Making products for women by women, it’s always been essential for us to include the highest-quality and best-tasting protein. That’s because protein is a powerhouse macronutrient — especially for us as active women looking to feel our strongest and healthiest. 

We’re breaking down everything you need to know about protein, what it does for your beautiful body, and why Tone It Up Protein is designed specifically for YOU!

Why does your body need protein? 

For many years, protein was thought of as something for men, but it’s actually key to achieving your fitness goals as a woman. Here are a few of the incredible benefits: 

✓ Forms lean muscle

When you crush your TIU workouts, your muscle fibers break down. Your body needs protein's amino acids to synthesize new cells, which repair the damaged fibers and help form new, lean muscle. Research shows that post-workout protein can enhance gains in muscle strength and even your aerobic power!

✓ Boosts metabolism 

Protein requires more energy to digest, metabolize, and use compared to carbs and fat. This creates a thermic effect in your body, which means you burn energy just by digesting protein. This process can actually burn up to 30 percent of the calories you take in.

✓ Keeps you satisfied 

Studies show that adding protein to your meals can lower levels of ghrelin, aka the “hunger hormone,” which sends signals to your brain to stimulate appetite. Protein also boosts levels of the hormone peptide YY, which boosts your satiety. 

✓ Keeps your energy steady 

​​Pairing protein with a healthy balance of fat and carbs will keep your blood sugar levels steady, which prevents energy spikes and crashes. Translation: You’ll be feeling balanced and energized all day long!

Why is Tone It Up Protein plant-based?

Our mission has always been to make Tone It Up Protein inclusive for everyone — no matter who you are, your lifestyle, or if you have dietary restrictions. Because Tone It Up Protein is plant-based, it works for everyone, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, pescetarian, flexitarian, have a dairy or soy sensitivity, or simply want to incorporate more plant-based foods into your lifestyle. Tone It Up Protein is such an easy and delicious way to get more plants into your day!

What is the difference between whey and pea protein? 

We chose the type of protein in your powders and snacks very carefully and we’ll explain why! Whey protein is a by-product of dairy production. It’s made by heating cow’s milk and filtering the liquid portion from the curds that form. The liquid whey is dried and formed into a powder. 

Because whey is derived from dairy, we’ve found that it can cause bloating and stomach upset. We also wanted to choose a protein that works for plant-based girls and those with dairy intolerances. Tone It Up Protein is NOT made with whey or any other dairy product, or soy, which can have hormonal effects. 

Which brings us to what Tone It Up Protein is made of…pea protein! Our pea protein is made by extracting protein from yellow split peas. It’s entirely plant-based, so it’s amazing for everyone. 

Some of the other perks are:

✓ Naturally gluten-free

✓ Dairy-free

✓ Rich in iron, which supports a healthy immune system

✓ Pea protein is one of the few plant-based complete proteins, which means it contains all 9 of the essential amino acids the body needs (your body doesn’t produce these on its own). Getting these amino acids is key to forming lean muscle, boosting your metabolism, and recovering post-workout.

✓ Delicious, smooth taste!

Why is 15 grams of protein right for you? 

You’ll notice that Tone It Up Protein has 15 grams of protein per serving, and we chose that number very intentionally because it’s the sweet spot for women to see the benefits of protein without over consuming it. 

One of the things I learned while studying nutrition that surprised me is that when you have excess protein, your body stores it as fat. Both protein and carbs have 4 calories per gram. Extra carbs are kept as fat (something most of us know), but many don’t realize that extra protein is stored the same way. That’s why, as a woman, you don’t want too much protein in one sitting. 

Plus, when you use protein powder in recipes, you are also getting protein from other sources. For example, in a protein pancake, you get protein from egg whites. In a smoothie, the nut milk and even the fruit deliver protein too. 

With 15 grams of protein per scoop in your powder, plus other sources from the recipes, you’re getting just the right amount of protein to meet your fitness and nutrition goals. You’ll feel satisfied and energized while also light, fit, and healthy!

What else should you look out for on labels? 

We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to check your labels! So many protein products are filled with artificial ingredients, fake sugars, and a long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce. Tone It Up Protein is made with THE BEST ingredients that are all plant-based, non-GMO, gluten-free, and kosher. We don’t use anything artificial or any fake sugar products that can cause bloating. 

We stand by our ingredients 1,000% and are so proud of all the Tone It Up Nutrition products. We make everything for YOU, so it has to be the absolute best! That is — and always will be — our #1 priority, passion, and purpose!

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