This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our teamof licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
Muscles are, in fact, made in the kitchen.
Shutterstock
If you spend hours each week at the gym, youwant your efforts to show, right?
“Certainfoods can help promote muscle growth, while others can hinder it.”
For example,high-quality protein, carbs, and fats can all support muscle growth and maintenance.
Photo: Shutterstock
Below, are the most common foods that contain these offenders, aka the worst foods for your muscles.
Cold cuts made from fatty cuts of pork are high in saturated fat and may contribute to muscle impairment.
Eating too much saturated fat can trigger inflammation, which can hinder recovery and growth after the gym.
Shutterstock
And eating too much sweet stuff can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, Hill says.
Plus,spikes and crashes in blood sugar levelscan affect overall energy and recovery, Hill adds.
And that makes it harder to hit the gym as often as you’d like.
Shutterstock
Save the crunchy spuds for an occasional treat.
And eating too many calories from fried foods can lead to excess fat gain rather than lean muscle gain.
Quittingor even just scaling backon alcohol will work wonders for your muscles.
Shutterstock
Shutterstock
Shutterstock
iStock
iStock
iStock
