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Category Archives: vital proteins

Vital Proteins Gelatin

October 5, 2018 By in vital proteins Tags: , , , , 12 Comments
Vital Proteins Gelatin

About a month ago, I wrote about the differences of Collagen Peptides and Gelatin.  I wanted to try Gelatin, but to be honest, I didn’t know where to start.

I didn’t know the differences myself.  As most people know, I’m a Vital Proteins Ambassador so in exchange for a couple of products each month, I get to try new products.  I’m not being paid to promote the products.

Vital proteins beef gelatin

First, What is Gelatin?

Gelatin is a substance derived from collagen. As I’ve written about before, Collagen is well known for its hair, nail, and skin benefits.  Gelatin is also just as good for those.  Gelatin also has about the same amount of protein. So it’s a great addition to smoothies after a workout.

In food, collagen is found mostly in tougher cuts of beef that contain a lot of connective tissue. Typically these are pieces we don’t use.

Most people don’t eat animal skin or tendons raw.  When you cook collagen, it transforms into gelatin.

In short, Gelatin is the cooked form of Collagen.

The properties of both gelatin and collagen are slightly different, but the health benefits are the same.

Gelatin produces a “gel” effect in foods.

Vital proteins beef gelatin

Collagen Peptides are better mixed into foods because they don’t turn to gel.

I currently use the Flavorless Beef Gelatin Powder. Many people have asked, but it truly has no flavor. I’ve mixed it with sweet drinks and never had an issue.

What is Gelatin better for?

It’s better than Collagen Peptides for a few things:

  • Homemade jello or jello type desserts
  • Homemade marshmallows (I’ve wanted to make this)
  • Thickening smoothies, sauces, and soup.

 One thing that Gelatin has that regular Collagen peptides do not is more of an effect on overall “gut health.”  Gelatin fills the holes of the stomach lining and reduces inflammation. It also increases the amount of gastric acid in the gut.  Gastric Acid is used to digest protein.

Hopefully, that helps with Gelatin. I would love to hear how you’re using collagen or a recipe for Gelatin you have!

Thank you Vital Proteins for keeping me as an ambassador.

Questions for you:

Have you tried cooking with gelatin?

Do you have any easy recipes?

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Vanilla Almond Recovery Protein Smoothie Recipe

September 19, 2018 By in vital proteins Tags: , , , , , 25 Comments
Vanilla Almond Recovery Protein Smoothie Recipe

I thought by now, we would be dealing with colder weather and I would be making some hot, pumpkin spice, beverage…but here we are!  An 80 degree September day!  I’m still drinking smoothies after runs, but the fact that I’m drinking a recovery smoothie is something I’m proud of already.

As many people know by now, I’m a Vital Proteins Ambassador. As an ambassador, I get to try products and authentically post about them.  I’m not being paid, but if Vital Proteins and Collagen has helped me, it will more than likely help someone else too.

You can learn more about the benefits of Collagen here.

Each month I try and post a recipe I’ve been personally using.  Some I hesitate to call “recipes” because they are: add these things and put into a blender.  Maybe I should say, I try and post “flavor combinations”.

With the heat, I’m still enjoying smoothies.  This month I’ve been enjoying the Vital Proteins Banana Cinnamon Whey.

Vanilla Almond Recovery Protein Smoothie Recipe vital proteinsI’ve made a smoothie after each run or workout to recover faster and honestly, I have been!  After runs, workouts, and races, this smoothie is the first thing I’ve had.

I’ve mentioned before in passing, but I’m not a peanut butter, “diehard”.  I like nut butter, but I don’t go through them weekly.   I’ve been including them into my diet to both up calories and to include more “healthy fats” in my diet.  I find adding some almonds and nut butter (whatever I have on hand) keeps me fuller for longer.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Scoops Banana Cinnamon Whey Vital Protein
  • 1 Cup Greek Yogurt
  • 1/2 Cup Oatmeal
  • 1 Tablespoon Almond or Peanut Butter
  • 1/4 Cup Almonds

Add ice and blend.

So that the smoothie isn’t “protein-rich” or “fat rich,” I also added oatmeal which actually blends well and I’m proud of how it turned out.  I like the Vital Proteins Why because it contains protein which I’ve found to help recover faster.

Vanilla Almond Recovery Protein Smoothie Recipe vital proteins

Here are more Vital Protein Collagen posts:

Skin Benefits from Collagen

Recovering with Collagen Protein

Hair and Nail Benefits of Collagen

Differences of Collagen Peptides and Gelatin

Recipes:

Vital Proteins Recovery Smoothie

Questions for you:

Are you good about consuming calories after a run?

What is your smoothie recipe?

Why Collagen Post Run?

September 7, 2018 By in vital proteins Tags: , , , , , 15 Comments
Why Collagen Post Run?

As most people know, I’m a Vital Proteins Ambassador.  I’ve enjoyed Vital Proteins far before becoming an ambassador, and I’ve found Vital Proteins to drastically improve my skin, hair, nails, as well as help me recover from workouts.

In exchange for a couple of products each month, I write benefits for me or share recipes.  I’ve been making the same smoothies through the summer because I prefer a smoothie after a hot summer run.  First, I’m not a doctor or dietician so works for me may not work for you!

me vital proteins

I thought I would share, Why Take Collagen? 

Many people might not know, but Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body.  It is the primary building block of bones, joints, and connective tissue.  I had no idea until doing research last year.

Most natural forms of collagen come from animal rich, fatty products such as animal organs and bones. Most people don’t chomp on animal bones so it can be difficult to get natural collagen.

Collagen is actually crucial in muscle growth as well. Collagen is found in connective tissue. Connective tissues are in almost everything including muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones.

Aging as well as continuous stress (hello running) will cause degrading and loss of collagen.  So even if you’re sedentary, as you age you lose collagen.

So How Does Collagen Help Recover from Workouts?

First, Collagen Promotes a Healthy Response to Inflammation: 

Runners are putting stress on their bodies. It doesn’t matter if you are running 10 miles a day or 2. Stress causes inflammation. After a hard workout, you damage the muscle, and collagen will help create a healthy response to repair the muscle to build stronger! If your body continues to break down the muscle, you will find yourself injured.

Second, Collagen can Help Reduce Injury to the Ligaments and Tendons:

Did you know ligaments are made up almost entirely of collagen? I didn’t know until recently! Ligaments are actually strands of fibrous connective tissue comprised almost exclusively of collagen.

Consuming collagen helps to optimize the rebuilding of ligaments when they are strained!

Third, Joint Health:

If you have ever told a “nonrunner” that you run chances are they will talk about it being bad for your knees or joints. Running does put pressure and strain on your joints.

Collagen is one of the building blocks of the cartilage found in joints  Cartiledge is the which is the tissue that protects your joints.

Fourth, Bone Health:

Runners put a lot of stress on their bones. I am no stranger to bone injuries, and it’s important to keep your bones healthy.  Along with Collagen, I also take a Calcium and Vitamin D supplement.

Anyway, calcium is not the only component to build strong bones.  What most people don’t know is that collagen makes up about 1/3 of bone.  It is the protein that gives bone their flexibility.

Finally, the Protein:

I’m not one to say high protein all of the time.  I think protein has its place in someone’s diet just like both carbohydrates or fat.  (As a public health major in college, I have taken several courses in health and nutrition).  It is vital to get food after a run or workout.  I used to be not great at doing so.  It wasn’t that I avoided it, it was more that I was running late and didn’t put in the time or effort.

Depending on the time of the year I like to make smoothies or add to my coffee. Right now I’ve been making this smoothie after a run which has worked out well.

These are just a few reasons I take Vital Proteins directly after a run.  Since I’ve been using Vital Proteins, I’ve found myself to be recovering faster after hard workouts or races.

Thank you to Vital Proteins for allowing me to be a brand ambassador! 

Other Collagen Posts You Might be Interested In: 
Differences of Collagen Peptides and Gelatin
Top Benefits of Collagen
Skin Benefits from Collagen
Hair and Nail Benefits of Collagen

Questions for you:
Do you have anything post workout?
Have you tried Collagen before? 

Differences of Collagen Peptides and Gelatin

August 23, 2018 By in vital proteins Tags: , , , , , 19 Comments
Differences of Collagen Peptides and Gelatin

As most people know by, now, I’m a Vital Proteins Ambassador.  In exchange for a few posts a month, I get to try different Vital Proteins.  I’m not paid to post about them, but I appreciate the opportunity to work with a brand I’ve seen so much success with even before I was an ambassador!

One of the most common questions I’ve received is the differences between Collagen Peptides and Collagen Gelatin.  Sometimes you will see gelatin and collagen used interchangeably.  Both come from the same sources like bones or tissues, but they’re not the same thing.

Vital proteins collagen gelatin

An easy way to remember the difference between collagen and gelatin is how they’re processed. The processing method is what gives collagen and gelatin different texture.

What are the Similarities?

Both collagen and gelatin come from the same sources.  This means they have identical amino acid profiles.  Both have many benefits, including supporting joints, improving sleep, and even anti-inflammatory.  They both strengthen hair, skin, and nails, and even help digestion.  You can see a full list of benefits here.

What is Gelatin?

I personally have less experience with gelatin, but this month I decided to try the beef gelatin.  I didn’t realize (because I didn’t read) that it was unflavored so I thought it would taste like beef! It’s 100% flavorless, colorless, and odorless.

Vital proteins collagen gelatin

Gelatin is collagen that is boiled and dried.  It appears just like collagen peptide powder.  However, when it’s mixed with hot liquids, it turns to jello like substance.  It’s useful for thickening smoothies and can be made into homemade gummy bears (something I’m trying to do now).

Gelatin is Better for Your Gut:

If you started taking Vital Proteins and Collagen for gut and intestine issues, gelatin is better than peptides for your gut.  Gelatin is a thick gel that coats the stomach is slower to digest than regular collagen.

Digestive Health:

Because Gelatin is a gel-like texture, it absorbs water and helps keep the intestinal tract moving.  In turn, this can help relieve issues like bloating and constipation.  Gelatin can also help improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

But What are the Side Effects?

When first adding gelatin to a diet, some people may also experience side effects with digestion such as gas and bloating. Like anything, it’s important to add slowly and start with a serving each day.  You don’t start running high mileage after a break, and you don’t need to go crazy with collagen either.

So What is Best for You?  Gelatin or Collagen?

There really isn’t a “wrong” choice, and it all depends on what you need.  It comes down to how you want to use the product and what kind of texture and consistency you’re looking for.

Collagen Peptides are faster dissolving.  They both also dissolve in hot or cold liquids.  The collagen peptides can be used in more of a variety of foods or drinks.

Gelatin must be added to a hot substance to fully dissolve and become “jello.”  The health benefit of gelatin is taking longer to digest in the body and coating the intestine.  It’s better for someone with a leaky gut.

Here are more Vital Protein Collagen posts:
Skin Benefits from Collagen
Recovering with Collagen Protein
Hair and Nail Benefits of Collagen

Thank you to Vital Proteins for your support!

Questions for you:

Have you used collagen?  Have you used gelatin? 

Have you ever made homemade jello or gummies?

This is something I’m perfecting now and hopefully I’ll have a post about it soon.

Top Benefits of Collagen

August 10, 2018 By in vital proteins Tags: , , , 29 Comments
Top Benefits of Collagen
As most people know by now, I’m a Vital Proteins Ambassador.  In exchange for a couple of posts per month, Vital Proteins sends me new products to try.  Since I’ve been purchasing Vital Proteins far before I was an ambassador, it’s a great partnership.  I’m not paid to promote Vital Proteins, but I have genuinely found over the last year it has made a big difference.

If you are new, I try and post twice per month.  Once being a few benefits I’ve seen and another being a recipe of some sort.  This summer I’ve been all about smoothies after runs because it’s been so hot.

vital proteins ambassador

Many People on Instagram Have Asked Some of the Health Benefits of Collagen in General so I thought I Would Share:

Collagen is One of the Building Blocks of the Body:

I always tell people to think of collagen as the glue that holds the body together.  Collagen is a fibrous protein found in the body including bones, teeth, muscles, skin, hair, nails, tendons, joints, and even your digestive system.

Many factors impact your body’s collagen stores including genetics, smoking, and nutritional deficiencies.

Supports Bone Growth and Repair:

As runners, bones are something we must be mindful of.  Due to form, I am injury prone with bones and am very cautious to do as much as possible to keep them healthy.  What I didn’t know was that bones are over a third collagen.  Bones are always growing and repairing themselves and making themselves stronger.  Adding and supplementing collagen has shown to help prevent or even reverse osteoporosis.

Gut Health:

I’ve been lucky that for the most part, gut health has not been something I’ve had to worry about.  However, collagen is known to help and promote good gut health.  Did you know about 75% of your immune system is housed in your gut?

Your Intestinal wall is made up of tiny folds which are actually made from collagen.  These folds have one purpose, and that is to seal any leaks that might be happening in your digestive tract.

Improves Liver Function:

One of the many functions of the liver is to detox the body.  The daily toxins we are exposed too, are processed by the liver.  One of the amino acids, . Glycine helps detoxify in your liver.

Anti-Inflammatory:

Collagen is like the glue of your body.  It allows your joints, tendons, and ligaments to move smoothly. One of the key components of Collagen is amino acids. The most important for detoxification is glycine. Glycine specifically helps an essential part of the detoxification which is known to “take out the trash.”

Collagen Strengthens Nail, Hair, and Skin :

I’ve posted about this before, but I’ve had so much success with Vital Proteins for my hair, skin, and nails alone.

Collagen protein is essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails.  The older you get, the less collagen you produce. You can supplement with either food or a collagen supplement.  I’ve personally seen the success in my hair growing much faster as well as my skin is much smoother.

As well as minimizing collagen production, the older you get, the less elastic your skin is. Collagen can help improve the elasticity as well as smooth skin.  I’ve received so many compliments on my skin alone.  It’s smoother than ever.

underarmour copper mountain

My hair has definitely gotten long

As you can see there are a lot of benefits to taking Collagen and most of these, I have personally seen.

Here are more Vital Protein Collagen posts:
Skin Benefits from Collagen
Recovering with Collagen Protein
Hair and Nail Benefits of Collagen

Thank you Vital Proteins for your support. 

Questions for you:

Do you have any questions about Collagen?

Do you take Collagen?  I want to know about your experience. 

Vital Proteins Berry Blast Recovery Smoothie

July 26, 2018 By in vital proteins Tags: , , , , , , 33 Comments
Vital Proteins Berry Blast Recovery Smoothie

I have been trying to post a couple of posts including Vital Proteins each month. As an ambassador, I get to try products and authentically post about them.  I’m not being paid, but if Vital Proteins and Collagen has helped me, it will more than likely help someone else too.  So each month I try and post a recipe I’ve been personally using.  Some I hesitate to call “recipes” because they are: add these things and put into a blender.

With the heat, I’ve been enjoying smoothies lately.  I’m not a smoothie person in the winter, but hot weather is another story.  This month I’ve been enjoying the Vital Proteins Strawberry Lemon.

Vital Proteins Berry Blast Recovery Smoothie

I have had a serving after each run or workout to recover faster and honestly, I have been!  After my 25k this smoothie was the first thing I’ve had.  I also have found including collagen into my routine has made my hair grow faster.

A Few Benefits of the Beauty Collagen are:

  • Help Improve Hair and Nails: Collagen helps hair and nails grow faster and stronger (I have seen this first hand with my own hair).
  • Skin Health: Helps to improve the moisture and glow into your skin.  This has also helped me personally, and my skin is the best it’s been in months.
  • Post Workout Energy: If I don’t eat after a run, I find myself sluggish, so this provides energy that I need. With Vital Proteins, there are no added sugar or preservatives.

Last month I posted about using the Vital Proteins Strawberry Lemon for a recovery smoothie, and I’ve made some minor tweaks to include more carbohydrates and calories. I’ve found the extra calories help me recover faster.  As I posted on Instagram yesterday, one of my primary goals is to stay healthy.

  • 1 Chopped frozen banana
  • 1 cup frozen berries (I use either strawberries or raspberries)
  • 1 cup oatmeal (to add carbohydrates)
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt
  • 1 Scoop Beauty Collagen

Mix and Go.  

I’ve found the consistency to be much thicker and I’m able to recover faster.  I have a smoothie after each run or workout (whether it’s 3 miles or 15).  Plus it’s refreshing in the humidity.

Here are more Vital Protein Collagen posts:
Skin Benefits from Collagen
Recovering with Collagen Protein
Hair and Nail Benefits of Collagen

Thank you to Vital Proteins for your support! 

Questions for you:
Do you eat after a workout or run?
Are there any recipes or things you would like to see about Vital Proteins or Collagen?

 

Recovering from Workouts

July 6, 2018 By in vital proteins Tags: , , , , , 31 Comments
Recovering from Workouts

A few weeks ago, a reader asked me to elaborate more on how Vital Proteins were helping to recover from workouts.  For the last 6 months,  even before I was an ambassador, I have taken Vital Proteins directly after every run.

I’ve gotten even more efficient at it during the summer too!  Now that it’s hot, my smoothie “recipe” is the first thing I want to cool me down.

Do I Personally Find Collagen to be Effective?

I wouldn’t post if I didn’t, but I genuinely do recover faster from workouts.  While I’m not doing many hard runs right now, I am running and still want to recover.

Why?

In general, protein helps muscles repair.  It doesn’t matter whether you use protein powder, supplements, collagen, or even have a slice of steak. There are dozens of scientific articles for having some sort of protein after each runs.

I mentioned a while back, I used to not have any protein because honestly, I was either forgetful or running late.  Since incorporating Vital Protein Collagen, I’ve added an extra 12-18 grams of protein depending on which product I use.

You could use other sources of protein, but collagen is fast, efficient and has other health benefits including healthy skin, nails, and hair. 

Here are a couple other benefits:

  • Helps decrease joint pain
  • Bone Health

Joint Pain:

I’m lucky that I don’t have a lot of joint pain.  I typically run in a well-cushioned shoe, but my form is more likely to give me a stress fracture versus joint issues (right now).

Speaking of Bone Health:

My form in running causes me to be very injury prone.  I’ve attempted to change it, but I walk and run on my toes. I always have and probably always will.  (Many nicknames include: twinkle toes, human ostrich, and ballerina runner) While it makes me a lot less susceptible to muscle injuries, it makes me a lot more vulnerable to bone injuries. Bone health is a huge importance of all runners, especially females.

Many scientific studies have shown that you can prevent osteoporosis by supplementing with collagen.  Collagen is able to stimulate the bone creating cell: osteoblast. This helps to make bones stronger and also healthier.

So those are just a few reasons that I’ve found taking Vital Proteins to directly help with running.  I’ve never used another collagen brand, but I’ve never had an issue with Vital Proteins and have liked every product I’ve tried (which is most).

The Products I’m Liking the Most This Month are:

vital proteins collagen peptides

Beauty Collegen in Strawberry Lemon

Banana Cinnamon Collagen Whey 

While I’m an ambassador for Vital Proteins, all thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Questions for you:

What are some ways you get protein after a workout?  

Runners: How do you keep your bones strong and healthy? 

Have any Collagen Questions?  Ask Away!

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