No money? No problem! We give you 4 cheap foods that can help you build muscle today!

Putting muscle mass is difficult when you want clean sources of protein, unless you've got the money to spend on protein powders every month. Even if you do, those powders may not be as bioavailable as their more natural alternatives, and they could be missing some important nutritional components that your body needs to regulate its hormones and produce better yields for your workouts.

The solution is to find cheap sources of protein that are practical and enjoyable to eat, and it isn't as impossible as you might think. Here are four of the best protein sources from cheap foods, for your budget, and your health.

4. Eggs

Depending on where you live, and whether or not you need organic eggs, you can get eggs for $1.50 to $2.00 USD a dozen. Each egg contains anywhere from 6 to 10 grams of protein per egg, usually ringing in at 78 to 90 calories. Eggs are quick to make, quick to eat, and they have a place in almost every meal or desert that you can imagine. The cholesterol in the egg's yolk even helps your hormonal structuring for increased muscle growth. One of the best cheap foods you can eat.

3. Cottage Cheesecake

Cottage cheese contains casein, which is dairy protein that you digest slowly. Casein can help your blood amino levels to get elevated to levels that are higher than other forms of dairy protein, and for longer. It also contains helpful live bacteria that aid in digestion. All of this means that you'll get more from your meals if you include full fat cottage cheese on the menu. It also tastes great, but if you aren't a fan of the flavor, try adding it into protein smoothies for some full bodied texture.

2. Chickpeas

It's true that chickpeas are a carbohydrate, but they're also a source of the slow-acting variety, which makes them a solid alternative to rice and noodles when you're planning your meals. They also have a high amount of fiber, and you can either buy them canned, or dry to rehydrate yourself. You can, and should, use chickpeas to make your own hummus at home for dips on those days when you want variety in your meal without sacrificing a health-conscious routine.

1. Whole Chicken

Pound for pound, whole chicken tends to fall under the category of “most affordable animal protein,” right next to pork. A whole chicken can cost anywhere from $5 if you purchase a ready-made chicken from your local grocery market, to $10 if you prefer a larger chicken to cook yourself at home. Whole chickens have 1190 calories, and an outstanding 162 grams of protein. It's also versatile enough to break up into pieces to eat in meals throughout the day as a very affordable protein entree. You can also use this cheap foods leader to make hearty soups.