This post is sponsored by Naked Nutrition. As always, all opinions are our own and based on personal expertise and research. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in and use.
Written by Diana Licalzi, MS, RD, CDCES
If you’re trying to lower your blood sugar, lose fat, or reverse insulin resistance, there’s one lever you may not be pulling hard enough: your daily protein intake.
And not just any protein — a clean, complete, plant-based option that actually supports your metabolic health.
In this article, we’ll break down, 1) why muscle is one of your best allies in blood sugar control, 2) how protein supports fat loss without sacrificing lean mass, and 3) why Naked Pea Protein is an ideal protein powder for anyone managing insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
Why Muscle Is the Key to Better Blood Sugar
Muscle isn’t just about strength or aesthetics – it’s one of the most metabolically active tissues in your body and serves as your primary site for disposing of blood glucose. In fact, skeletal muscle accounts for roughly 70–80% of the glucose uptake from your blood after a meal. [1]
Every time you eat carbohydrates, they’re broken down into glucose and released into your bloodstream. Insulin’s job is to move that glucose out of the blood and into your cells – primarily into muscle tissue, where it’s stored as glycogen and later used for energy. The more healthy, active muscles you have, the more glucose your body can handle efficiently. Think of your muscles as metabolic “storage tanks” – the larger and more active they are, the more glucose they can absorb, and the less glucose stays floating in your blood.
That’s why studies consistently show that people with greater muscle mass have better insulin sensitivity, lower fasting blood sugar levels, and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. [2]
Building muscle through exercise has immediate benefits for blood sugar control, too – even a single session of resistance training can improve your muscles’ uptake of glucose for up to 24–48 hours afterward. [3]
On the flip side, losing muscle – whether from aging (sarcopenia), inactivity, or chronically low protein intake – shrinks those “storage tanks.” With less muscle, your body becomes less efficient at clearing glucose from the blood, and your pancreas has to produce more insulin to compensate. [4] In short, if you want to improve your blood sugar naturally, start by protecting and rebuilding your muscle mass. It’s not just about looking fit – it’s about restoring your body’s ability to use glucose properly and addressing insulin resistance at the root.
Protein’s Role in Muscle Growth and Fat Loss
To build muscle, you need two non‑negotiables: resistance training and sufficient daily protein intake.
Resistance training provides the stimulus, the signal that tells your body, “Hey, we need stronger, more efficient muscle tissue.” Protein provides the building blocks, the amino acids, your body uses to repair, rebuild, and strengthen those muscle fibers after every workout.
When you train consistently and give your body enough protein, you create the perfect environment for muscle growth and improved metabolic function.
But here’s what most people miss: protein isn’t just for athletes or bodybuilders, it’s a cornerstone of metabolic health. During fat loss phases or periods of calorie restriction, adequate protein helps preserve lean muscle mass, preventing the slowdown in metabolism that often comes with dieting [5]. It also increases satiety, helping you stay full longer and reducing the urge to snack or overeat [6].
And the benefits go far beyond body composition. Research shows that higher protein intake [7]:
- Improves blood sugar control by slowing digestion and stabilizing post-meal glucose levels
- Keeps your metabolism active, since muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat
- Promotes sustainable fat loss, not just short-term weight loss, by targeting fat while protecting muscle
In other words, protein helps you lose the right kind of weight.
And when that protein comes from a clean, plant-based source like Naked Pea Protein, you’re fueling your body with everything it needs – and nothing it doesn’t. No additives. No artificial sweeteners. Just 25 grams of pure, muscle-supporting plant protein per serving to help you rebuild, recover, and reset your metabolism naturally.
Why Naked Pea Protein?
The problem with most commercial protein powders? They’re often loaded with unnecessary extras, things your body doesn’t need and, in many cases, shouldn’t have.
Many commercial protein powders contain artificial sweeteners like sucralose and sugar alcohols such as erythritol, and thickeners like carrageenan or xanthan gum, all of which can lead to bloating, digestive discomfort, or even disrupt blood sugar regulation in sensitive individuals.
For people managing insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, or sensitive digestion, these additives can cause more harm than good.
That’s why we recommend Naked Pea Protein.
It’s made from just one ingredient – yellow peas – grown in the U.S. and Canada, processed with water-based technology to retain purity and protein integrity. Every scoop delivers 25 grams of high-quality, plant-based protein.
It’s also neutral in flavor, mixing easily into smoothies, oats, or post-workout shakes without overpowering your meal or requiring tons of added ingredients to make it palatable.
In short, Naked Pea Protein gives you what your body needs to build muscle, manage blood sugar, and support metabolic health – without all the junk that slows you down.
Easy Ways to Add Naked Pea Protein Into Your Routine
One of the best things about Naked Pea Protein is how flavor-neutral and easy to mix it is — making it incredibly versatile for everyday use. Whether you prefer smoothies, bowls, or baked goods, it blends seamlessly into your routine without overpowering your meals or adding unwanted sweetness.
Here are a few simple ways to add it to your day:
- Post-workout smoothie: Blend it with frozen berries, spinach, flaxseeds, and unsweetened soy milk for a muscle-repairing, blood sugar–friendly recovery shake.
- Morning oats or overnight oats: Stir it into cooked oatmeal or your overnight oat mix to boost protein and stay full longer throughout the morning.
- Quick protein shake: Mix with soy milk, cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla for a clean, satisfying drink when you're on the go.
- Yogurt bowl: Combine it with yogurt, berries, chia seeds, and almond butter for a balanced, fiber-rich snack.
- Baking: Add it to recipes like protein pancakes, muffins, or banana bread to increase the protein content without changing the flavor or texture.
Whether you want to build muscle, lower blood sugar, or burn visceral fat, using Naked Pea Protein daily is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support your body — without adding any unnecessary ingredients. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.
To Recap
If you’re serious about improving your metabolic health, start by building and fueling your muscles. And to do that, you need high-quality protein.
Naked Pea Protein gives you everything you need — clean ingredients, complete plant-based protein, and nothing unnecessary. It’s our go-to recommendation for clients looking to improve insulin sensitivity and support long-term blood sugar control.
Because when it comes to reversing insulin resistance, what you add to your diet matters just as much as what you cut.
[1] https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/3/647
[2] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110728082601.htm
[3] https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0302480
[4] https://www.mdpi.com/2673-396X/6/3/47
[5] https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/12/2000




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