You work hard in the gym to build your physique, but what you do outside of the gym is equally important. For optimal results in bodybuilding, your diet is critical. Fiber, protein and carbohydrates are essential to your bodybuilding diet, and red kidney beans provide all three of these macronutrients.
Fiber
By eating 1 cup of red kidney beans, you will receive 13 g of dietary fiber. Foods that are high in dietary fiber can help you lose excess body fat because they typically contain fewer calories than low-fiber foods. They also take more time to chew, which gives your body more time to feel full. In addition, they can help you to feel fuller for a longer duration, which can help you get through the difficult phase of your diet.
Protein
In 1 cup of red kidney beans, there are 15 g of protein. As a bodybuilder, you know that protein plays a key role in muscle building and recovery. Kidney beans are a good source of protein, but they are an incomplete protein, meaning that they lack certain amino acids. If you are looking for a way to keep your protein consumption high while keeping your fat and calories low, substitute red kidney beans for red meat occasionally.
Carbohydrates
As an athlete, carbohydrates are essential to your diet. Bodybuilding workouts place high physical demands on your body, and you need complex carbohydrates for energy and recovery. With 40 g of carbohydrates in each cup, red kidney beans can help fuel your workouts. Red kidney beans are among the best sources of complex carbohydrates, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. They also promote your overall health by providing essential vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
Additional Benefits
Red kidney beans, like most legumes, are low in fat and high in nutrients including folate, iron, potassium and magnesium. As an added bonus, they contain no cholesterol. Kidney beans are easy to prepare, and they are readily available in dried and canned varieties in most grocery stores. Beans are also versatile. You can eat them by themselves, or toss them in with your favorite salads, soups or rice to enhance the nutritional value of your meal.
References
- Harvard School of Public Health; Protein: Moving Closer to Center Stage; 2011
- Harvard School of Public Health; Carbohydrates: The Bottom Line; 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Beans and Other Legumes: Types and Cooking Tips; June 2011
- Livestrong.com; The Daily Plate; Beans, Kidney, Red, Cooked, Boiled, Without Salt ; 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet; November 2009
Member Comments