Diets for Toning the Muscles
All of us need good muscle tone. Muscle tone is defined as the continuous and passive contraction of the muscles or its resistance to stretch while resting. Good muscle tone is essential for maintaining balance, posture and strength. Although exercise can improve muscle tone, diet is also an important factor. A poor diet can result to low muscle tone manifested as muscle flaccidity and weakness. Food fuels the process by which the muscle builds and repairs its tissues. This is why we must choose the right food in toning muscles.
So what are the foods that build muscle tone? Here they are:
Egg Whites
Maybe you have heard many athletes say that eating egg whites can increase muscle bulk. Actually, egg whites can improve muscle tone. This is because eggs are a good source of high-quality animal protein. It is said that a single large egg contains about 6 grams of protein.
You can actually increase your protein intake and keep up with your body’s protein requirements by eating a few eggs per week. Just be careful because eggs may also contain a high amount of fat, especially in its yolk. This is why we recommend eating egg whites instead to consume high-quality, low fat protein.
Soybeans
Soy is a source of plant protein. Aside from protein, soybeans also give you a lot of vitamins and minerals to help boost nerve function and improve muscle tone. Soybeans also contain fiber which helps improve your digestion and make you feel full easily so you don’t feel hungry all the time.
It is said that a cup of soybeans contain about 29 grams of protein. This food also contains less fat! You can also try other beans. Lentils are also good sources of protein. It is said that a cup of lentils may contain about 18 grams of protein and less than a gram of fat.
Chicken
Chicken meat is also highly concentrated with protein which helps build and repair damaged muscle tissues in times of stress or injury. If you are trying to build muscle, taking in a lot of protein from both animal and plant sources is important. Chicken meat is high in protein yet low in excess fat which can be found in red meat.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are cereal foods that contain cereal germ, bran and endosperm. Examples are wheat, oats, barley, maize, brown rice, rye and sprouted grains. Products which contain whole grains include whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, popcorn and rolled oats. These foods contain the right amount and carbohydrates that release slow energy to improve your muscle tone and to keep you on the go.
Carbohydrates which are found in whole wheat and other healthy foods are the best sources of energy. It is essential that you take in high carbohydrate and low-glycemic index foods so that you will boost your energy levels without spiking your blood sugar levels.
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