Not everyone has the money to spend tons on food at the store. Many athletes want to eat right, but they need cheap foods to boost testosterone. We can’t eat steaks everyday!
When it comes to bjj, or any athletic endeavor for that matter, having optimal testosterone levels can make a significant difference in your performance. Testosterone supports muscle growth, recovery, and overall energy levels—all critical components for success on the mats.
While many people assume that maintaining high testosterone requires expensive supplements or specialty foods, there are plenty of affordable options available.
Here’s a detailed list of 20 protein sources ranked by their affordability, nutrient density, and effectiveness for supporting muscle growth and testosterone levels.
Why Testosterone is Important
Testosterone is essential for muscle growth, recovery, and overall athletic performance. It helps increase muscle mass and strength, enhances endurance, and supports efficient recovery after intense training sessions.
Not only is testosterone essential for muscle growth, it has a direct correlation with muscle growth and strength.
Source: Weightology
Please go check out their article for more information here.
For BJJ athletes, maintaining optimal testosterone levels is crucial as it contributes to better physical performance, quicker recovery times, and improved energy levels, allowing for more effective and sustained training on the mats.
That being said, here is a detailed list of the top 20 cheapest foods with the best ROI in terms of boosting testosterone.
Max Return on Investment (ROI)
- Liver: Incredibly nutrient-dense, liver provides a high amount of vitamins and minerals for a low price. A small daily portion is enough to meet many nutrient needs. Liver is especially beneficial for BJJ practitioners, as its rich iron content supports endurance and stamina.
- Other Organ Meats: Beyond liver, organ meats like kidneys and heart are packed with nutrients and are generally inexpensive due to low demand. These meats provide a wealth of B vitamins and minerals essential for muscle function and recovery.
- Egg Yolks: Affordable and rich in essential fats, vitamins, and minerals that aid in testosterone production. Including egg yolks in your diet can enhance your overall strength and energy, crucial for intense BJJ sessions.
- Whole Eggs: Combining yolk and whites, whole eggs are nutrient-dense, affordable, and offer high-quality protein and beneficial fats. Whole eggs support muscle repair and growth, making them ideal for recovery post-training.
- Oysters: Though pricey per pound, a small amount provides high levels of zinc, copper, and omega-3s, essential for hormone health. The high zinc content in oysters directly supports testosterone production, boosting your performance and recovery in BJJ.
Great ROI
- Milk: Budget-friendly and nutrient-rich, milk offers protein, calcium, and other essential vitamins. Milk supports bone health and muscle recovery, which are vital for BJJ practitioners who experience intense physical activity.
- Pork Chops: High in thiamine (B1) and other micronutrients, pork is relatively affordable compared to other meats and supports muscle and hormonal health. The protein and nutrient content help in maintaining and building muscle mass.
Good ROI
- Red Meat (Beef): Though costly, beef provides protein, iron, and a variety of nutrients essential for muscle growth and testosterone but may stretch a budget. Including beef in your diet can enhance your strength and endurance, key for BJJ training.
- Other Red Meats (e.g., Lamb, Goat): Nutrient-dense like beef, other red meats are often more expensive but support health when budget permits. They offer similar benefits, supporting muscle growth and recovery.
- Salmon: High in omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals, salmon is an excellent nutrient source but often expensive, making it a mid-tier choice. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon aid in reducing inflammation and promoting heart health, beneficial for rigorous BJJ training.
Okay ROI
- Egg Whites: Egg whites are a great protein source but lack micronutrients and fats, making them less ideal for budget-friendly testosterone support. They are useful for pure protein needs but should be combined with other nutrient-rich foods.
- Tuna: Provides protein but is low in essential micronutrients for testosterone, so it ranks lower unless additional nutrients are consumed. Tuna can be a good option for muscle repair but may need supplementation for complete nutrient needs.
- Whey Protein: Effective for muscle building but offers little in micronutrients and can be costly for its ROI. While convenient, whey protein should not be the sole protein source in a diet aimed at boosting testosterone.
- Shrimp: Low in micronutrients and high in cost, shrimp offers protein but not much else for a testosterone-boosting diet. It can be included occasionally but is not the most cost-effective option.
- Cheese: Good source of fats and protein, but cheese is often expensive relative to the nutrient content. It can add variety but should not be a primary protein source.
- Greek Yogurt: High in protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt is often costly, making it a less budget-friendly choice. It’s beneficial for gut health but should be balanced with more affordable protein sources.
- Chicken Breast: An affordable protein, chicken breast lacks the micronutrient density needed for testosterone support. It’s great for lean protein but should be supplemented with nutrient-dense foods.
- Chicken Thighs: Slightly more nutrient-dense than chicken breast due to higher fat content, but still low in micronutrients. Chicken thighs provide a bit more flavor and fat, which can be beneficial.
- Rotisserie Chicken (Whole): Provides protein at an affordable price but lacks significant micronutrient benefits. It's a convenient option but should be part of a varied diet.
- Tilapia: Low-cost protein, but lacks the vitamins, minerals, and fats important for hormonal and muscle support. Tilapia can be a protein option but is not ideal for a testosterone-boosting diet.
Conclusion
Incorporating these cheap foods to boost testosterone into your diet can significantly enhance your muscle growth, recovery, and testosterone levels, crucial for excelling in jiu jitsu.
By focusing on nutrient-dense and cost-effective foods, you can maximize your performance without breaking the bank. Whether you're a seasoned BJJ athlete or just starting, these dietary choices will support your journey on the mats.