Lifting weights and committing to regular exercise is only half the battle when it comes to getting ripped, or improving your muscle tone. Controlling your caloric intake and choosing healthy, nutrient-rich foods will help your muscles grow and develop. In addition, eating low-calorie foods will help you lose fat under your skin so your muscles become more prominent.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a necessary component of your diet if you want to get ripped. Fruits and vegetables provide your muscles with vitamins and minerals, without the cost of taking in too many calories. Furthermore, fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which will help you feel full and eat less. Set a goal to eat at least five servings of fruits or vegetables per day to help you lose body fat so you can get ripped.

Lean Meats

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Your muscles are primarily composed of protein and water. Thus, eating enough protein is essential to building muscle and getting ripped. Lean meats, such as fish, poultry, turkey and beef are excellent sources of protein. Eat more fish than other meats, because fish contains less of the unhealthy saturated fats and more of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to prevent heart disease. Medline Plus, a National Institutes of Health online medical encyclopedia, states that you should consume two to three servings of protein per day 1. A serving of lean meat is the equivalent of a deck of cards.

Legumes

Include a serving or two of legumes per day to meet your daily protein needs to get ripped. An additional benefit of legumes, in contrast to meats, is that legumes are high in fiber, which promotes digestive health and weight loss. A serving of legumes is the equivalent of 1/2 cup of dried beans. Combine cooked beans with brown rice or pasta to make a healthy meal that will promote muscle growth.

Complex Carbohydrates

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Complex carbohydrates will provide the fuel you need to make it through intense workouts that will help you get ripped. Complex carbohydrates, such as:

• brown rice
  
• brown pastas
  
• whole-grain cereals
  
• are high in fiber
  
• which allows a steady breakdown of the carbohydrate

Because the carbohydrate is digested slowly, your intestine will allow a steady release of glucose, or energy, into your blood stream. About 50 percent of your daily calories should come from carbohydrates. Do not overconsume carbohydrates, or you may gain weight.