Why do bodybuilders eat so much chicken?

Whether building muscle or burning fat, one nutrient that you can never cut out of your diet is protein and one of the main sources of protein for bodybuilders tends to be skinless chicken breast. You would always tend to see a bodybuilder eating chicken breast from their plate, tubberware or whether they go out for dinner simply because it is loaded with protein with very little fat or carbs. So even when dieting for a contest, chicken breast is an ideal food source for them.

No lean protein has a more respected reputation than the chicken breast. Specifically boneless, skinless chicken breasts have consistently been at the top of the list of lean proteins to eat for fat loss.

In addition to being a fat burning powerhouse, chicken breasts provide a wealth of health benefits to help you maintain good health. You should notice that ½ chicken breast has just 142 calories and just 3 grams of fat.

Chicken breasts nutrition facts also tell us that there are no carbs, sugar or fibre but there are around 31 grams of protein in just a half breast! Chicken breast nutrition facts also tell us that you can get many essential vitamins including E, B6 and B12.

You can also get vitamins essential to healthy body functions, including riboflavin, niacin, thiamin and pantothenic acid. Minerals, which provide many of the health benefits of chicken breasts, are found in healthy numbers in just one serving. For example, phosphorus and selenium make up more than 20% of your recommended daily value.

There are also small, but helpful amounts of calcium, iron, potassium and zinc found in chicken breasts. You’ll also be happy to know that ½ chicken breast also gives you significant amounts ofomega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy body.

Best time to eat chicken

You can eat chicken virtually anytime. You can have it post workout to ensure your muscles are getting the protein they require for growth and also as your evening meal as it is low in fat and contains virtually zero carbs.

Best Eaten:

Chicken breasts are versatile and very easy to cook. Just be sure not to overcook it, as many people stay away from chicken breasts because they deem it “too dry”. Cook with bell peppers and onions for lean fajitas. Add to mixed vegetables and flavour with curry or soy sauce & ginger for an international meal. Slice a chicken breast and place it over a salad for a healthy protein infusion.

Fancy a sandwich? Load up your bread with fresh skinless chicken breast and top with your favourite salad ingredients to satisfy your taste buds and muscles!!

Checkout some amazing recipes with chicken right here to help satisfy your taste buds.