Complete Guide to Meal Prep for Muscle Building

Meal prep is the secret weapon of successful bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. By preparing your meals in advance, you remove the guesswork and temptation that can derail your diet. ## Benefits of Meal Prep - **Saves time** during busy weekdays - **Ensures consistent nutrition** for muscle growth - **Reduces food waste** and saves money - **Eliminates bad food choices** when you're hungry ## Essential Proteins to Prep - Chicken breast (baked or grilled) - Lean ground beef or turkey - Salmon or other fatty fish - Eggs (hard-boiled for convenience) ## Carb Sources - Brown rice or white rice - Sweet potatoes - Quinoa - Oatmeal for breakfast ## Sample Prep Day Schedule **Morning:** 1. Start rice cooker with rice 2. Season and bake chicken breasts 3. Roast sweet potatoes **Afternoon:** 4. Cook ground meat with spices 5. Steam vegetables 6. Portion into containers ## Storage Tips Most prepped meals last 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Freeze portions for later in the week to maintain freshness.