If you want to put on some muscle while abstaining from animal flesh, you'll need to get creative. While not impossible, it's not an easy task.
To make life a little easier for my vegan visitors, I've thrown together some high calorie vegetarian foods that'll help you get more meat on your bones, pun intended.
Muscle Milk - Non-Dairy
Muscle Milk is my favorite protein shake brand. They come in easy to drink cartons and contain 25 grams of protein per serving. In addition, each carton only contains 160 calories making it the perfect preworkout meal.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a protein-rich grain that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's also rich in fiber and various essential vitamins and minerals.
Avocado
Avocado is high in healthy fats and calories. It's great in salads or on toast, and it provides a range of important nutrients.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds, are high in fats, protein, and various nutrients. They're perfect for snacking or adding to meals.
Nut Butters
Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, and others are a great source of healthy fats and protein. They can be added to smoothies or spread on toast.
Tofu
Tofu is a versatile source of protein that can be added to a variety of dishes. It also provides a good amount of calcium and iron.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a fermented soy product that's a great source of protein and has a unique nutty flavor. It's perfect for stir-fries, salads, sandwiches, and more.
Seitan
Seitan, made from gluten, is extremely high in protein and can be cooked in a variety of ways, making it a versatile addition to your diet.
Beans and Lentils
Both are high in fiber and protein, making them excellent for weight gain. They can be added to soups, salads, or a variety of other dishes.
Brown Rice
A hearty grain that can serve as a base for many meals, providing necessary carbs for energy and weight gain.
Oats
Oats are a healthy grain that's high in fiber, providing lasting energy. They can be eaten in oatmeal or used in baking.
Bananas
Bananas are a calorie-dense fruit, great for smoothies or as a snack. They're also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are high in calories and packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They're versatile and can be included in many meals.
Whole Grain Bread
Whole grain bread is calorie-dense and provides longer-lasting energy than white bread. It's also high in fiber and nutrients.
Pasta
Pasta is a high-calorie food that's perfect for weight gain. Choose whole grain varieties for added nutrients and fiber.
Dried Fruits
Dried fruits like dates, raisins, and apricots are calorie-dense and provide a sweet, nutritious snack or addition to meals.
Edamame
Edamame are immature soybeans with a sweet and slightly grassy taste. They need to be steamed or boiled prior to consumption and can be eaten on their own or added to soups and salads.
Lentils
Lentils are a great source of protein. They can be used in a variety of dishes, ranging from fresh salads to hearty soups and spice-infused dahls.
Chickpeas
Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are a great source of protein. They can be eaten cold in salads, cooked in stews, mashed into a paste for hummus, or roasted for a crunchy snack.
Black Beans
Black beans are often used in hearty soups, stews and tacos. They're a great source of protein.
Green Peas
Green peas are high in protein and other nutrients. They can be used in dishes such as green pea and almond soup or pea and avocado guacamole.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a grain with high protein content and provides all nine essential amino acids.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue or green algae that contains around 60% protein. It can be mixed into smoothies or used in tablet form as a dietary supplement.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are very high in protein and contain all nine essential amino acids. They can be used in baking, smoothies, or as a topping for salads and yogurts.
These foods are great sources of calories and protein for vegetarians. Pair these with low rep, high weight dumbbell workouts and you'll be packing on the muscle in no time!
Posted by: Matt Irving on 06/26/2023
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