Nigerian-inspired Power Meals For Strength, Muscle Recovery

Welcome to another edition of Fuel  and Go, our Culinary Canvas series that explores tailored nutrition for different types of athletes. In Part 1, we focused on endurance athletes and shared a stamina-boosting, Nigerian-inspired recipe.

Today, we shift the spotlight to strength athletes — those who lift, push, pull, and train with intensity. Whether you’re building muscle at the gym or developing explosive power for performance, your body demands specific nutrients. We’re here to show how to meet those needs with flavourful Nigerian dishes.

The Strength Athlete: Build, Repair, Repeat

From weightlifters and sprinters to footballers and CrossFit enthusiasts, strength athletes train for explosive power, muscle growth, and rapid recovery. Their workouts may be short and intense, but they place heavy demands on the body. Each rep tears muscle fibers that need proper nutrition to repair and rebuild stronger.

 

Let’s break down what your body needs to build muscle, reduce inflammation, and recover efficiently

Key Nutritional Needs Of Strength Athletes

1. Protein (Muscle Repair & Growth)

Grilled chicken, turkey, goat meat

Eggs, fish (e.g., mackerel, catfish)

Beans, lentils, Greek-style yoghurt

Bambara nuts, soybeans

2. Carbohydrates (Fuel for Training)

Ofada rice, yam, sweet potatoes

Oat or plantain flour swallow

3. Healthy Fats (Hormone Support & Recovery)

Avocados, egusi, groundnuts

Palm oil (moderate use), coconut oil

4. Micronutrients (Muscle Function & Recovery)

Magnesium & potassium (banana, garden egg, tigernut)

Zinc (pumpkin seeds, fish)

Iron (liver, leafy greens like ugu)

Common Food Mistakes To Avoid

Heavy, greasy meals before workouts

Skipping recovery meals

Over-reliance on protein powders

Poor hydration

Lack of fruits and veggies

Sample Meal Plan For A Strength Athlete

Pre-Workout (30–60 mins):

1 boiled egg + banana

Handful of roasted groundnuts

Zobo or lemon water

Post-Workout Breakfast:

Yam porridge with spinach and fish

Unsweetened tigernut milk or Greek yoghurt

Lunch:

Brown rice + turkey bell pepper sauce

Steamed carrots and garden egg

 

Snack:

Akara + cucumber slices

Watermelon cubes

 

Dinner:

Grilled fish + light vegetable sauce

Plantain flour swallow + ugu soup

Recipe: Yam & Egg Stir-Fry with Ugu and Grilled Suya Chicken

Why it works:

High-protein, high-carb, and rich in antioxidants—this dish is perfect for strength building and recovery.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

For Yam Stir-Fry:

1 small yam (peeled, diced, boiled)

3 eggs

1 cup shredded ugu

1 tomato, 1 onion

1 tsp olive oil, salt & dried pepper

For Suya Chicken:

2 chicken thighs

1 tbsp suya spice, 1 tsp olive oil

Salt, squeeze of lemon

 

 Preparation

1. Suya Chicken:

Marinate and grill at 180°C for 20–25 mins.

2. Yam Stir-Fry:

Sauté onion and tomato, add beaten eggs. Stir in yam and ugu. Season and stir-fry for 3–5 mins.

To Serve:

Plate the yam stir-fry and top with suya chicken strips. Pair with cucumber water or watermelon juice