Protein is great. This is better

Kion Aminos Review

In a recent post, I shared about all of the supplements I’ve been taking lately to support my health and wellness journey. I don’t think there is any magic pill or powder, or cream that can magically transform us, but I do believe that certain supplements can make a difference in our performance. I like it when I can noticeably tell if something is or isn’t working. It’s really hard when there are so many things to take and so much information out there. I get confused, and I have a huge drawer full of half-empty bottles of things I’ve experimented with and honestly haven’t stuck with.

I had a discussion recently with Liz Plosser, who is not only one of the smartest and most grounded people I know but also someone incredibly trusted in the health space (she was the editor-in-chief at Women’s Health). She and I both agreed on how confusing the supplement landscape can be. We also both agreed that taking creatine is beneficial and also really does help you in your goals when it comes to maintaining or building muscle. She also told me how powerful EAAs are. She explained how essential they are for our bodies, especially as we age or if our diets aren’t protein-heavy. She has been taking both creatine and EAAs for a while and has seen and felt a huge difference. I was curious to find out more.

So I had a phone call with Angelo Keely, the Co-Founder and CEO of Kion, and he is awesome. Super passionate and humble, and he knows a lot about human physiology, nutrition, and the science behind performance. He had a pretty crazy story about almost dying in his teens and how he ended up turning his entire life around. I felt like I could’ve talked to him forever. Our conversation around nutrition and the science behind EAAs stuck with me. I was fascinated by the depth of thought that went into formulating his brand Kion Aminos—and honestly, after hearing him break it all down, I felt like I had to start taking EAAs.

So what are EAAs—and why do they matter?

EAAs, or Essential Amino Acids, are the nine amino acids that your body can’t produce on its own. You have to get them through food or supplements, which makes them—well—essential. They’re the building blocks of protein, and our bodies use them for everything from repairing muscles to producing energy, balancing hormones, and keeping our cells functioning properly.

Since I don’t eat a lot of red meat, and my meals are often plant-based (which means I’m probably not getting enough of these nine specific amino acids through diet alone), EAAs can help me fill in the gaps.

Kion Aminos are 100% vegan and made from non-GMO fermented plants, which makes them a perfect fit for my lifestyle. If you're using plant-based protein powder, this is something worth noting: plant-based protein sources are missing at least a few of the essential amino acids. That’s something Liz mentioned when we were talking about why she chooses whey protein—because it has a complete profile. But not everyone can tolerate dairy, and I know I sometimes need an alternative. You can supplement your pea protein or any other vegetarian option with Kion Aminos.

So, why not just eat more protein?

When you eat protein, your body has to break it down into individual amino acids. But not every protein source gives you the full spectrum of EAAs, and sometimes, we just don’t absorb them efficiently, especially when we’re eating mixed meals (like a steak, potatoes, and veggies all in one). Angelo explained that sometimes the body can’t extract as much from that meal as something simpler. If you were to eat a 6-oz steak by itself, you’d get more EAAs than by eating a 12-oz steak with your sweet potatoes and broccoli. Interesting right?

EAAs, on the other hand, go straight to work. They don’t need to be digested. Your body absorbs them quickly and uses them immediately to support muscle recovery, energy production, and even brain function.

A few other cool facts I learned:

• They’re up to 8x more concentrated than protein

• They’re 6x more efficient than whey at stimulating muscle protein synthesis

• They don’t require digestion, so you feel the benefits faster

• They’re formulated in the ideal ratios your body needs to make the most of them

The everyday impact:

So, after becoming aware of the importance of EAAs from Liz and speaking with Angelo, the Co-Founder and CEO of Kion, I started taking Kion Aminos daily. Liz likes to get hers in first thing in the morning with her creatine before a workout. I’ve found that I don’t think about time. I do like to have them immediately after a workout if I can, but really, I make sure to drink a glass daily. I often like it in the mid-afternoon, too, when I can get a bit hangry or sluggish. Post-workout is great for muscle recovery, but I also love it mid-morning or mid-afternoon when I feel my energy dip or I’m tempted to snack. I’ve even taken them right before bed and noticed better sleep (likely because EAAs also play a role in neurotransmitter support). I think the key is consistency. I take mine daily—even on rest days—and I genuinely feel the difference.

I have noticed a difference in my recovery, and I feel less sore after a tough workout the next day. I also have steadier energy throughout the day. Surprisingly, EAAs are helpful with brain fog, and I do feel a bit more focused, I have to admit. I don’t snack as much between meals, likely because I am more satisfied and stable now that I have all of my essentials.

I’ve even started giving a scoop to my boys before their soccer practices. They love it in their water bottles, and it’s such an easy way to get a bit more nutrition into their growing bodies, especially on days when they’ve barely touched their lunch or are in full “carbs only” mode. Angelo told me he gives it to his kids, and I was like, “Wow, so smart. Healthier Gatorade and full of the EAAs their growing bodies need and can use.

Kion Aminos come in a variety of flavors, from cool lime to watermelon to mixed berry to mango. They can be somewhat of an acquired taste, so you can blend them into a smoothie. My personal favorite is the watermelon flavor. I also like the mango flavor with vanilla protein powder and some frozen banana slices. I like the little packets that you can take on the go as well.

Do I need another supplement?

You may not feel the need to use EAAs or add any supplements to your diet at all. Each one of us is unique and different, and we all have varying needs. We’re all trying to be intentional about what we take and not overload our routines. Kion Aminos can fill a very real gap if you aren’t a big meat eater (like me), train pretty heavily, are an endurance athlete, or someone interested in making sure you feel your best every day.

Even those who have a very healthy diet, it is surprisingly hard to get all nine EAAs in the right amounts every day. If you eat plant-based, intermittent fast, or just don’t love big protein-heavy meals, you may want to consider trying EAAs. And as we age, our bodies need more support to maintain (and build) muscle. After 30, we lose 3-8% of our muscle mass each decade. I am trying to juggle work and family, stay active, and eat as healthy as I can. I think supplements are meant to support our lifestyle, not replace healthy habits. They can complement what we are doing as well as fill in the gaps. I recently had blood work done, and my endocrinologist said I’m a bit iron deficient. I can either try and eat a ton of red meat or, more realistically, take an iron supplement. He said, “Look, do what’s easiest and most convenient.”

Kion Aminos are similar, in my opinion. I can mix them in water and easily get all of the essential amino acids I need. EAAs weren’t even on my radar until recently, and now I don’t go a day without them. Between the insights from Liz and that eye-opening chat with Angelo, I feel lucky to have discovered Kion Aminos, and I’m always excited to share insights with you. I don’t mind being a human guinea pig if I can find things that truly make a difference and can help others feel their best. Sometimes, it’s small tweaks and finding the right mix of supplementation and workouts that work for you. If you’re curious or have questions, feel free to DM me or leave a comment. I’m always happy to talk more about what’s working for me and hear what’s working for you.

And finally, Aminos is actually much more cost-effective than protein. If you compare Aminos to protein on a gram-for-gram basis, Aminos is more concentrated in EAAs than protein, more beneficial to your muscles than protein, and overall more effective than protein.

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