If you are planning on building muscle, you might be worried about having to write off a couple of your favorite dishes from your everyday menu. This won’t be an issue if you love Mexican food, however. Traditional Mexican fare, carefully selected and consumed in moderation, can complement your bodybuilding efforts.
Good Source of Protein
Protein, which is rich in amino acids or the building blocks of muscle, is the foundation of muscle building. Ensuring your body receives enough of it, therefore, guarantees optimum muscle growth. Without them, muscle tissue repair and maintenance is impossible.
Incorporate Mexican meals, such as enchiladas and tacos which contain meat (e.g., pork, fish, beef, chicken, and shrimp) to increase your protein intake. As a result, you keep your muscles and tissues in good condition.
Try white meat chicken burritos or lean beef tacos — they are a healthier food option that adds protein to your diet while satisfying your taste buds. Stay away from fried meats, such as those used for carnitas, however. Unhealthy saturated fats have no place in your bodybuilding diet!
Cheese is also a good source of protein but consume it in moderation. Too much cheese will compromise your diet due to its high sodium content and saturated fat.
The Right Amount of Fiber
Bodybuilders often talk about the amount of protein they should consume to build enough muscle. There’s not much discussion about fiber, though.
If you want to build muscle properly, do not disregard the importance of this nutrient. Fiber adds healthy bulk to your diet minus the calories. For example, vegetables are not calorie-dense foods. You can eat large quantities of vegetables without worrying about excess calories. This is helpful when you’re trying to gain muscle and lose fat.
Beans, a fiber-rich food, are the staple of Mexican dishes. Most foods use different types of beans, including pinto and black, which are good sources of fiber. Regular consumption of beans (and other fiber-rich foods) prevents digestive problems and constipation.
Take note: whole beans are more nutritious than refried beans. When you order for tacos or burritos, ask your server to switch to steamed beans instead. Most of Alexandria, VA’s popular Mexican restaurants accommodates this request.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions also supply essential nutrients. Lettuce is a good source of fiber while tomatoes and onions are rich in Vitamin C, which boosts immunity and fights infection. Avocado, a common addition to Mexican meals, contains potassium, fiber, and heart-friendly unsaturated fats.
Add these to burritos and enchiladas to increase your Mexican meal’s nutritional content.
Speed Up Metabolism with Spice
Jalapenos and other spicy peppers, common ingredients in Mexican dishes, contain capsaicin — a compound that speeds up metabolism. The thermogenic (heat generating) effect of peppers increases the body’s temperature, which improves the body’s ability to process food and burn fat. Capsaicin also suppresses your appetite, curbing your hunger.
Mexican food can be good for your bodybuilding efforts. Eat in moderation or pick out healthier alternatives so you can keep Taco Tuesdays in your diet.
Satisfy your craving for Mexican meals at El Paso Mexican Restaurant. We serve homemade entrees prepared as mild or spicy as you like! Call or visit our restaurants today.
