At mealtime, most bodybuilders know they need to focus on eating foods that have a moderate amount of carbohydrates, are low in fat and rich in protein. But knowing what to snack on between regular meals seems to cause some second-guessing. Obviously, a bodybuilder whose goal is a ripped body wants to avoid traditional snacks such as sugary cookies or salty potato chips. Instead, you should turn to healthy options with important nutrients that will help keep your muscles bulging.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a favorite among bodybuilders because it is extremely portable and convenient. Simply mix the ingredients and seal in an airtight container. One of the major benefits of making your own trail mix is you can control what goes into it and ensure it meets your dietary needs. Some popular trail mix ingredients include your favorite nuts, dried fruits, sunflower kernels, whole grain cereal, pretzels and dried coconut. Depending on what you put into it, trail mix can be a low-calorie food for those who are cutting or a high calorie snack for those trying to add muscle mass.
Plain Yogurt with Blueberries
Plain yogurt with fresh blueberries gives you with about 15 g of protein in a snack low in sodium and carbohydrates. Blueberries give you the additional benefits of antioxidants, which prevents damage within your cells. Blueberries also provide a sweet fruit loaded with fiber that can prevent you from choosing unhealthy sweets. If you tire of blueberries with your yogurt, try some sliced strawberries, peaches or bananas.
String Cheese
String cheese is one of the most convenient snacks out there. Simply grab a stick or two and you are ready to snack. It is important to find string cheese with high protein content while being low in fat and sodium. Aim for string cheese that has at least 8 g of protein and fewer that 3 g of fat. If plain string cheese seems a little boring to you, try eating it with an apple or some whole-grain crackers.
Tuna
If you want a simple way to add quality protein to your diet, grab a single-serving pouch of tuna. These convenient packets tear open as opposed to the tins that require a can opener. If you don't care for the taste of plain tuna, these come in a wide variety of flavors, many using natural oils and seasonings. They are also relatively inexpensive, so you can buy several varieties to find the flavors you enjoy. If eating the tuna at work, keep some plastic forks and spoons in your desk and simply throw everything away when you're done.
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