Can Vegetarians Build Muscle Without Consuming Meat?
Can vegetarians build muscle is the age old question is asked by almost every vegetarian that doesn't want to look like a stick. The truth is, it is a common concern and most people just don't get accurate information. So, today I'm going to show you how you can be a veggie lover and still build muscle.
There have been numerous examples of people who build muscle on vegetarian diets, the most well known of which is a guy named Bill Pearl. Bill Pearl is a famous vegetarian body builder who went on to win the title of Mr. Universe in both 1953 and 1971. Pearl is a lacto-ovo vegetarian, so he eats eggs and dairy products to aid in his muscle building.
The foods you eat
If you are a lacto-ovo vegetarian and you are willing to eat eggs, that is absolutely great. Eggs are one of the best body building foods available because they are extremely high in protein and are also high in the good fats and nutrients needed to rebuild muscle. Cows Milk also contains many of these healthy fats.
Strict Vegetarians
If you are a strict vegetarian, there are a few steps you can take to be certain that you will still build muscle mass.
Protein
Get a good protein supplement and add soy milk and tofu to your regular recipes to make sure you are getting enough protein.
Fat
Most vegetarians don't get enough fat in their diet. To fix this, eat a few handfuls of nuts throughout the day. Almonds, pistachios and cashews are great for protein and fat. You should also consider adding a tablespoon of flax seed oil to your diet as it contains linolenic acid, an essential amino acid for muscle building.
Vitamins
Many vegetarians look healthy but are actually deficient in a vitamin called B12. Taking a B12 supplement will improve your energy levels greatly. You could also consider drinking a soy or whey meal replacement shake that would provide around 1/3 of your needed vitamins and minerals.
Vegetarians can build muscle, they just have to eat more specifically than people who regularly eat meat. If you follow the above advice, you will be well on your way to building more muscle. Now all you need is a good muscle building plan.
For more information on how you can build muscle as a vegetarian and sculpt the body of your dreams with short 20 minute workouts and a simple diet, stop by Ryan M Hall's site to get your Free Diet Ebook and start building muscle today.