This article is going to help you guys pack on rock solid lean muscle mass without having to break the bank. I have had so many people tell me that they wish they could put on muscle mass but it’s “too expensive” to buy all the food. I simply shake my head every time someone says this because there are so many high protein, complex carbohydrate, and healthy fat options that are extremely budget-friendly.
Did you guys know that a bag of lentils can be purchased for fewer than $2.00 in most grocery stores and contains 130 grams of protein and tons of fiber and complex carbohydrates? This is just one of the many budget-friendly muscle-building foods we are going to get into during this article.
If you are looking for how to build muscle fast while spending as little money as possible, this will be your new grocery store cheat sheet. Building muscle mass does not have to be expensive. Many guys think the best way to build muscle fast is to eat pounds of beef and chicken, which can get very expensive. While these are excellent sources of protein, there are also some really budget-friendly options.
Let’s show you guys how to build muscle fast on a budget and run you through the grocery store cheat sheet.
How To Build Muscle Mass Fast On A Budget (Official Grocery Store Cheat Sheet)
1.) Lentils
As I mentioned in the introduction, lentils are such an amazing source of protein and complex carbohydrates. I classify them as “high protein carbohydrates.” I think one of the most important foods for building muscle mass is high protein carbohydrates. Lentils are one of the highest forms of protein you will find and are extremely healthy for you. Even if you don’t like the taste of plain lentils, you can throw some fresh salsa or guacamole on top and have a tasty treat. I have found that a lot of the legumes that I don’t like by themselves are actually quite delicious when you add your favorite hot sauce, salsa, or guacamole on top.
2.) Brown Rice
While brown rice may not have the amount of protein and fiber that lentils has, it is still an important muscle builder. Brown rice is very high in complex slow digesting carbohydrates, which will fuel your hard-working muscles. If you are a naturally skinny guy, it is really important to eat a lot of healthy carbohydrates. You can pick up a bag of brown rice for just a few dollars.
3.) Whole Grain/Whole Wheat Pasta
This is one of my favorite budget-friendly meals! Whole grain pasta is loaded with protein, fiber, and slow digesting carbohydrates. Mix up some whole grain pasta and toss in some budget-friendly chicken breasts and you have the perfect muscle-building meal. A box of whole grain pasta contains close to 60 grams of protein. Whole grain pasta is the perfect budget-friendly pre-workout meal for you skinny guys trying to get HUGE!
4.) Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is actually pretty good for you, and it is really budget-friendly. Canned tuna contains pure protein and is very low in fat. It also contains those super healthy omega fatty acids. You can get a can of tuna that has over 30 grams of protein for only a few dollars. This makes for the perfect muscle-building lunch. You can grab a whole loaf of bread for only a few dollars and you have a delicious muscle-building tuna sandwich for lunch.
5.) Black Beans
You know the old saying: the more black beans you eat the more muscle mass you will pack on! I found a large can of black beans at my local grocery store for only $2.00, and it contained 50 grams of protein and 120 grams of complex carbohydrates. This is the perfect muscle-building meal and is extremely budget-friendly. One of my favorite recipes is to simply make a can of black beans and top it with salsa and fresh avocado. Talk about being simple, delicious, and nutritious!
6.) Whole Eggs
A dozen of eggs will only set you back a few dollars, and it’s a great way to build muscles fast. A dozen of eggs contains 72 grams of muscle-building protein and also contains important amino acids. Many guys ask me how to build muscle fast. I sometimes answer that with a very easy equation. Lift heavy weight and eat a dozen whole eggs a day! Cheap and highly effective. Building muscle mass does not have to mean you eat high-priced steaks and fish. A dozen whole eggs will be just fine.
7.) Greek Yogurt
Greek Yogurt is the perfect nighttime protein source for skinny guys. You can get a package of fat-free Greek yogurt that contains close to 20 grams of protein for only about a dollar. The best way to build muscle fast with nighttime nutrition is to consume slow digesting protein. Greek yogurt at only $1.00 per 20 grams is the perfect budget-friendly option.
8.) Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
You can usually find boneless skinless chicken breasts that are right around 3-4 dollars per pound at your local grocery store and sometimes much cheaper if you shop at a discount or wholesale store. I was able to find a package of chicken breasts for fewer than $10.00 that was nearly 3 pounds at my local store! Imagine how many grams of protein and how many meals you could get out of 3 pounds of chicken?
9.) Top Sirloin Steak
You can also find a one-pound top sirloin steak for under $5.00 at the grocery store. Top sirloin steak is my favorite budget-friendly steak option because it is really high in protein and very lean. Sirloin steak is one of the leanest cuts of steak and is actually much better for you than the expensive options like filet mignon! Let the fat rich guy eat the filet; you will be better off with the top sirloin steak.
As you can see, it’s not hard to find some really healthy muscle-building foods on a budget. If you are asking yourself how to build muscle fast and don’t have much available cash, make sure to use this grocery store cheat sheet. If you want to see the rest of the budget-friendly grocery store options for building muscle mass, make sure to watch the YouTube video as I take you on a grocery shopping trip.
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