The biggest traps women fall into with protein and how to avoid them at all costs!
Not checking for fat content
Most protein sources have fat content — sometimes as much or more as the protein itself. Plus, fat has more than twice the calories per gram that protein does! That’s why you’ll see recipes that call for egg whites instead of whole eggs, but the same principle can even apply to meats where there isn’t visible fat. For example, chicken breasts are much leaner than legs. Be sure to check the fat content on protein sources when you buy them and either change up what you buy or factor the non-protein macros into your daily numbers!
Eating incomplete proteins
You can absolutely build the body composition you want on a plant-based diet, and we even have coaches at WarriorBabe that specialize in exactly that. However, don’t go completely off of nutrition facts and assume that the amount of protein listed is what you’re getting! That protein needs to have all 9 essential amino acids to be useful to the body, whether that means getting it from a complete source like soy or combining two foods that have complementary amino acids, such as rice and certain types of beans.
“Batching” your protein intake
Once you know your ideal daily protein intake, don’t just focus on the number — how you distribute it throughout the day is so important. The human body can’t process a full day’s worth of protein at once! For example, eating a low-protein breakfast and lunch followed by a protein-heavy dinner will not give you the same results as splitting the same amount equally across several smaller meals. Gradual absorption throughout the day is key to making the most out of your protein intake!
It can be a struggle to consistently get quality protein sources in your diet, but you don’t have to figure out your macros alone — by becoming a WarriorBabe, you gain access to all the resources, coaching, and feedback you need to achieve balanced nutrition that enables you to build the body and lifestyle you want!
