Top 5 Protein Cuisine

Since we are entering the Baseball off-season, it's time to get off the field and into the gym. This time of the year is to bulk-up and prepare your body for the upcoming season. 

But there is way more than just lifting weights to get your body in shape. In fact, working out extensively is only part of the process. 

In order to reap the benefits of your hard work in the gym, you need to eat right. That is, to get proper nutrition on a daily basis. 

Now, of course there is the food pyramid to consider – the basis of healthy eating. Its been telling us for generations that we should be eating many grains such as bread, pasta and rice, regular servings of fruit and vegetables, a few servings of dairy and protein and very little additives such as fats, oils, and sweets. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is important to generally follow these guidelines. 

The diet of an athlete does generally follow the pyramid, too, but it does seem to include more. 

Because of the excess of calories burned and nutrients lost during training, athletes need to consume more. 

And, during the off-season, where the purpose is to get bigger, it's important to have more protein. So, to know which foods I'm getting the most protein out of, I've made a list in descending order:

5. Beans. From black to kidney to lima beans, they contain around 13 to 18 grams of protein per 100 grams eaten. Beans are typically low in sodium and high in iron.

 

4. Fish. Tuna, Salmon, Snapper and Halibut are about 22 grams of protein per 100 grams consumed. Flounder, Cod and Tilapia are each 20 grams of protein. 

3. Pork loin. Around 25 grams of protein per 100 grams eaten. Meanwhile, 1 slice of bacon provides 8 grams of protein. Extremely high in sodium and cholesterol. Although it's high in protein, it should not be eaten regularly. 

2. Chicken. Provides 30 grams of protein per 100 grams eaten. White meat yields greatest health-friendly statistics. 

1. Beef and Veal. Gives about 35 grams of protein per 100 grams consumed. A 20 gram beef jerky provides 7 grams of protein. High in fat, sodium and cholesterol.

All in all, you should know way you're consuming and what's going into your body. After all, you are what you eat. It's especially important in times when you're concentrated on creating a healthy and fit lifestyle. You will see positive results not only if you do work in the weight room, but if you combine that effort with an equally effective diet regimen.