We all want to be stronger, which is why we love strength training. However, did you know that exercise is not the only way to help build your muscles? Eating a diet that's chock-full of protein and vitamin-rich foods can also help build your strength and increase your bodies ability to maintain lean muscle mass. There are a few foods that can be super beneficial to your strength training routine.

1. Whole Organic or Free Range Eggs

Eggs are a budget-friendly and high-quality source of protein with vitamins and choline, which boosts brain health. One whole large egg has close to 7 grams of high-quality protein and is ultra-versatile. We suggest purchasing organic or free-range eggs and cooking them up for breakfast, lunch or even dinner. One of our favorite strength-boosting breakfasts? One hard-boiled egg and one sliced avocado with a sprinkle of flaked sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper.

2. Salmon

Salmon is by far one of the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3's are necessary for both healthy brain power and a healthy nervous system. A typical serving of wild salmon boasts a whopping 20 grams of high-quality protein and is rich in vitamin B12 and D and selenium. An added bonus? The fatty acids found in salmon may help reduce the risk of depression and may help ward off cognitive decline as we age.

3. Raw Nuts & Seeds

Raw nuts and seeds are energy power houses. They contain high levels of monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, fiber, protein and vitamins, including magnesium, zinc and potassium. They are serious power houses when it comes to building strength training.

Abundant in healthy fats and protein, a handful of raw almonds, cashews or walnuts, or a sprinkle of flax, chia or hemp seeds over your morning oatmeal or smoothie-bowl, will help maintain energy levels throughout the day and give you an energy boost if your heading to spin or yoga class.

4. Spinach & Greens

Spinach is a superfood unlike many others. This super leafy green is an excellent source of magnesium. Additionally, iron-rich dark leafy greens including spinach, are essential for bone health, they help give you smooth skin and shiny hair and they provide a good dose of protein. Spinach is also a highly alkaline food.

5. High Quality Red Meat

Red meat has gotten a bad rap in recent years. Due in part to the rise in popularity of macro and vegan-style diets, many people believe that in order to be healthy, we must steer clear of red meat.

While we certainly agree with the health benefits of vegan and macro diets while focusing on strength training, and the suggestion to eat less red meat overall; we also believe that red meat especially high quality, organic and grass fed beef has its benefits and can have a place in a healthy diet. It's packed with iron, protein and Vitamin B12 which helps build our muscles which enhances strength training. We suggest limiting red meat consumption to 1-2x a week.

6. Quinoa

This superfood is easy to prepare!  Quinoa not only packs 8 grams of high-quality protein and 5 grams of fiber per 1-cup serving, it’s also one of the few plant foods that is considered a complete protein, which means it contains all the essential amino acids your body can’t naturally produce.

Quinoa is coated with a toxic chemical called saponin, therefore it's very important to rinse it thoroughly before cooking, and it's best to consume it only 2 to 3x a week.

Although not commonly thought of as an allergenic food, quinoa does contain oxalates, which puts it on the caution list for an oxalate-restricted diet. The best part about quinoa is that it's gluten-free. So, if you're gluten intolerant or just trying to avoid wheat-containing foods, quinoa is a great alternative to both couscous and bulgur.

7. Full-Fat Natural Yogurt

Yogurt is loaded with calcium, a bone-building mineral. Calcium also helps boost our inner body strength by helping us get a restful sleep because it helps the body to use the tryptophan found in dairy to help trigger sleep.  Tryptophan is important to the production of serotonin, which in return is important to the production of melatonin. Yogurt also contains gut-friendly bacteria that help improve your gastrointestinal health and protect our immune system.

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