Did you know that, after the age of 60, our body starts to lose up to 10% of its muscles per decade? This happens silently and, often, we only notice when simple tasks – such as climbing stairs or carrying shopping – start to become more difficult. But here's the good news: you can reverse this situation, and it all starts with the choices you make on your plate!
In today's video, I'll show you 10 powerful foods that help you rebuild your strength and muscle mass, as well as tips and some simple exercises that will make you feel proud of your muscles when you look in the mirror. Stay with me until the end, because the last food could be the key piece missing from your routine to reverse this situation. And leave your like, subscribe to the channel and activate the bell so you don't miss any content like this.
Now tell me: do you also want to regain your strength and vitality? What part of Brazil am I from in the world are you from? Write below!
- Let's go! And why are your muscles so important? Because weak muscles don't just affect everyday activities – they have a direct impact on your health.
Muscle loss, called sarcopenia, increases the risk of falls and fractures, and can leave you needing help with even the simplest tasks. Nobody wants to depend on others! Furthermore, a lack of muscle mass increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's and even early death.
Why does our body start to lose muscle mass as we age? The answer is simple: in addition to producing fewer hormones that support muscles, our body also begins to absorb fewer nutrients, which directly compromises our strength and energy. Over time, what once seemed automatic – getting up from a chair or even opening a jar – becomes an effort.
But like I said, you can change that! By feeding your body the right nutrients and making small changes to your routine, you can not only stop this loss, but also rebuild your muscles and regain the strength you thought was left behind. Now, I'm going to show you 10 powerful foods that will help transform this reality.
1st FOOD THAT WILL BOOST YOUR MUSCLES - Eggs You may have already imagined, because they are the king of proteins and muscle building. Each egg offers 6 to 7 grams of high-quality protein. Imagine… the chick comes from the egg!
Everything has to be first class. But should you discard the yolk and just eat the white? Of course!
The real magic is in the yolk. For decades, many people were afraid of it because of cholesterol, but science has shown that this doesn't make any sense. Dietary cholesterol has little effect on blood cholesterol.
And look, egg cholesterol is essential for the production of anabolic hormones, such as testosterone, which is essential for muscle growth and strength. Want proof? One study showed that men who ate three whole eggs a day for 12 weeks while working out significantly increased their testosterone levels.
And eggs are rich in leucine, an essential amino acid. It's like a light switch, which activates the muscle building process in your body. Without it, your body doesn't know when to start repairing and growing your muscles after your workout.
Furthermore, the yolk is rich in vitamins A, D, E, K and B12. Essential for metabolism and nerve function. So don't throw away the yolks!
Imagine how much your muscles would be losing…. How many eggs do you usually eat per week? Tell us in the comments so we know!
2nd FOOD THAT WILL REINVIGORATE YOUR MUSCLES – Sweet Potato Many people focus only on proteins when it comes to gaining muscle mass. But did you know that carbohydrates are also essential? Without them, your body wouldn't have enough energy to train efficiently and, more importantly, to recover.
But sweet potatoes are also rich in nutrients—they have vitamin A, which accelerates muscle repair, and potassium, which prevents cramps. And here's an important tip: most of the vitamins and fiber in sweet potatoes are concentrated in the skin! That's right.
So, before you think about peeling, just wash the peel well and enjoy its full potential. And fiber acts as a prebiotic, improving your digestion and helping your body absorb nutrients better. And do you want a delicious way to enjoy it all?
Try roasting sweet potatoes in the airfryer! It's crunchy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside and, best of all, you keep the skin with all the nutrients. And now, tell me: who also loves sweet potatoes baked in the airfryer?
3rd FOOD THAT WILL STRENGTHEN YOUR MUSCLES – Avocado Avocado is the best fruit for athletes! It is full of good fats, which offer a series of benefits for those looking to stay in shape and gain muscle. And protein!
A single avocado can contain up to 4 grams of protein, making it the fruit with the highest protein content. And it doesn't stop there! Avocado is rich in folic acid, which stimulates the absorption of more proteins and the production of growth hormones, promoting an increase in muscle mass.
And like sweet potatoes, it is also rich in potassium. To give you an idea, an avocado has twice as much potassium as a banana! And despite being fatty, it also helps reduce your body fat because of beta-sitosterol.
Now, you may be thinking: “Ah, but I can only eat avocado with sugar” Think outside the box! There are countless other healthier ways: in salads, smoothies, guacamole (with lemon, onion, tomato and salt), or even on toast You'll like it. .
. 4TH FOOD THAT WILL STRENGTHEN YOUR MUSCLES – Chicken Breast It is one of the best sources of high quality protein, with about 31 grams of protein per 100 grams of chicken. And the best?
Chicken breast is extremely versatile. You can grill, roast, shred, add a lemon or oregano, or use it in different dishes, ensuring that your diet is always balanced and never boring. And it also fits in your pocket!
Another benefit? Chicken is a low-fat protein, which means it contributes to muscle growth and maintains a toned body. 5TH FOOD THAT WILL REINVIGORATE YOUR ENERGY – Beetroot If you think that beetroot is just another common vegetable, know that it can help your muscles.
Researchers in England discovered that drinking beetroot juice after training can reduce muscle pain and recover faster. But how does this work? Beets are rich in nitrates, compounds that your body converts into nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach your muscles.
Additionally, a study from the University of Exeter showed that consuming beetroot before exercise can increase muscle strength in the thighs by almost 10%, helping to improve muscle contraction and performance. In other words: drinking between 200 and 300 ml of beet juice before or after training will make you stronger and less sore the next day. Ah, but I'm not a fan of beetroot juice.
All good! Try beets in salads, mayonnaise or even in the form of crunchy chips! Oh, and if you want to know more about all the benefits of beets, I just made a full video about it!
I'll leave the link at the end! 6TH FOOD THAT WILL STRENGTHEN YOUR MUSCLES – Fish Rich in Omega-3 What are they? Sardines, tuna and salmon.
They help improve your training performance, speed up recovery and even protect heart health. Omega-3 acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, combating post-exercise inflammation and reducing pain, which allows for faster recovery. Omega-3s, especially EPA and DHA, boost protein synthesis, allowing your body to better utilize proteins to repair and strengthen your muscles.
Not to mention it increases insulin sensitivity, reducing your risk of diabetes. But the benefits don't stop there. In older people, omega-3 consumption has been associated with gains in muscle mass and strength, as well as helping to prevent loss of muscle mass during periods of immobility.
There is also evidence that omega-3 can mitigate weight loss of lean mass in severe conditions, such as cachexia associated with cancer. Can it be in capsules? You can, but prefer sardines, tuna or salmon, which will contain, in addition to dha and epa, proteins!
7TH FOOD FOR YOUR MUSCLES – Whole Grains When we talk about whole grains, 2 nutritional powerhouses stand out: quinoa and oats. These foods are essential for anyone who wants to gain muscle mass in a healthy way, providing both long-lasting energy and high-quality proteins. Quinoa, for example, is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, something rare in plant sources.
Oats are known for their richness in fiber, especially beta-glucan, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels and keeps your energy constant throughout the day. These grains are also rich in essential minerals, such as magnesium and iron, which help in efficient muscle contraction. And if you have diabetes, the good news is that they both have a low glycemic index, helping to keep your blood sugar levels stable.
Combining these two whole grains is an excellent way to ensure your body has high-quality complex carbohydrates and plant-based proteins. 8TH FOOD THAT WILL STRENGTHEN YOUR MUSCLES – Lean Meats If you are looking to gain muscle mass, lean red meats are great allies. Cuts such as duckling, soft drumstick, lizard and even filet mignon are rich in high quality proteins, essential for construction and repair muscle after intense workouts.
These cuts offer a significant amount of essential amino acids, which the body does not produce on its own, but which are essential for muscle growth and efficient recovery. Additionally, lean red meat is naturally rich in creatine, which improves energy production during exercise, which helps increase your strength and performance during training. Another positive point of lean red meat is that it is rich in heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body, and also b12, essential for energy production and good nerve function.
Now, it is important to remember that daily consumption of red meat is not recommended. Although it offers many benefits, it is preferable to alternate with other sources of protein, such as fish, chicken or legumes, to ensure a healthy balance in your diet. 9TH FOOD FOR YOUR MUSCLES – Legumes When it comes to increasing muscle mass in a healthy and natural way, we cannot forget legumes such as beans, chickpeas, lentils and peas.
They are strong allies for anyone who wants to build muscles with a solid and healthy foundation. Although they are not complete proteins like those of animal origin, they can be combined with other foods, such as rice, to guarantee all the essential amino acids. In addition to being rich in protein and fiber, legumes are sources of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), essential for muscle growth and recovery.
And best of all? Regular consumption of legumes has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, making these foods even more powerful! And now 10th FOOD THAT WILL GROW YOUR MUSCLES – Protein Powder If you are looking for a quick and effective way to ensure optimal protein intake for muscle growth and post-workout recovery, protein powder is the real wild card that It cannot be missing from your routine.
The most popular options include whey protein and vegetable proteins, such as pea, rice or soy. Whatever you choose, these protein powders are a practical way to ensure your muscles receive the fuel they need to grow stronger and recover efficiently. Why choose whey protein?
* Quick absorption. * High leucine content * Complete protein with all essential amino acids and also BCAAs And why choose vegan protein? * Suitable for lactose intolerants and vegans * Lower risk of inflammation * Rich in fiber and nutrients: * can be as effective as whey.
And best of all? Protein powder is extremely easy to add to your routine! You can mix it with water, milk, add it to smoothies, include it in pancakes or even in protein desserts.
It fits perfectly into your everyday life, ensuring you reach your protein goals without stress! And look! If you consume whey or vegan whey immediately after resistance training, you can significantly increase muscle mass within a few weeks.
In other words, with the right dose of protein, your muscles can grow faster and more efficiently! Now, let me clarify something very important. Eating and Sitting Still Doesn't Work!
When it comes to muscle gain, it’s not enough to just eat well – you have to move. To promote muscle growth, you need the right stimulus, and resistance exercises, such as weight training, are essential. When you lift weights, two things happen: * Mechanical damage i.
e. - lifting heavy weights causes micro-injuries to the muscle fibers, which are repaired by the body, resulting in muscle growth. * Metabolic fatigue: When you deplete your supply of ATP, i.
e. energy, your muscles receive a signal to grow and recover. For those who are starting out or lead a sedentary lifestyle, you can start gradually.
Standing still and waiting for results will not work. Start with light physical activity, such as walking, training with light weights or exercising with your own body weight. Little by little, as your body adapts, you can increase the intensity and weights, always respecting your limits.
Even small changes make a difference. Incorporating light resistance training a few times a week can activate your muscle fibers and begin the process of gaining strength and definition. The important thing is to start moving.
I made a video on how to gain muscle mass, I'll leave the link at the end. It's one of the best videos I've ever made on the channel. .
. In addition to training, sleeping well is a fundamental factor in maximizing muscle gains. During sleep, especially deep sleep, your body releases anabolic hormones, such as growth hormone, which are essential for muscle recovery and growth.
Try to get 7 hours of sleep a night to avoid letting all your work go to waste. Another critical factor is avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol can interfere with protein synthesis and muscle recovery.
To see real results, you need to combine a balanced diet, consistent training, adequate sleep and a healthy lifestyle. With dedication, discipline and simple adjustments in your daily life, your muscles will grow, your strength will increase and you will feel stronger and healthier every day. Believe in the process, persist, and the results will surprise you!
Your muscles and your health, as a whole, will thank you for your effort! Liked the video! Don't forget to like and share!
I'll leave the two recommendations here alongside - The benefits of beetroot/ and my video on exercises, supplements to gain muscle mass in a sustainable way. See you there!