Why Is Protein Important In Your Pro Cheer Diet?

Protein has been the staple macronutrient for athletes since the 1950s. So it comes as no surprise that in professional cheerleading, it should also be a major part of your nutrition plan. What exactly is protein? And what are the important reasons for nourishing yourself with it as an athlete/dancer? Let’s discuss the answers below.

What Is Protein?

Protein is a macronutrient and nitrogen organic compound that’s essential for building muscle tissues. It is mainly found complete in animal-based foods. However, protein can also be sourced from plant-based products — but they often lack in one or more essential amino acids.

According to a study, the recommended daily protein intake is 0.8 g protein per kilogram of a person’s body weight. So if your weight is within the standards for a healthy adult woman, you need to eat 46-49 grams of protein every day. Meanwhile, other sources recommend a target protein intake of 1 gram per pound of current or target body weight.

7 Reasons You Need Protein for Professional Cheerleading

We can live without consuming carbohydrates, but definitely not without protein. Following a low-protein diet would make you lose muscle mass, resulting in a loss of strength, slowed metabolism, and difficulties in balancing. Here are more reasons why you should include protein in your diet as an aspiring or current pro cheerleader:

1. It helps you lose weight

Protein helps you feel full for longer durations and boosts your metabolism. This means you’re less likely to eat less and burn fat at a higher rate — two important factors for losing and maintaining a healthy weight.

2. It helps you build a lean physique

Because protein significantly reduces fat in your body while boosting muscle growth, you’ll appear more athletic and lean. Remember, looking fit is one of the requirements for pro cheer auditions and squad members.

3. It helps repair and strengthen muscle tissue

In addition to muscle growth, protein is the main nutrient for repairing the microtears in the muscles that results from a workout or dance routine. Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) happens after tough workouts, but fortunately, protein promotes healing and reduces soreness.

4. It acts as an antioxidant

As we grow old, our bodies become more susceptible to diseases caused by free radicals. Protein inhibits lipid oxidation which is the main cause for the formation of the aforementioned unstable atoms.

5. It supports your immune system

Some of the common hindrances to being a successful pro cheerleader are illnesses. The amino acids found in protein-rich foods boost immune cells by giving them the energy to fight infections. As a result, you’re less likely to suffer from colds and cases of flu.

6. It strengthens your bones

In pro cheerleading, you can incur bone injuries from performing stunts and dance routines. And by taking protein, you can strengthen your bones, putting you at less risk of getting a fracture in case of an accident.

7. It helps you stay fit as you age

Getting old is a natural part of life and so is muscle deterioration. But because you’re getting the recommended protein intake daily, you can be fit, strong, and beautiful for pro cheerleading even if you reach your 40s, like Kriste Lewis, for example.

There are plenty of protein-packed dishes you can make at home to keep your pro cheer diet well-rounded. Discover great recipes below!

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.