Jollof Rice and Biceps: How to Build Muscle on a Nigerian Diet

We all love Jollof rice, pounded yam, and egusi soup, but can we really build muscle on a Nigerian diet? The short answer is yes, but it takes some planning and creativity.

 

Debunking the Myth

First of all, let’s debunk the myth that you need to eat chicken breast and broccoli everyday to build muscle. Yes, protein is important for muscle growth, but there are plenty of plant-based sources of protein that are staples in Nigerian cuisine.

 

Plant-Based Protein Sources

Beans, for example, are an excellent source of protein and fiber. Whether you prefer black-eyed peas, red beans, or brown beans, incorporating them into your meals can help you meet your protein needs. And let’s not forget about moi-moi and akara, two Nigerian delicacies made with beans.

Groundnuts are another plant-based protein source that is often overlooked. Groundnut soup is a classic Nigerian dish that is high in protein and healthy fats. You can also snack on roasted groundnuts or make groundnut butter to spread on toast or use as a dip for veggies.

 

Animal Protein Options

Of course, animal protein is still a viable option for building muscle. Chicken, beef, and fish are all excellent sources of protein, but it’s important to choose lean cuts and avoid frying them in oil. Grilled or baked chicken breast, for example, is a great addition to a Nigerian salad or stir-fry.

 

Carbohydrates for Energy

Carbohydrates are another important nutrient for building muscle, as they provide energy for your workouts. Nigerian cuisine has plenty of options, such as rice, yam, plantain, and cassava, which can be paired with protein and veggies for a balanced meal.

 

Healthy Fats

But what about fats? Don’t we need to avoid them to get lean and muscular? Not necessarily. Healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil, are important for hormone production and overall health.

 

Egusi Soup

Nutritious and Delicious: One Nigerian food that is often criticized for being high in fat is egusi soup. Yes, it’s true that egusi is made from ground melon seeds and can be quite oily, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Egusi is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and can be paired with veggies and a small portion of rice or yam for a satisfying meal.

 

Tips for Building Muscle on a Nigerian Diet

Now that we’ve established that it’s possible to build muscle on a Nigerian diet, let’s talk about how to make it happen. Here are some tips:

1. Plan your meals ahead of time: This will help you ensure that you’re getting enough protein, carbs, and fats, and will prevent you from resorting to unhealthy snacks and fast food.
2. Invest in a food scale: This will help you accurately measure your portions and ensure that you’re getting the right amount of each macronutrient.
3. Experiment with different recipes: Don’t be afraid to try new things and get creative in the kitchen. There are plenty of healthy Nigerian recipes out there that can help you reach your fitness goals.
4. Don’t neglect your workouts: Eating a healthy diet is important, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. You still need to challenge your muscles through resistance training to see results.

 

Conclusion

There you have it. Jollof rice and biceps are not mutually exclusive. With some planning and creativity, you can build muscle on a Nigerian diet and still enjoy the delicious foods that make our cuisine so unique.

 

Thanks for reading! We hope this helps you on your journey to becoming a fitter and healthier version of yourself. Don’t forget to follow @naijafitfam on Instagram for more helpful content.