Q: What are the best protein sources for bodybuilders and building the body?

A: I feel that they fall in this order:

• Meat

• Poultry

• Eggs

• Fish

• Whey protein powder

• Milk

• Cheese

• Nuts and nut butters

Truth is, eggs have the most perfect amino acid profile and should be a staple of all bodybuilding diets – at least in the morning. However, red meat offers the vitamins and minerals, iron and more importantly, creatine content that you need to succeed in building muscle. If it’s lean meat you’re looking for, then chicken and turkey have some of the leanest profiles. As does fish, like white fish. If you’re going to eat fish though, you need a balance of white fish and red-flesh fish, such as salmon that is higher in fat, but great fat. But choosing protein is largely driven by what it is you’re trying to accomplish. If you’re dieting hard, eat egg whites, tuna and lean poultry with a little lean red meat added in for good measure to keep the creatine high. When bulking, hands down egg whites mixed with whole eggs and red meat are great combination protein choices. If it’s ease of schedule and assuring that you get the protein you need on the road or in your car or when you’re stressed and your schedule is hectic, then pack a canister of whey protein and cans of tuna. Sometimes the focus should be on what works, more than what is perfect. But choosing the best protein for your goals is also important.