Collagen Chaos

***This is a sponsored conversation that has been brought to you by Vital Proteins

I have been posting quite a bit about Collagen lately and using it in everything from soups to smoothies to baking and coffee. As we head into the late fall and the winter months our immune systems tend to run low and sicknesses become hard to ward off. A well balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits and veggies and lean protein are vital to giving your body proper nutrition to thrive! Unfortunately, as processed foods become more prevalent our bodies become void of important nutrients like collagen that were once part of an average american diet. Thankfully many nutrients can be supplemented and can work wonders on your health and well being.

I have three different types of Vital Proteins Collagen in my cabinets right now and I wanted to share a little bit of how I use each one. Sometimes I feel like we as Americans buy things we see on shelves at Whole Foods, on TV, or as we scroll Instagram, but after receiving them we try them once or twice thinking they will offer you the miracle you have been searching for. More often than not, they end up sitting in our cabinets, on our shelves and never get used. I have to  admit that I let my Beauty Greens hang out for a while before I used them as I am pretty much addicted to my plain collagen peptides that I use every day, multiple times per day. More on that below.

Here is how I use my favorite Vital Proteins Collagen Products: 

Collagen Peptides: As you may have learned in this and this post Collagen Peptides are tasteless and will dissolve in anything hot or cold. They can easily be added to your favorite egg dish, smoothies or baked goods, but my favorite way to use them is to upgrade my coffee. With a simple mix of collagen peptides, MCT oil and grass fed butter. They froth up into a sumptuous smoothie.

If you are a guy or gal that is always on-the-go they have individual packets and now have collagen creamers in coconut, vanilla and gingerbread! They are getting rave reviews and are made from organic coconut milk, collagen peptides, vanilla bean and organic spices like nutmeg, ginger and clove. You can keep them on your desk or bring them in your suitcase for an added health boost in your morning java! You can learn more about collagen creamers here.

 Bone Broth Collagen

Bone broth is rich in minerals that support the immune system and contains healing compounds like collagen, glutamine, glycine and proline. The Bone Broth Collagen from Vital Proteins can help heal your gut lining and battle inflammation. When “bad bacteria” in your body gets overgrown your body will become unable to absorb the nutrients necessary for your body to work in tip-top condition.

I love adding Bone Broth Collagen to soups and casseroles like my chicken soup or butternut squash mac and cheese. If you keep the dishes savory the Bone Broth Collagen will remain flavorless and completely dissolve, but you will gain all of the gut healing benefits. You can even make a simple bone broth with vegetables, bones, herbs and Collagen Bone Broth and sip on it during the winter months. Just like you would a cup of tea.

Collagen Beauty Greens:

I am not going to lie. I let these Collagen Beauty Greens sit out on my counter for over a month before using them. I have added them to lemon water as a quick post-workout, but my favorite way to use these powdered greens is in a smoothie. The Collagen Beauty Greens are made of a blend of high quality Marine Collagen, combined with organic trees that offer a daily serving of vitamin A, hyaluronic acid and a punch of probiotics for gut health. Which BTW has been a total digestive game changer when added to a high fiber smoothie. If you want clearer and more strong hair skin and nails and increased gut health then I would definitely try these Collagen Beauty Greens.

Green Goddess Smoothie

2 Servings of greens like kale or spinach

1/2 Banana

1 Tbsp flax seeds

1 Carrot

1 Inch of fresh
ginger or turmeric root (If using turmeric add a dash of black pepper for absorption)

1 C of cashew milk

1 Scoop of Collagen Beauty Greens

1 Serving of whey or plant protein

Collagen is making waves in the health and fitness world for good reason! Over time you should begin to notice clearer skin, strong hair and nails and less joint pain. I love that collagen is chock full of protein and can satisfy you between meals or used as a great pre or post workout.