Top Myths About Protein You Should Stop Believing

Protein is one of the most important nutrients for the human body and has been proven to be crucial for building muscle and losing body fat. But there are some pretty big protein myths out there, and you might be believing some of them. This can prevent you from reaching fitness and performance-related goals in pro cheerleading and dance.

This post will bust the top 5 protein myths that are still out there, so you can make sure you're not getting information from false sources.

Myth #1: All protein sources are equal.

This isn’t even close to the truth. The quality of protein is of utmost importance and it’s why there are so many different opinions and debates on the topic. You might think that you can build muscle, lose fat, and recover from your workouts faster regardless of the protein source, but that simply isn’t true.

The truth is that some protein sources are better than others. Quality protein has all essential amino acids, and this includes meat, fish, and eggs.

Myth #2: It’s impossible to build muscle on a plant-based diet.

Another myth in the fitness world is that you have to eat meat to get enough protein for muscle growth. This myth is especially prevalent among those who are just starting out on a plant-based diet or are considering making the change.

Although animal protein is superior in that it provides the 9 essential amino acids, it doesn’t mean you cannot obtain them from plant foods. So, yes, it’s possible to get enough of it from sources like soybeans, almonds, chickpeas, tofu, and tempeh.

Myth #3: More protein is always better.

How much protein your body needs will depend on your lifestyle, fitness goals and training regime. Also, keep in mind that your body may turn excess protein into glucose. This is a process called gluconeogenesis. In other words, eating more protein than your body can use, can cause a rise in blood sugar and insulin.

Here’s a tip: Aim to consume 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight (or target body weight) per day.

Myth #4: You only need a high-protein diet for weight loss.

It is true that a high-protein diet can help you lose weight, but that’s because protein is actually more filling than other macronutrients and also takes longer to digest.

However, you can’t lose weight by just eating a lot of protein. A varied diet, which includes protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the right amounts (based on your activity level and physique goals) is essential for optimal health and well-being.

Myth #5: Protein isn’t necessary for breakfast.

It’s important to get adequate protein at each meal and at breakfast is no exception. Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, make sure to plan it with protein in mind. Instead of just toast or cereal, incorporate or pair it with eggs, Greek yogurt, tuna, nuts, and seeds.

You’ll love this: 5 High Protein Lunch Recipes That Support Weight Loss

Final Thoughts

With all the conflicting information about protein, it can be tricky to know how much you really need, what the best sources are, and when to consume it. We hope this article has helped you understand more about protein so you can make better choices as a pro cheer athlete!

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