One thing I've learned about college so far is that eating healthy can be difficult (hello, dining hall food) and that it can be difficult to get in good sources of protein (chicken breast? again?). And finding time to keep your hair shining, skin on point, and nails intact? Even more difficult. As I am always on the quest for healthy hacks, let me introduce you to collagen – the most abundant protein in your body – and how Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides can check off a lot of boxes (because, well, life).
Collagen Peptides have been getting more and more attention recently, with Vital Proteins being a forefront of the movement. So why care about it? As collagen is the vital building block of our bodies, this powder made from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides definitely packs a nutritional punch – some benefits of taking Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides include "glowing skin, a more youthful appearance, joint health, tendon and bone strength, healthy cartilage, increased athletic performance, improved digestion, gut health, and deeper sleep."
So how are you supposed to take this and get these benefits, you ask?
First and foremost, it's tasteless. Second, it's soluble in hot or cold liquids. This means that really anything goes, but here are a couple of seamless and delicious ways to sneak in 20 grams of protein, 70 calories, and all the benefits into your diet:
1. Stir it into your overnight oats or oatmeal to make AMs easier (just add a little extra milk)
2. Pour some into your coffee (the collagen dissolves when mixed in right away so there's no nasty, chunky texture change)
#SpoonTip: Vital Proteins makes individual packets for when you need to put some in your latte on-the-go or need some protein for your dining hall oatmeal (because #gainz)
3. Add a scoop or two to baked goods so you feel a little better about yourself (it won't affect the taste, but you will need to add some more liquid to compensate)
4. Mix it into your smoothies
Vital Proteins offers several products including Matcha Collagen (because caffeine is always the answer), Collagen Beauty Greens (because not everyone wants to get their greens in with salads all the time), Marine Collagen (made from snapper instead of bovine hides like the Collagen Peptides), whey protein (if you're not ready to make the jump yet), and Collagen Creamer with flavors including vanilla and coconut that are a healthier alternative to coffee creamer. The Collagen Peptides is the only Vital Proteins product I've tried so far. It's a good product to start with because it's so versatile, but I'll definitely be trying more in the future.
Has it worked for me?
After having Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides in my coffee every morning the past couple of days and in recipes for oatmeal, smoothies, and baked goods, I have noticed improvements in my skin (it looks a lot more radiant) and sleep. In the meantime, though, I'm going to keep riding the collagen train and see if I reap more benefits. I hope y'all will join me!