Let’s face it: working out is hard. Whether you’re trying to build or maintain muscles, it’s a long, exhausting process that requires more than just willpower.
And nothing tastes better post-gym than those delicious junk foods we all love. But can you gain muscle with junk food?
As it turns out, the answer (unsurprisingly) is yes and no. Although getting all your daily macros from processed food alone is difficult, certain foods can help supplement your diet and aid in muscle growth.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the Best Junk Food for Building Muscle and how they fit into a healthy diet plan.
Are Junk Foods to Gain Mass Healthy?
When building muscle mass, it’s essential to understand that junk foods don’t offer satiety or help with weight loss. Though tasty and famous, they offer empty calories without nutritional value.
Consuming excess junk food can lead to various health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
Additionally, many types of junk food are highly processed and contain artificial ingredients such as preservatives, colors, and flavors. These ingredients can negatively affect the body and increase the risk of specific health problems.
But, believe it or not, some junk foods can promote muscle mass.
They should be included in a muscle gain diet plan in moderation and not used to replace other healthier options such as lean proteins and complex carbohydrates.
Examples of such junk food include:
- Processed, high-protein foods for muscle building, such as beef jerky. Beef jerky is high in protein and low in fat, making it an excellent snack for those looking to build muscle.
- Energy bars. Energy bars are a convenient way to get a quick boost of energy while getting some protein at the same time. Be sure to look for bars with natural ingredients and low sugar content.
Combining some junk foods with a balanced diet can provide your body with the nutrition and energy it needs to reach your muscle-building goals faster.
However, when it comes to building muscle, protein is key.
Protein-Rich Junk Food to Improve Muscle Gains
Eating the best protein food for muscle gain helps the body to build and repair tissue, as well as make hormones and other biological molecules.
Junk foods with a high percentage of calories from protein, such as bacon, can make a great addition to your muscle-building diet plan.
Bacon is high in protein and fat, making it an ideal snack for those looking to gain muscle mass.
Studies have found that eating bacon can improve workout performance, as the protein speeds up recovery time and reduces muscle fatigue. Plus, bacon is convenient, tasty, and easy to find at most stores.
One of the most significant advantages of adding junk foods to a diet plan is convenience. Not only are they easy and inexpensive to find, but many can be conveniently stored for on-the-go snacking.
In addition, most processed junk foods are high in calories and carbs, making them an easy choice for those looking to increase their energy intake to build muscle.
High-Calorie Junk Food to Fuel the Muscles
Junk Foods to Gain Mass also tend to be high in protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. Furthermore, these foods are often enriched with vitamins and minerals to help support your health during the bulking season.
Cheese is a high-calorie junk food often overlooked as an essential source of protein. It’s tricky because there are wide varieties, from Cheddar to Mozzarella, Gouda to Feta.
But whatever type you choose, it packs a hefty dose of energy-dense calories and protein – and tastes great!
Cheese is also an excellent source of essential nutrients like calcium and zinc and other vital minerals like phosphorus. Plus, depending on the type of cheese you choose, it can bring additional vitamins like A and K.
Here are some of the best high-calorie options:
- Cheddar
- Swiss/Emmental
- Brie
- Gouda
- Mozzarella
- Blue Cheese
- Feta
- Gruyere
While it’s important to get nutrients from healthy sources, adding high-calorie processed junk food into your muscle gain diet plan will help you get the calories you need without breaking the bank.
People Also Read>> What to Eat After Workout to Build Muscle
Benefits of Carbohydrate-Rich Junk Foods for Optimal Nutrition
When building muscle, the challenge is to get a healthy balance between carbs and proteins. Thankfully, several quick muscle-building foods offer the perfect balance of carbohydrates and proteins that can speed up muscle growth.
Bagels are excellent junk food for that. They are carbohydrate-rich, providing the quick energy you need to keep going. Bagels also have some protein and fat, which makes them a more balanced meal than just having a simple carb like candy or donuts.
By sticking to whole wheat varieties, bagels can provide your body with the fiber it needs, which helps keep you full longer and, therefore, less likely to snack throughout the day.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it’s crucial to have a balanced diet that covers all your nutritional needs.
Eating junk food for muscle gain doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the muscles you want — only hard work and dedication will get you there. However, incorporating the right foods into the diet can give you a small edge.
If you want to increase muscle mass, prioritize junk foods high in protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
While junk food isn’t inherently bad, it is important to be mindful of the intake and include whole, nutritious foods in the diet.
When it comes to eating for Junk Foods to Gain Mass, it’s all about having the right balance.
