Chia seeds are a nutrient-dense food, offering protein, fiber, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals. While they're not a direct source of muscle-building protein like meat or eggs, they can complement a balanced diet by providing essential nutrients important for overall health, which indirectly supports muscle development when combined with a proper exercise routine. However, solely relying on chia seeds for building muscle mass might not be sufficient—you'd likely need a variety of protein sources along with a consistent workout regimen for optimal muscle growth.

Chia seeds are popular among bodybuilders due to their high protein and omega-3 fatty acid content. They provide a good source of nutrients, help in muscle repair, and offer sustained energy throughout workouts. Additionally, their high fiber content can aid in digestion and help manage hunger, which can be beneficial for those trying to maintain a specific diet while building muscle.

Where to Buy Chia Seeds for Your Bodybuilding Diet

These are commonly available in various grocery stores, health food stores, and even online marketplaces like Amazon or specialty health websites. You can check your local supermarkets, health food stores, or browse online to purchase chia seeds for your bodybuilding diet. Many health-focused stores offer bulk options, which can be more cost-effective if you plan to use them regularly in your diet.

You can also try purchasing the seeds from popular online retailers like Walmart, or health food stores such as Whole Foods Market, Thrive Market, or Vitacost. There are also specialty health stores like iHerb or The Vitamin Shoppe that carry chia seeds.

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Preparation

After cooking it, you can serve them in various ways. You might consider adding them to yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal, or salads for an added nutritional boost. You can also use them in baking as an egg substitute or make a chia pudding by mixing them with your choice of liquid (like almond milk) and allowing them to gel.

What A bodybuilder Gets From the Magical Seeds

Rich in Protein

Chia seeds are a great source of plant-based protein, containing roughly 4.7 grams of protein per ounce. For bodybuilders, their protein content is beneficial for muscle repair and growth.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). These healthy fats support heart health, reduce inflammation, and aid in muscle recovery, all beneficial for bodybuilders. The omega-3s in chia seeds can also help maintain joint health, enhance stamina, and assist in managing weight. Integrating chia seeds into a balanced diet can contribute to overall well-being and support a bodybuilder's goals.

Fiber Content

They contain a high amount of soluble and insoluble fiber, with about 10 grams of fiber in a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving.

Helps with digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.

Antioxidants

The seeds contain antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic compounds that help combat oxidative stress in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. These antioxidants can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Including chia seeds in your diet can contribute to overall health and well-being due to their antioxidant properties. Fight off free radicals that can damage cells post-workout with these magical seeds.

Minerals

They contain calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese, contributing to bone health, energy metabolism, and antioxidant activity. These minerals support various bodily functions, from maintaining strong bones to aiding muscle function and energy production.

Hydration

When soaked, they form a gel that retains water, aiding in maintaining hydration during workouts.

What Are The Disadvantages of Overconsuming Chia Seeds

Chia seeds can be beneficial for bodybuilders due to their nutrient content, but overconsumption might cause gastrointestinal issues or interfere with hydration.

They're high in fiber, so eating too many could cause digestive problems like bloating or diarrhea. Plus, their omega-3 fatty acids might interact with certain medications or cause allergic reactions in some people. Moderation is key!

Overall

In summary, Chia seeds are a powerhouse for bodybuilders! They offer a high protein content, essential for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, they're packed with omega-3 fatty acids for reducing inflammation and providing sustained energy during workouts. Their fiber content aids in digestion and helps maintain a steady release of energy. Plus, their versatility allows for easy incorporation into shakes, smoothies, or as a topping for meals, making them a convenient addition to a bodybuilder's diet.

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When it comes to bodybuilding, overeating can result in consuming too many calories and potentially gaining weight, which may not be ideal for muscle building. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a balanced and personalized nutrition plan that aligns with your specific goals. By that we're talking about nutritional food every bodybuilder must stick to.

Consuming more calories than your body needs for muscle growth can lead to fat gain. Similarly, not eating enough food can hinder muscle development. It's crucial to calculate your calorie and macronutrient needs based on your goals and activity level and consult with a fitness or nutrition professional for personalised guidance.

How to Measure Calories to Ensure Nutritional Food as a Bodybuilder

As a bodybuilder, accurately measuring calorie intake is crucial for your nutrition plan. Here are some steps to help you count calories in your food:

Use a Food Scale

Invest in a digital kitchen scale to weigh your food. This allows you to measure portions accurately.

Read Nutrition Labels

Many packaged foods have nutrition labels that provide calorie information per serving. Pay attention to serving sizes and servings per container.

Use Calorie Tracking Apps

Many smartphone apps like MyFitnessPal and Cronometer make it easy to track your calorie intake. You can search for the foods you're eating and specify the portion size, and the app will calculate the calories.

Reference Online Databases

If you can't find a nutrition label, you can often find calorie information for various foods in online databases and reference books.

Learn to Estimate

Over time, you'll better estimate portion sizes and calorie content. This skill is valuable when you can't weigh or measure every meal.

Consider Macronutrients

While tracking calories, don't forget to pay attention to your macronutrient intake (proteins, carbs, fats). These are also crucial for bodybuilders.

Be Consistent

It's essential to be consistent in tracking. Measure and record your food every day to get a better understanding of your calorie intake.

Adjust for Cooking

Remember that cooking can change food weight (due to water loss). Weigh food before cooking for more accurate calorie tracking.

Consult a Nutritionist

If you're unsure about your calorie needs or struggle with tracking, consider consulting a registered dietitian or nutritionist who can help you create a personalised nutrition plan.

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Measuring and tracking calories accurately is an essential part of bodybuilding, as it helps you control your intake and adjust your diet to meet your specific goals.

Nutritional Food You Must Include In Your Diet

To effectively build muscle mass, it's essential to maintain a balanced diet consisting of nutrient-rich foods. Here are some foods that are best for building muscle:

1. Lean Proteins

Protein is essential for muscle growth. Opt for lean sources like chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef, tofu, tempeh, eggs, and low-fat dairy products. Plant-based sources like beans, lentils, and quinoa are also excellent options.

2. Complex Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates provide energy for workouts and recovery. Choose complex carbs like whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, oats), sweet potatoes, and whole-wheat pasta.

3. Healthy Fats

Good fats are essential for overall health. Include sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

4. Dairy or Dairy Alternatives

Dairy products and dairy alternatives like almond milk or soy milk can provide additional protein and calcium.

5. Fruits and Vegetables

These are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support overall health and recovery.

6. Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are excellent sources of healthy fats and protein.

7. Greek Yogurt

It's high in protein and can be a good snack or breakfast option.

8. Salmon

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, salmon can support muscle growth and overall health.

9. Quinoa

A complete protein source and a great alternative to rice or pasta.

10. Beans and Lentils

These are excellent sources of plant-based protein and fibre.

11. Whey Protein

A convenient way to supplement your protein intake, especially post-workout.

12. Eggs

Eggs are a highly bioavailable source of protein and contain essential amino acids.

13. Lean Beef

It provides high-quality protein, iron, and essential nutrients.

14. Chicken or Turkey Breast

Lean poultry is a staple for many bodybuilders due to its protein content and low-fat

15. Tofu and Tempeh

Good plant-based protein sources, especially for vegetarians and vegans.

16. Cottage Cheese

It's high in protein and low in fat, making it a great addition to your diet.

A well-balanced diet is vital. Ensure you consume enough calories to support muscle growth and consider your macronutrient balance. Staying hydrated is also essential. You might need to adjust your calorie and protein intake based on your goals, activity level, and body size, so it's a good idea to consult a nutritionist or dietitian for a personalised plan.

Should Bodybuilders Avoid Some Not-So- Nutritional Food Altogether?

While there are no foods that bodybuilders must avoid, some foods are less ideal due to their potential negative impact on health and fitness goals. These include:

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Processed Foods

Highly processed foods are often high in empty calories, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and low in nutrients. They can contribute to weight gain and hinder muscle-building efforts.

Sugary Snacks and Beverages

Foods and drinks with excessive added sugars can lead to energy spikes and crashes, as well as weight gain. They offer little nutritional value.

Trans Fats

Foods containing trans fats, such as many fast-food items and some packaged baked goods, are linked to heart disease and should be limited

Sugary Cereals

Many breakfast cereals contain added sugars and lack essential nutrients. Opt for whole-grain, low-sugar options instead.

Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption can impair muscle recovery and protein synthesis. It can also contribute to dehydration and poor dietary choices.

 Excessive Fast Food

While an occasional indulgence is acceptable, relying on fast food for a significant portion of your diet can lead to poor nutrition and hinder muscle gains.

Highly Caffeinated or Sugary Energy Drinks

These may provide a temporary energy boost, but the sugar and caffeine content can harm health and lead to crashes.

Fried Foods

Fried foods often contain unhealthy fats and calories. While occasional consumption is acceptable, they shouldn't be a regular part of your diet.

Excessive Saturated Fats

Limit foods high in saturated fats, like fatty cuts of red meat and full-fat dairy products. While some saturated fats are okay, too much can harm heart health.

Excessive Salt

High-sodium foods can lead to water retention and may negatively affect blood pressure. Limit processed foods and opt for fresh, whole foods.

It's essential to maintain balance and moderation in your diet. Occasional indulgences are OK, but your primary focus should be on nutrient-dense, whole foods that support your muscle-building and overall health goals. Consulting with a nutritionist or dietitian can help you create a personalised diet plan that aligns with your objectives.

Sea Food to Consider for Gains

Seafood is a healthy and delicious choice, rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various essential nutrients. Here are some healthy seafood options and basic preparation methods:

Salmon:

• • Grilled: Season with herbs, spices, and a bit of olive oil, then grill until it flakes easily.
  • Baked: Marinate with lemon, herbs, and olive oil, then bake in the oven.
  • Pan-Seared: Sear in a hot skillet with a little oil, skin side down, until crispy, then finish in the oven.

• Tuna:

  • Sushi/Sashimi: Serve raw as sashimi or in sushi rolls.
  • Grilled or Broiled: Season with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then grill or broil until desired doneness.

• Shrimp:

  • Shrimp Scampi: Sauté in garlic, butter, and white wine.
  • Grilled: Thread onto skewers and grill with marinade or spices.

• Cod:

  • Baked: Coat with breadcrumbs and herbs, then bake until it flakes easily.
  • Poached: Simmer in seasoned broth or white wine until opaque.

• Mackerel:

  • Pan-Fried: Coat with a light breading, then pan-fry until crispy.
  • Smoked: Serve smoked mackerel with crackers and cream cheese.

• Sardines:

  • Canned: Eat canned sardines with olive oil, lemon, and crackers or on top of a salad.
  • Grilled: Season and grill sardines with olive oil until they're crisp and fragrant.

• Trout:

  • Stuffed: Stuff with herbs, lemon, and garlic, then bake or grill.
  • Almondine: Sauté with butter, lemon juice, and toasted almonds.

• Haddock:

  • Baked: Season with herbs and breadcrumbs, then bake until tender.
  • Poached: Poach in a flavorful broth or white wine.

• Scallops:

  • Pan-Seared: Sear in a hot pan with butter or oil for a few minutes on each side.
  • Broiled: Season and broil until lightly browned and opaque.

When preparing seafood, remember to handle it safely and avoid overcooking, as seafood tends to become dry when overdone. You can customize these cooking methods with various herbs, spices, and sauces to suit your taste preferences. Additionally, be mindful of sustainable seafood choices and check for local advisories on fish consumption, especially for pregnant women and children, due to potential mercury content.

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Proper Storage of Food to Keep It Fresh

 

Tips to Prepare a healthy Balanced Nutritional Food

Preparing a healthy, balanced meal as a bodybuilder involves selecting the right components in the proper proportions. Here are steps to help you prepare such a meal:

1. Choose a Lean Protein Source

Start with a lean protein source such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef, tofu, or beans. Protein is crucial for muscle growth and repair.

2. Add Complex Carbohydrates

Incorporate complex carbohydrates like brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, or whole-wheat pasta. Carbs provide energy for your workouts and help replenish glycogen stores.

3. Include Vegetables

Vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Opt for various colourful options, like broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, and carrots.

4. Incorporate Healthy Fats

Include sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, or olive oil. Fats are essential for overall health and hormone production.

5. Measure Portions

Use a food scale to measure and control your portion sizes. Balancing your macros (protein, carbs, and fats) is essential.

6. Season and Flavor

Use herbs, spices, and low-sodium sauces to add flavour to your meal without excess calories or sodium.

7. Hydrate

Don't forget to drink water. Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and muscle function.

8. Preparation Methods for Nutritional Food

Opt for healthy cooking methods like grilling, baking, steaming, or sautéing with minimal oil. Avoid deep-frying.

9. Post-Workout Nutrition

After a workout, consider a post-workout meal or shake that combines protein and carbohydrates to support muscle recovery and replenish glycogen stores.

10. Plan

Meal planning and preparation in advance can help you stick to your nutrition goals. Cook larger batches and store leftovers for future meals.

11. Monitor Progress

Keep track of your dietary intake and how it affects your body and performance. Adjust your meal plan as needed to meet your goals.

12. Consult a Nutritionist

If you're unsure about portion sizes, macros, or specific dietary needs, consult a nutritionist or dietitian who can create a customised nutrition plan.

It's important to customize your meals to your individual goals, activity level, and dietary preferences as everyone's nutritional needs vary. Consistency in healthy eating, combined with a well-structured workout plan, will contribute to success in bodybuilding.

Best Calorie-Measuring Equipment and Machines

For bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts looking to accurately measure calorie intake, various kitchen appliances and gadgets can be helpful. Here are some of the best calorie-measuring machines and tools:

Digital Kitchen Scale

A high-quality digital kitchen scale is essential for measuring the weight of food items accurately. It allows you to calculate calories based on portion size.

Nutrition Scale

Some kitchen scales have built-in nutritional information databases. You can input the food item's code or name, and the scale calculates the nutritional content, including calories.

Smartphone Apps

There are several smartphone apps, such as MyFitnessPal and Cronometer, that allow you to track your calorie intake by searching for foods and specifying portion sizes. These apps often have extensive food databases.

Food Processors with Nutrition Calculators

Some food processors have built-in nutrition calculators that provide information about the calories, macronutrients, and other nutritional content of your recipes.

Smart Kitchen Gadgets

Various smart appliances, like intelligent blenders and air fryers, may have built-in nutrition tracking features. They can provide approximate nutritional information for your recipes.

Handheld Calorie Counters

These portable devices are designed precisely to calculate the nutritional content of food. You input the food item or scan its barcode, and the device provides calorie information.

Online Recipe Analyzers

There are websites and software tools that allow you to input the ingredients and quantities of your recipes, and they will calculate the nutritional content, including calories.

Meal Prep Containers

While not a machine per se, having portion-controlled meal prep containers can help you estimate and control calorie intake by pre-measuring your meals.

When it comes to measuring calories, choosing the right tool depends on your preferences and requirements. Digital kitchen scales are essential for precise portion control, while smartphone apps offer convenience and access to extensive databases. Consider your budget, the features you need, and your level of tech-savviness before selecting the appropriate calorie-measuring machine to help you achieve your bodybuilding goals.

Why Bodybuilders Must Eat Healthy Before a Competition

Bodybuilders must eat healthy before a competition for several important reasons:

1. Optimal Performance

Eating a nutritious diet before a competition ensures your body is fueled and ready to perform at its best. Nutrient-dense foods provide the energy required for intense workouts and help maintain strength and stamina during the competition.

2. Muscle Preservation

Proper nutrition helps preserve lean muscle mass. In the weeks leading up to competition, bodybuilders often go through a cutting phase to reduce body fat. Eating a balanced diet with adequate protein helps prevent muscle loss while shedding excess fat.

3. Nutrient Timing

The timing of meals and nutrient intake is crucial. Bodybuilders typically follow a precise nutrition plan leading up to competition, including carb-loading to maximise muscle glycogen stores and protein intake to support muscle repair and growth.

4. Recovery

Nutritional food aids in recovery between workouts. Intense training sessions can lead to muscle damage, and consuming the proper nutrients helps speed recovery and reduce the risk of overtraining.

5. Aesthetics

The appearance of bodybuilders on stage is highly dependent on their diet. The right balance of macronutrients, proper hydration, and avoiding foods that cause bloating or water retention contribute to a more chiselled and defined physique.

6. Mental Focus

Nutrition affects mental clarity and focus. Eating a healthy diet before a competition can help bodybuilders stay mentally sharp, making it easier to follow their routines and perform their best.

7. Digestive Comfort

Avoiding foods that can cause digestive discomfort, such as excessive fibre or spicy foods, is crucial to prevent gastrointestinal issues during the competition.

8. Hydration

Proper hydration is vital for overall health and performance. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased athletic performance.

9. Body Composition

Following a clean, balanced diet helps bodybuilders reach their target body composition with minimal fat and maximum muscle definition, which is essential for success on stage.

Conclusion

To sum up, maintaining a healthy diet is extremely important for various reasons such as enhancing physical performance, preserving muscles, quick recovery, improving appearance, increasing mental focus and achieving overall success. Bodybuilders meticulously plan their diets not only to ensure they are in top condition for competition day but also to maintain optimal physical fitness.

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           For people who are always busy a good example being athletes, meal prepping comes in as a very important concept. The concept basically involves preparing your meals or dishes way before consuming them. It is a very imperative not only in saving time but also in its effect on the health of the individual. Preparing Meal a head of your schedule as it seems is of course a bit complicated. We therefore decide to explore this concept here in great details highlighting some of the top 5 most creative high protein meal prep dishes that can help you save time if you are a busy individual.

Why is meal prepping beneficial?

         Preparing your meals in advance some great benefits touching on some aspects such as your nutrition, your lifestyle and so much more. Here are some of the most important benefits that you can be sure to rip if you consider meal prepping:

• Helps you stick to your preferred diet - When you have your meals ready, you can never be tempted to eat something that is may not be important for your health nutrition-wise.

• Controlling your diet is easier - Meal prepping does not only help in making sure that you stick to your diet but also comes in strongly in helping ensure that the diet you are consuming has the right contents in the right amounts.

• You can easily put your hunger under control - Since you already prepared your meal, there is no point why you should feel hungry since you can easily eat your meal.

• Saving time - Of course, we cannot fail to mention that meal prepping saves quite some time especially if you have little time to prepare your meals.

• Saving your costs - Have your meal already prepared saves some costs such as costs of delivery of meals, you don’t waste a lot of food and other resources.

         When you start meal prepping, you tend to know exactly how much of the ingredients you will need for each of the meals that you will be preparing. This in the long run helps reduce wastage.

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Some disadvantages of meal prepping

           Meal prepping lacks many disadvantages. Some of the few that can be found include:

• It can get boring for some people - Some people prefer to eat a wide variety of food. Meal prepping on the other hand in most cases will involve eating only a single variety of food. This will not favor people who like going for variety.

Prep Containers >> HERE

• May not be good for kids - Meal prepping may not work for kids because they may not like the plan.

         The disadvantages of meal prepping can easily be avoided through using spices of different varieties or any other way of flavoring your food. This way, you end up avoiding the monotony.

The different ways of prepping High Protein Meal

         Meal prepping can be done in several ways most of which take care of how much time you want to spend during the process. You can always spare your weekend if you choose the best way of meal prepping. Here are the different ways that you can prep High Protein Meal:

Cooking meals in advance

          This way of meal prepping simply involves cooking full meals such that the next thing when they are removed from the fridge will be eating them. The only thing that might intercept will be reheating them so that they are warm and good for consuming. The most appropriate meals that this way of High Protein Meal prepping is suitable are those meals that are particularly great for dinner.

Batch cooking

          Another way of meal prepping is batch cooking. Batch cooking involves preparing sizeable quantities of a certain recipe, which can then be divided into single portions. These portions are each frozen and are consumed for a given period of time usually of several months. Meals that are good for lunch and even dinner will be best prepped using this way of meal prepping.

KETO Meal Prep >> HERE

Portioned individual meals

          In this way, one basically prepares meals then divides them into portions that are separate. These portions are refrigerated and can be easily grabbed and consumed afterwards. If you like quick lunches, then this way will be particularly good for you to use as you prep your meals.

Earlier ingredient preparation

            Sometimes if you do not want to prepare meals in advance but still want to save some time, then you can consider preparing your ingredients earlier. This means that you are going to use minimum time as much as possible while in the kitchen.

            There may be other ways that you can do your meal prepping. It totally depends on your day-to-day routine. However, the above-mentioned ways are the most common and one or two are likely to favor your routine and ensure that you are not late whether you are an athlete or any other person who is busy.

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What to Consider Before Starting Meal Prepping

           Before you start meal prepping and even before choosing your recipe, there are 3 things you need to put into consideration:

The meal you want to prepare at an appropriate time

          There are meals you may want to prepare for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is very important that you know which food will be the best at such times for you.

• The day of doing your meal preps - So that you do not interfere with your work or your workouts, find a suitable time that you can do your meal preps. People often go for Sundays and Wednesdays but it is upon you to choose the appropriate day.

• The amount you want to prepare - Deciding on the amount to prepare is also very important. This makes sure that you do not waste a lot of time and at the same time ensure that the food lasts the time intended.

The Type and Number of Meals to Prepare During High Protein Meal Prepping

           Something that is very crucial when it comes to meal prepping is getting to know the type of meal as well as the number of meals to prepare. This is because Meal Prepping is all about planning a head and one cannot plan ahead without knowing what and in which amounts to prepare. To ensure that you get the right type and amount to prepare, you can follow this guide here:

• Find out the type of meal that you want depending on your preferences.
• The next thing that you will consider is the meal prepping method that will fit your day-to-day activities and lifestyle.
• After having landed the best method for you, have a quick check on your calendar and find out the number of breakfast, lunches and dinners that you will require for the specified period of time according to your method and again your lifestyle.
• Take into consideration the times you are likely to not use your meal preps for example you may have dates and so on.
• Start with recipes that are familiar to you and then slowly transit to more complex recipes.

Spending less time while High Protein Meal prepping

           While it help save time in the long run, meal prepping can keep you in the kitchen if you are not well prepared.  Highlighted here are some of the tips that can help ensure that you are spending less time as much as possible in the kitchen when doing your meal preps.

Have one schedule that you use

           Having a single schedule for your meal preps is a good first step in ensuring that you spend the least time possible in the kitchen. Have a clear outline of when you will fetch your groceries and when you will be preparing the meals. This of course also depends on your lifestyle and how busy you are.

Know the recipes that you need for your meal preps

          Having a well-known combination of recipes for a given meal preps is something else that goes a long way I ensuring that you spend as less time as much as possible. It is generally recommended that your recipes should at least require different cooking methods so that you do not end up requiring the same utensil for several kinds of meals.

A good organization in prep and cooking time is required

        Different foods have different cooking times. Knowing this will help you organize how well you can ensure that you they fit into your lifestyle. Generally, start with foods that require long cooking times. As they cook, you can focus on the ones that require shorter times.

Have a shopping list

          Lastly, if you are considering saving time while making your preps, always ensure that you have your shopping list. This is one area that when not properly taken into consideration will lead to a lot time being wasted. Things like getting to double check everything will waste a lot of time. Therefore, a shopping list is a great tool for you to save time while making your meal preps in the kitchen.

General types of foods suitable for meal prepping

          Before looking into the 5 high protein meal prep dishes, here are some of the general types of foods that are good when it comes to meal prepping. Some of them will be a crucial part of the dishes you will want to prepare.

1. Frozen vegetables - are among some of the best foods you can incorporate into your meal preps. They include broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and peas.
2. Starchy vegetables - suitable for meal prepping include cassava, potato, taro and canned pumpkin.

3. Stiff fresh vegetables - in this category include cabbage, carrots and radish.

4. Lean protein - are also part and parcel of meal prepping. Foods in this category include eggs, shredded cheese, tofu, beef and pork.

5. Whole fruits - to ensure that you balance your diet, fruits should also be part of the meal preps. Notable fruits include apples, oranges, pears and bananas.

The 5 creative high protein meal prep dishes

            After having looked into various concepts of meal preps, one thing that has emerged is the need to save time. Busy athletes and other people will try to identify those dishes, which will help them save time and at the same time contain high protein, which is required considering the nature of their activities. Here are some of those dishes, which will make sure that you are spending less time in the kitchen and contain high proteins.

 1 Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken

            Barbecue chicken for a long time has been the best meal to be taken during dinner. Something good about it is that it can be made more easily and quickly compared to most other foods.

Crock Pot 8 >> HERE

        Here is how you can prepare your barbecue chicken as a meal prep:

• You will first make a tex-mex salad with lettuce, tomato, onion, black beans, Monterey jack cheese and crushed tortilla chips about a handful.
• This is followed by topping over a thin-crust whole-wheat pizza dough and then sprinkling with mozzarella.
• After that, you will top over medium baked sweet potato.
• Then make a quesadilla with high protein tortillas, Monterey jack cheese, beans and diced tomatoes.
• Finally, roll into a high protein tortilla full of lettuce, tomato, onion and Colby-jack cheese.

 2. Beef Stir - Fry With Asian Peanut Sauce

        This another great dish that falls in our category of creative high protein meal preps, you can quickly prepare this dish through following the simple steps below.

• Chop the beef and add it to brown rice and beans or a chili if available.

Beef Stir >> HERE

• You can then cube, reheat and then add to a soup that is broth-based and which has sliced vegetables, a good example being carrots.
• The next thing that you do is making a Panini sandwich using thin slices of pork and some cheese.
• Next, you serve over wild rice with sautéed cauliflower or even kale on the side.
• Finally, slice and then add whole grain pasta with vegetables.

 3. Rosemary - Mustered Pork Tenderloin

       Next on our list of the top 5 creative high protein meal prep dishes is the rosemary- mustered pork tenderloin. Here is how you can prepare your dish.

• Chop the pork tenderloin and add it to brown rice and beans or even a chili.
• Proceed to add to a broth-based soup with sliced vegetables after having cubed and reheated.
• Follow this by making a Panini sandwich with thin slices of pork and cheese.
• Serve over wild rice with sautéed cauliflower or kales if available on the side.
• You can then slice and add to whole grain pasta with vegetables.

 4. Baked Salmon With Citrus Herbs

           This dish is for those who like fish. A delicious dish can be prepared as described here below.

• Baked salmon can be enjoyed over some green salad made with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese and sunflower seeds.
• It can be served with quinoa or sometimes faro and some side vegetable be it cauliflower or broccoli.
• The leftover salmon can diced and used in a frittata or an omelet.
• You can then chop and make into salmon cakes.
• This can be used in fish tacos with black beans, shredded cheese dice avocado.

 5. Teriyaki Tofu

         Although it can generally be said that tofu lacks the flavor, it is a far way good dish that can quickly be prepared and also contains high proteins. Besides, you can easily infuse ginger, garlic, onions or any other flavors to suit your flavors.

• Teriyaki tofu can be served over brown rice or even sorghum.
• Toss it into leftover chili.
• You can then create a Buddha bowl with sautéed greens and lentils.
• Finally serve with baked sweet potato fries and broccoli.

Storage of the Meal Preps

           After having prepared your meals, the next thing that you will consider is storage so that they remain fresh for the period that you specified. The most important thing that is highlighted here is the medium of storage. Getting the right storage contain will go a long way into ensuring that you get the best result ever. Storage containers can be:

Airtight Containers

         Airtight containers can be used to keep ingredients, which are ready to cook. They should be washable and include silicone baggies and stainless steel containers, which are reusable.

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BPA-Free Microwavable Containers

         BPA-microwavable containers have the advantage in the sense they are very convenient and are not harmful to your health. Example of these containers include Pyrex glassware and collapsible silicone containers.

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Freezer-Safe Containers

        Freezer safe containers come in strongly in helping maintain the quality of your food. This because they have this effect of limiting freezer burn as well as nutrient losses. The container of choice in this category include the wide-mouthed mason jars with a space of about 1 inch left to allow space for the expansion of food when it freezes.

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Compartmentalized Containers That Are Leak-Proof

          Finally, some very good containers that you may consider using for storage of your meal prep dishes are the compartmentalized leak-proof containers. Particularly if it comes to those meal prep dishes intended for lunch or those dishes that usually require their ingredients to be mixed at the end.

Food Safety When Carrying Out Prepping

          Meal prepping can result to some health problems if enough care is not taken into consideration. One such health problem is food poisoning, which affects millions each year. So what guidelines can be used to ensure that food poisoning as well as other health effects related to meal prepping are not experienced?

Proper Temperatures

         You refrigerator or freezer should always be at proper temperatures. The recommended refrigerator temperatures are about 5 degrees Celsius or below while for the freezer should be -18 degrees Celsius or below

Refrigerating Fresh Foods

          Fresh foods should always be refrigerated as early as within 2 hours of purchase and after cooking. To ensure that they cool quickly, you can simply spread those foods, which have been cooked into containers, which are a bit shallow. This is followed immediately by transferring them into your refrigerator.

Storage Period

       Storage times for certain foods is important. For instance, such foods like fresh meat or even fish should be cooked within about 2 days after purchasing them. Others like red meat can stay a bit longer but not more than 5 days after purchasing them. Within the storage times, it is recommended that they foods be kept in the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.

Cooking Temperatures

        Cooking temperatures should be the right for the right type of food. This is because bacteria in different foods are killed at different temperatures. For example, meats heated to temperatures of at least 75 degrees Celsius will ensure that most of the bacteria are killed.

Thawing food

           Thawing food should also be done safely and the best way to this is by using your refrigerator instead of instead of the countertop like some people do. So that this process is done faster, you can submerge the food in cold water and change the water after every 30 minutes.

Reheating the food

        Reheating the food is another thing that will ensure that your food is well and safe. This should be done at the right temperature as well as just once. The recommended temperature of reheating the food is usually about 75 degrees Celsius. It is generally considered that the more times you heat your food the more you increase the chances of food poisoning. It is therefore in the best interest that you heat your food only once.

Labeling

         Labeling your food and including the date on which they should be consumed also helps ensure that your dishes stay safe as much as possible.

Eat food at the right time

          Lastly, eat the food within the stipulated time. This will ensure that the food does not go and give you food poisoning.

Conclusion

          Meal prepping can be a great way to help you save cooking time if you are a busy athlete. This article has highlighted some important concepts regarding meal prepping as well as giving you some of the top 5 creative high protein meal preps that can be very helpful.