72. Debunking Protein Myths: 3 Reasons Why Women Need Protein for Fat Loss and Muscle Health

Ultimate Guide to Protein – A free resource packed with practical tips, recipes, and personalized advice on how to get more protein in your diet. [Download Here!] 

https://www.shaeladaugherty.com/proteinguide

In this episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most misunderstood aspects of nutrition—protein intake for women. Whether you're aiming for fat loss, building lean muscle, or simply improving your overall metabolism, understanding protein’s role in your diet is crucial—especially as you move past 30.

Join me, Shaela Daugherty, as I share my personal story of how I navigated the world of protein and fitness and debunk some of the biggest myths around protein for women. If you’ve ever worried about whether protein will make you "bulky" or if you’re eating too much, this episode is for you!

Here’s what we cover:

• The real reason behind muscle loss after 30 and why protein is key for preserving lean muscle.
• How protein supports your metabolism and helps burn fat even while you're at rest.
• The critical role protein plays in hormonal health, and how increasing your intake can help with weight management.
• Debunking myths like “Protein is only for bodybuilders” and “I don’t need to think about protein in every meal.”
• How to know if you’re eating the right amount of protein for your body and your specific fitness goals (hint: you’re probably not eating enough).

If you’re looking to take control of your fitness, improve your weight management, and finally understand how protein can support your journey toward a healthier life, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Free Resource: Don’t forget to download my Ultimate Guide to Protein. It includes a breakdown of how much protein you need based on your body weight and goals, high-protein recipes, and more tips for incorporating protein into your meals.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why Protein is Essential for Women Over 30:

   • Muscle mass naturally declines after 30, leading to increased body fat and decreased muscle tone. Protein helps slow this process and supports recovery from workouts.

2. The Role of Protein in Hormonal Health:

   • Protein plays a crucial role in balancing hormones, which is essential for metabolism, muscle maintenance, and fat loss as we age.

3. How Protein Boosts Metabolism:

   • Eating more protein increases the calories your body burns at rest due to the energy required to digest it, making it a key factor in fat loss.

4. Debunking Common Protein Myths:

   • Myth #1: Protein is only for bodybuilders.
   • Myth #2: I don’t need that much protein.
   • Myth #3: Protein will make me gain weight.
   • Myth #4: I don’t need protein in every meal.

Actionable Tips:

• Start tracking your daily protein intake and see if you’re meeting your needs (0.8-1g of protein per pound of body weight).
• Include protein at every meal to help keep your energy stable and recover from your workouts.
• If you’re unsure where to start with protein or feel overwhelmed, download Shaela’s Ultimate Guide to Protein. This guide offers personalized advice on how much protein you should eat based on your goals, along with high-protein recipes and tips to make it simple.

This week, focus on evaluating your current protein intake. Track it, write it down, and see if you’re hitting the recommended amount for your body and goals. If not, start incorporating more protein into your meals and see how it affects your energy, hunger, and workouts!