Pro Cheer Nutrition: Animal vs Plant-Based Protein: What's the Difference?

The great thing about making diet plans is that there are a wide variety of foods to choose from that would cater to your eating practices. When it comes to meeting your protein intake, you can choose from plant-based and animal-based sources.

One can be curious about how plant and animal-based proteins differ, especially since they come from two very different types of organisms. Which one is complete and has more benefits for pro cheer fitness? What are examples of animal and plant-based proteins you can buy in the market? Let’s answer these questions below.

What Are The Benefits of Animal Protein?

Each type of animal meat has its own set of benefits to the human body. Fish proteins, especially those from the salmon, mollusk, and crustacean families, are known to be rich in omega-3 and zinc. This fatty acid and mineral are essential for maintaining cognitive, heart, and immune system health.

On the other hand, poultry and livestock meats such as beef, pork, lamb, and chicken are great for increasing lean muscle mass and preventing muscle loss that comes with aging. Other studies show that animal proteins lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and cancers.

Animal Protein Amino Acid Content vs Plant Protein Amino Acid Content

Plant proteins are incomplete. They lack several essential amino acids, including heme iron and vitamin B-12. The ones present have a low count compared to animal proteins per serving size. Additionally, plant proteins are 60-70% absorbable while animal proteins have a 90% absorbability.

Despite all this, plant-based proteins can’t be said to be healthier than their animal counterparts even when most of the latter contain high saturated fat. According to a debunk made by the American College of Cardiology, saturated fats can help manage body weight instead of adding unnecessary pounds and their high intake has no correlation to cardiovascular diseases.

Examples of Animal Protein Sources

Eggs
Fishes
Dairy products
Red meat (most mammals and some fishes)
White meat (most poultry and some fishes)
Wild game (hunted animals)

Examples of Plant Protein Sources

Grains
Nuts
Legumes
Avocados
Soy
Hemp
Peas
Rice
Lentils
Beans

Which Is a Complete Source of Protein?

As you’ve read above, animal-based products are the complete protein source. We highly recommend formulating your pro cheer diet with mostly animal proteins instead of plants. It’s because animal proteins can help you become fitter and stronger as a dancer and pro cheerleader.

However, if you’re vegan or vegetarian, it’s okay to abstain from animal proteins. Just make sure that you’re fulfilling your daily micronutrient needs through food supplements.

The key to having an animal protein-rich diet is moderation, variation, and regular exercise. Eat enough meat per meal to fulfill your daily protein needs. Try a variety of animal meats as well. Better yet, visit the different meat sections of your local grocery store every time you stock up. And finally, aim to exercise at least five times a week to maintain cardiovascular fitness and good cholesterol levels.

Learn more about pro cheer diet and nutrition here!

Stay updated with Pro Cheer Life's best fitness, beauty, motivation, and audition day tips

Our professional cheerleading community has all the tools and resources you need to achieve your pro cheer goals. Whether you are a dreamer, pro cheer candidate, newbie or veteran, Pro Cheer Life is here to help you succeed.

Join our community by signing up for our mailing list below. What’s in it for you? We offer you free pro cheerleading advice that will boost not just your pro cheer career but also improve other areas of your life.