cancer, obesity, stroke and heart disease.

Beans
Beans include navy, pinto, kidney, lima, chickpeas and soybeans. Beans help regulate digestion, prevent obesity, build muscle and burn fat. They also protect against colon cancer, high blood pressure and heart disease. Beans contain protein, fiber, folate and iron.

Include these power foods as you work out to build lean muscle mass and you will be sure to provide the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are necessary. These foods should make up a large part of the diet, and will provide the proper nourishment.

The 20 Vegetables Highest In Protein

Big chunks of meat don’t always need to be the only source of protein in your diet. Cutting back on meat occasionally and replacing meat with another source of protein can be a good change for the body. And by other sources of protein we don’t mean protein shakes and protein powder.

You’ve probably heard many times before that vegetables do not have much protein and it would be very hard to satisfy your daily protein needs. Yes, vegetables are not complete protein sources, but combining them with other veggies or combining them with eggs and dairy products can be a great way to boost your protein intake.

In this article, we present you with a list of 20 vegetables that will help you boost your protein intake and provide you with fiber at the same time.

1) Edamame (Organic)

Protein amount: 19 grams in one cup cooked serving

Edamame is one of the tastiest and healthiest appetizers. One cup of it or cooked soybeans has an enormous amount of protein. Always opt for an organic type, since the majority of soybeans in the US are actually genetically modified and grown with lots of pesticides. You can try frying it along with scallions, eggs, and asparagus.

2) Tempeh (Organic)

Protein amount: 17 grams in a three-ounce serving

Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans and mixing them in a dense cake that can later be fried in a pan like tofu or it can be sliced. It’s easily chewable, feels very nutty and has a lot higher amount of fiber and protein in comparison to tofu and since it is fermented, it can be more digestible for some people.

3) Tofu (Organic)

Protein amount: 9-16 grams in a three-ounce serving

Tofu is the standard vegetarian food known even to non-vegetarians and what vegetarians are most known for to eat. It’s made from curdled soy milk that can be fried in a pan, sautéed and stirred or sometimes scrambled. It might not be as full of protein as the tempeh is, but the taste can be more tolerable to some. Always go for the organic types to avoid GMO soy and nasty pesticides.

4) Lentils

Protein amount: 10 grams in a half cup serving

Lentils are low in calories, have lots of fiber and large amounts of protein which can be turned into a side dish filled with nutrients like a veggie burger or sometimes mixed into a sauce or dip. Lentils have also been proven to decrease cholesterol levels and decrease heart disease risk.

5) Black Beans

Protein amount: 8 grams in a half-cup cooked serving

These beans have a high content of fiber, folate, potassium, vitamin B6 and various types of phytonutrients. They can also be made into brownies.

6) Lima Beans

Protein amount: 8 grams in a half-cup cooked serving

Lima beans have been very common in our meals when we were kids. But that’s no reason to neglect them as an adult. Besides having high amounts of protein, lima beans are also rich in the amino acid leucine, which plays a major role in the protein synthesis in muscle tissue in adults.

7) Peanut Butter/Peanuts

Protein amount: 8 grams in a quarter cup serving/2 tablespoons of peanut butter

Peanuts are an excellent snack and peanut butter is the classic comfort food for kids, but you can also add it in lots of others foods like pizza. Peanuts and peanut butter can also help decrease your appetite and make you eat a lot less during the entire day, contributing to weight loss.

8) Wild Rice

Protein amount: 7 grams in one cup cooked serving

Wild rice is one of grains richest in protein and whenever you are at a doubt what grain to eat you should always opt for white rice. It has a chewy and nutty texture and can be very satiating. You could try making a casserole with it and add goat cheese and cranberries.

9) Chickpeas

Protein amount: 7 grams in half cup serving

Chickpeas are an excellent source of both fiber and protein which makes it an ideal combination for a healthy and tasty dip. You can try spreading it on a slice of bread instead of mayonnaise or serve it with along with various vegetable slices.

10) Almonds

Protein amount: 7 grams in a quarter cup serving

Besides being filled with protein almonds also have high amounts of vitamin E which offers great benefits to your hair and skin health. They can also satisfy around 60% of your daily needs for magnesium, which will help you with your sugar cravings, it can decrease PMS cramps, increase bone health and decrease soreness in your muscles as well as spasms.

11) Chia seed

Protein amount: 7 grams in two tablespoons per 2 tablespoons

Chia seeds pack an enormous amount of protein in such a small size, and they are also rich in linoleic acid, which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in plants. Plus, omega-3 acids help you trigger the release of the hunger-regulating hormone leptin, in charge of signaling your body to start burning off fats instead of depositing them.

12) Steel-Cut Oats

Protein amount: 6 grams in a quarter cup serving

Steel cut oats are not only a rich source of protein they have a lot smaller glycemic index in comparison to rolled oats. That means that they don’t cause big blood sugar spikes, and chances are you’ll be much more satiated and will have fewer cravings after you’ve finished eating them. You can add all sorts of fruit like peach, blueberries, cranberries or various veggies.

13) Cashews

Protein amount: 5 grams in a quarter cup serving

Besides having a moderate amount of protein, cashews provide around twenty percent of the daily recommended magnesium intake, as well as twelve percent of the daily recommended vitamin K intake which are two crucial nutrients when it comes to bone health and growth.

14) Pumpkin Seeds

Protein amount: 6 grams in a quarter cup serving

Pumpkin seeds are an excellent choice when it comes to having a healthy protein snack and they are filled with lots of minerals and provide half of the daily recommended magnesium intake, as well as zinc which boosts the immune system, omega-3 fatty acids, and tryptophan which can improve sleep quality.

15) Potatoes

Protein amount: 5 grams in one medium-sized potato

Potatoes contain a decent amount of protein and are an excellent side dish. They are wrongly thought of as having a few nutrients, but a medium-sized potato has around 5 grams of protein and provides twenty percent of the daily recommended magnesium intake which offers numerous heart health benefits.

16) Spinach

Protein amount: 4 grams in half-cup cooked serving

Four grams may not seem a big amount to you but considering it is a green vegetable, it sure is. And spinach salad is not the only thing you can make with it. Cooking it with cheese is one way you can increase its content of protein and make it a lot more delicious.

17) Corn (Organic)

Protein amount: 3 grams in half a cup serving

The same as potatoes, corn is often looked down upon as plant that hasn’t got great nutrition qualities, but if it’s served along with legumes and veggies rich in protein, it can make for a very nice and balanced plant-based meal. Always opt for organic, non-genetically modified fresh types, since most of the corn sold in markets has been modified genetically.

18) Avocados

Protein amount: 2 grams in a half-piece of medium-sized avocado

Avocados are super tasty, creamy and incredibly satiating, all of it owing to its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and a small amount of protein. You can add it to guacamole or add it into a mojito smoothie.

19) Broccoli

Protein amount: 2 grams in a half-cup serving

Broccoli offers an amazing amount of fiber and has an amazing amount of protein considering it’s a vegetable. Additionally, it’s been shown to have amazing anti-cancer compounds including sulforaphane. You can increase your intake by preparing a salad with broccoli and peanuts which combines two plants rich in protein in one easy-to-cook meal.

20) Brussels Sprouts

Protein amount: 2 grams in a half-cup serving

Tiny Brussels sprouts are needlessly scorned for having a not-so-great taste, especially once frozen, but when it comes to having lots of nutrients they pack a powerful punch. Beside protein, they also have large amounts of vitamin K and potassium.

All Credit Goes to: http://www.fitnessandpower.com/