How Can Vegetarians Build Muscle Without Eating Meat?

Oct 17, 2009 @ 06:20 am by Ryan M Hall

Can vegetarians build muscle is the age old question is asked by almost every vegetarian that doesn’t want to look like a stick. The truth is, it is a common concern and most people just don’t get accurate information. So, today I’m going to show you how you can be a veggie lover and still build muscle.

There have been many people who have built muscle while following a vegetarian diet. One of the most famous vegetarian muscle men is a guy named Bill Pearl. Pearl is a very famous vegetarian body builder who even went on to win Mr. Universe in 1953 and 1971. Bill Pearl eats eggs and dairy products, he is a lacto-ovo vegetarian.

The foods you eat

If you too are a lacto-ovo vegetarian and eat eggs regularly, then you’re in luck. Eggs are one of the best foods you can eat to build muscle. They are very high in protein and good fat and nutrients needed to rebuild muscle. Cows milk is also a great source of protein and good fat.

For the strict vegetarians

If you are a strict vegetarian, there are a few steps you can take to be certain that you will still build muscle mass.

Protein Intake

If you want to build more muscle, you should consider adding a protein supplement. You should also try to eat tofu and soy milk in your meals to get enough protein to build muscle.

Fat

It’s a fact, most vegetarians usually don’t get enough fat. In order to get the right amount of good fats that help build muscle, eat a few handfuls of nuts like almonds, cashews or pistachio nuts. These are a great source of protein as well as healthy fat. You can also add a tablespoon or two of flax seed oil for healthy fat and an essential amino acid called linolenic acid.

Vitamins

Even though you may look healthy, many vegetarians are vitamin deficient in a vitamin called B12. To remedy this, you can add a B12 supplement to your diet or drink a soy or whey based meal replacement drink. These drinks usually give you at least 1/3 of your daily recommended vitamins and minerals.

Vegetarians can build muscle, they just have to eat more specifically than people who regularly eat meat. If you follow the above advice, you will be well on your way to building more muscle. Now all you need is a good muscle building plan.

Learn more about how you can build muscle as a vegetarian and build your dream body with quick 20 minute workouts and a simple diet, stop by Ryan M Hall’s site to get your Free Diet Ebook and start building muscle today.