Healthy Proteins

• Your body needs good sources of healthy proteins to build and repair muscle tissue. Fish, lean meats such as, beef chuck, beef tenderloin, lamb loin chops and leg of lamb, eggs, soy, skimmed milk and beans are all good healthy sources of protein. Do not, however, overdo the amount of protein you consume. You need approximately 0.55 grams of protein for every pound of body weight; more than this may cause your body, and specifically your kidneys, harm.
  
  

Complex Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates are necessary to give you the energy to complete your workout. Any deficiency in carbohydrates will cause your body to break down proteins, making your muscles smaller. In your kitchen or pantry, keep complex carbohydrates that supply high levels of glucose to the body and give long-lasting energy levels. Foods such as pasta, brown rice, potatoes, whole-grain cereals, lentils, peas and muesli are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates.
  
  

Sources of Vitamins

• Vitamins are essential for a healthy body and for healthy muscle growth. It's imperative to keep in your kitchen vitamin A sources such as eggs, milk and carrots, vitamin D sources such as sardines, herring and tuna, vitamin E sources such as nuts, broccoli and olive oil, vitamin K sources such as tomatoes, spinach and parsley, vitamin C sources such as citric fruit juices, bananas and lettuce, and sources of B vitamins such as avocados, yogurt, salmon and swordfish. In addition, consider taking a multivitamin supplement daily.
  
  

Healthy Snacks

• It is important to eat approximately 15 minutes after you work out so as to give your body the proper nutrients it needs to repair damaged muscle. As it may not be convenient to prepare a meal at these times, keep a store of healthy snacks in your kitchen. Nutritious snacks for bodybuilders include fruit smoothies, energy bars, yogurts, cereals, bananas, bagels and chocolate milk. In addition, sandwiches made from lean meat and whole-wheat bread provide excellent combined sources of both protein and carbohydrates.