We’ve all heard that word: collagen. If you’re like my mom, you associate that word with Botox and face fillers. If you’re a fan of the Kardashians, you think of Kylie Jenner and lip injections. But if you’re me, you think of a perfect cup of coffee. I know what you’re thinking: How in the world do I correlate coffee and collagen?? Listen up my friends, I have quite a bit to teach you…
Collagen, in scientific terms, is the main structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues. It’s found all over the body: in our bones, muscles, skin and tendons, where it provides strength and structure. As we age, the production of collagen declines, which means we are forced to replenish through outside sources (ie: supplements). Besides improving our hair and skin, where it can also decrease the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks, collagen can also reduce joint pains and degeneration, repair a leaky gut, and boost metabolism, muscle mass and energy output. Wow! If you’re a bit overwhelmed by all this great info, no stress: the most important aspect to take from all of this is that collagen is GREAT, and it is vital you add it to your daily diet.
Now, when I say add it to your diet, I don’t necessarily mean call your plastic surgeon and make an appointment for Botox. Instead, I suggest investing in a collagen supplement, either in powder, pill or chew form. Not only is this way cheaper, it replenishes your body with collagen that will affect way more than fine lines and droopy eye lids.
My personal favorite brand of collagen power is Ancient Nutrition’s Bone Bro
th Collagen. Guys–this stuff is AMAZING. It comes in pure (ie: tasteless), vanilla and chocolate flavors, which makes it so easy to incorporate into your daily diet. Throw it into your smoothies, muffins and cake mixes, banana breads, coffee–ANYTHING! Not only is it versatile, it is truly SO good. No weird fake sweetener taste and can truly change a basic protein smoothie into a milkshake-tasting treat.
Coming up second is Reserveage Nutrition’s Collagen Replenish Powder. This stuff has no taste or odor, and is so easy to throw into a smoothie or coffee. Not only is this supplement filled with collagen peptides, but also hyaluronic acid and vitamin C–great for smooth and supple skin! The brand also sells the supplement in fruit chew and capsule form, for those of you who are more of the Starbucks coffee type. They really do make it so easy to get your daily collagen supplement in!
Finally, AminoSculpt makes liquid collagen peptides that come in cherry and mango flavors. Not only is this stuff GOOD–it’s sweetened with stevia, so it’s sugar free and doesn’t contain any of those gross high fructose or unhealthy sweeteners. I’m not really a fruit smoothie kind of girl, so I choose to utilize these liquid supplements simply in a glass of water before I go to sleep. My personal favorite is the cherry flavor!
So there you have it! My favorite collagen supplement brands and easy ways to incorporate it into your daily diet. Stay tuned for my favorite recipes I use daily to get in my collagen intake!
Here is a link to my favorite Collagen Coffee Recipe, super easy and delicious.
I also did a quick video recap of the products mentioned above, click here to see it.
Until next week,
Lauren
