Muscle building diets require eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day rather than a few large meals. This keeps protein and energy levels constant to fuel muscle growth and boost metabolism. The timing of meals should be coordinated with your workout schedule to maximize muscle building potential. A typical daily calorie intake for muscle growth is around 3,500 calories, mainly from protein, carbs, and nutrients from foods like rice, eggs, chicken, and protein shakes. Diet needs depend on individual goals and workout schedule.