This is embarrassing as an accountability coach, but I used to think plant protein was superior to animal protein.

Animal protein is not superior because it is trendy.

It is superior because your body needs it.

I did not always understand that.

Where I was wrong (and where a lot of people still are)

I used to think of protein as just a macro.

Something to “hit” by the end of the day.

That was the mistake.

Protein is more than a number.

It is a signal to your body.

And the part of your body that responds most to that signal is muscle.

Not the scale.

Muscle.

Once you understand that, everything changes.

Muscle is doing way more than you think

Muscle is not just about looking “toned.”

Muscle helps your body:

• handle carbs better

• keep blood sugar steady

• stay strong and resilient as you age

This is why fat loss, energy, and feeling “good in your body” are not just about cardio or willpower.

They are muscle problems.

So now you have to ask yourself:

“What protein actually helps me keep and build muscle?”

And that answer is animal protein.

Why animal protein works better

Here is the simple version.

1) It flips the muscle switch more easily

Your body needs a clear signal that tells muscle, “Hey, stay strong. Stick around.”

Animal protein sends that signal efficiently.

That’s because animal protein contains the full mix of amino acids your muscle needs, in the right amounts.

Most plant proteins don’t - which means you have to combine foods or eat more volume just to get the same effect.

Plant protein can work.

It just usually requires more planning and more food than most busy moms can realistically maintain.

2) Your body uses more of it

When you eat animal protein, your body absorbs and uses more of what you eat.

Less gets wasted.

More actually goes to muscle.

The goal is not just more protein.

The goal is high-quality protein at each meal.

For most women, that looks like:

• roughly 30 to 50g protein per meal

• prioritizing lean animal protein

Where I land now as a coach

If you are tired, hungry, plateaued, or frustrated despite “doing everything right,” this is the first place I look.

Not your mindset.

Your protein quality.

If you want, tell me what a normal day of eating looks like and I will tell you honestly whether your plan is helping you or quietly working against you.

– Mailoha