Bodybuilders know that muscles are made in the kitchen and chicken is one food which helps them immensely. The best part is, it can be prepared in many ways: boiling, roasting, mixing in dishes, soups, etc. Not only chicken gives a generous amount of protein, around 25-30% but is also the animal variety protein which boosts your muscles.
Athletes and weight lifters can also count on Whey Protein for upping their daily protein needs, which is also of the animal variety, chicken has many other benefits. First of all its tasty and irrespective of which way you cook, you just cannot stop at small portions. However, try not exceeding 100-150 grams of chicken breast, which will add a whopping amount of 50 grams of protein.
Why Chicken and Not Vegetarian Foods?
Well, the vegetarian counterparts do not have such generous protein levels compared to chicken. Moreover, you need to eat big portions to get your daily dose of suggested protein. Further, not everyone is inclined to eat all the varieties available and eating the same dish can be boring. Chicken, instead can be eaten as Biryani, kebabs, roasted, etc.
When you munch on chicken, it gives you the feeling of fullness for long and you can easily avoid mid-time snacks. Moreover, this type of protein is digested quickly and gives long term benefits for muscle builders. This helps in maintaining a lean figure, something every bodybuilder tries to achieve.
Some Popular Chicken Dishes
Chicken lovers often swear by the dish they relish and often indulge regularly. Bodybuilders often take the chicken soup first thing in the morning, and after an hour or so attend the gym. This, they say, gives instant energy which makes the resistance training as smooth as a whistle. For slightly more energy, having a slice of whole wheat bread is recommended.
Some dishes people prefer are
Boiled Chicken
Cooked in a pressure cooker, which not only preserves the nutrients, but ensures total cooking and is easy to munch. This variety can be had with salad greens because chicken usually does not contain any dietary fibre.
Boiled chicken is also good for weight loss because though it has a good amount of protein, the low calorie value (just around 143) ensures you maintain your weight.
Grilled Chicken
Many people prefer this slow-cooking method which not only gets the smoky flavour but also keeps the nutrients intact. This crunchy and dish tastes best with minimum spices.
Chicken Biryani
Made with rice, this dish combines high level of proteins and carbohydrates which ensures a big energy boost. A generous helping will ensure at least 40-50 grams of protein and if you have it an hour after your gym session, will give the muscles the boost they need.
Chicken Pickle
This variety is usually marinated in hung curd (Greek yoghurt) and fried using spices and ghee (clarified butter) or butter on a slow flame. This one is lip smacking and is often had in the evenings. Though you can also savour it with Biryani.
Chicken Kebabs
This variety is made of mincemeat after combining with various pulses and spices.
Now you can see why Chicken is so popular among the masses, especially in the bodybuilding world?
Precautions While Buying Chicken
When the demand soars high, many vendors often slip in unhealthy portions and buyers should keep their eyes open and be choosy. We give some tips for you to follow which will ensure your health is not jeopardized and you get full benefits which the Chicken brings.
- If you are unsure about assessing the quality, take along some well-versed person. Vendors often sell birds which come cheap and have same appearance which can be confusing. Also, vendors can tell from miles whether the buyer knows whether it is a Chicken or not.
- Don’t fall for cheap because even a day-old chicken can look the same, but be very damaging to your health.
- Always purchase from a reputed poultry and look around to ensure proper refrigeration and cleanliness is maintained which preserves the quality.
- Always store the chicken in the freezer and if you remove the day after, allow it to thaw for an hour before cooking.
Conclusion
Chicken is the most favoured dish for bodybuilders and athletes alike. Not only it tastes good, it brings a whopping amount of animal protein which provides instant energy. Chicken soup is also recommended for Pleurisy (where water accumulates in the lungs), and also used in colds. The animal protein helps build muscles quickly and also provides essential nutrition very essential for your body.
