Tag Archives: wellness

Guide to Vital Proteins Products: Collagen Peptides, Whey, and Gelatin

March 15, 2019 By in vital proteins Tags: , , , , , , 14 Comments
Guide to Vital Proteins Products: Collagen Peptides, Whey, and Gelatin

As many people know, I’m a Vital Proteins Ambassador and have been using Vital Proteins Collagen for over a year now.

One of the most common questions I get is: Which is best?

Unflavored peptides?

Whey?

Beauty Greens?

Like most anything, it depends on your goals. Any quality Collagen can benefit most people.

Vital proteins collagen gelatin

I’ve written several posts of how it’s personally helped me including:

Why Collagen Post Run?
Hair and Nail Benefits of Collagen
Skin Benefits from Collagen
Top Benefits of Collagen

Before we Dive into Different Products, a Few Things About All Vital Protein Products:

  • Free from artificial ingredients and sweeteners.
  • Contain All Real Food

So Why Use Collagen?

If you are looking for a protein powder, Vital Proteins is the most natural. There is just one ingredient, collagen.  The body produces collagen naturally.

Vital Proteins Collagen Guide:

Unflavored Collagen Peptides:

The unflavored is your basic collagen. It mixes well with almost everything from hot beverages to cold, to baking recipes. Yes, it does taste flavorless. The unflavored collagen peptides are the most popular, and one of the easiest solutions for anyone wanting to improve their overall wellness routine.

You can add it to almost everything since it tastes like nothing. If you’re not into fru fru and fancy, this is the Vital Protein product for you.

Flavored Collagen:

Like the unflavored collagen, the flavored collagen has all of the benefits from collagen, but also has probiotics and is flavored.  It should just be a subcategory and has the same benefits as unflavored but with flavor.

The flavors contain no added sweeteners.  There is anything from vanilla to blackberry to mixed berry. I’m a fan of mixed berry myself! It’s a great option when you want a hint of flavor in baking or smoothies.

Marine Collagen Peptides:

Vital Proteins Marine Collagen is very similar to the unflavored. It mixes into both hot and cold liquid. The difference is where the collagen comes from. Marine Collagen comes from snapper (fish), where the unflavored collagen comes from Bovine.

Gelatin:

Gelatin can be confusing, and it appears almost identical to regular collagen.  I wrote a longer post here about the differences.

In short, gelatin is still collagen, but the processing is different.  When gelatin cools, it becomes a “gel-like” substance. It resembles jello and is a great thickening agent for smoothies or even making your own gummies!

One of the significant benefits of gelatin versus collagen is with digestion. It helps to coat the digestive tract. Gelatin is known to help those with a leaky gut syndrome or IBS.

One thing to keep in mind is that gelatin doesn’t actually thicken until it begins to cool.  If you heat it, it’s still liquid or soup like.

Collagen Whey:

Collagen Whey is my favorite product. The Collagen Whey has just whey protein and collagen.  The product is loaded with hyaluronic acid, probiotics, and amino acids. I usually have a serving almost every day.

If you are looking for collagen with more protein, the whey is your best bet. There are 25 grams of protein, plus 10 grams of collagen in each serving. I make a lot of smoothies from the whey. A few of my favorite are:

Vanilla Almond Recovery Protein Smoothie Recipe

Vital Proteins Berry Blast Recovery Smoothie

Vital Proteins Recovery Smoothie

Vanilla Almond Recovery Protein Smoothie Recipe vital proteins

Hopefully, this Vital Proteins helps you decide what is best for you.  I’ve personally used each of these so if you have any questions feel free to ask.  I’ll have another guide to the lesser known product next month.

Thank you Vital Proteins for allowing to me continue to be an ambassador.

Questions for you: Do you use Collagen? If so, what’s your favorite?

 

9 Years ago I Began Running

March 14, 2019 By in Running, Running Reads Tags: , , , , , , , 5 Comments
9 Years ago I Began Running

For last the 9 years, the time around St. Patrick’s day has held a more sentimental reason to me than drinking beer, wearing green and pots of gold.

Although if you would like to send me a pot of gold that is fine too!  Nine years ago I ran a 5k in college that would change the path and direction of my life. I started this blog the summer after which means the blog is coming up on 9 years too. Wow, where did my 20s go?

You can read my entire running story here or in the tab above.

When I was a college sophomore, I saw a sign at the gym stating if you completed the annual campus 5k you would get a free long sleeve t-shirt.  As a college student, you can never have enough things to stuff in your dorm room.  My roommate appreciated my hoarding I guess.

I had plenty of short sleeve shirts but long sleeve shirts were something I was always looking for.  All I had to do was sign up for a 5k and complete it?

Okay sign me up.  Sign me up and I didn’t run an ounce beforehand.

My running history previous to March of 2010 was lackluster. I swam competitively through high school and most of college. I failed the mile countless times in both middle and high school…or passed by a couple of seconds (passing was 12:30 and my mile PR was 12:12). Since 10th-grade gym class I had avoided running like the plague.

I ran twice in the first two years of college. Both times were to “impress” upperclassman on the swim team. It wasn’t impressive and I made a fool out of myself.

During the offseason from swimming, I went to the gym and used the elliptical or lifted weights.  It was nice to keep cardio and strength when I wasn’t swimming.  I didn’t run during the offseason at all. The elliptical and I were friends. Long story short I had no idea what I was getting myself into running the 5k, but the phrase “if it’s free, it’s for me” comes to mind with this race.

The race itself is pretty much a blur.  I don’t remember much other than I didn’t really hate it.

I finished the 5k is around 24 minutes.  I don’t remember the exact time but I remember not dying, texting my shocked dad that I had run a 5k and picked up my free long sleeve shirt.

Of course, I didn’t tell my parents I was running this 5k…I didn’t want them to ask if I didn’t finish… My dad has been running far longer than I have. In fact, he had a big marathon the next week (The Shamrock Marathon). I didn’t want the embarrassment that his daughter couldn’t finish a 5k.

I wore that t-shirt all around the following day.  I was going to wear my badge of honor.

After the race, it wasn’t as if I magically became engrossed in running.  I wasn’t “hooked”. I did realize it wasn’t all that bad and I ran occasionally when it was nice out.  I ran 10-20 miles a week depending on the weather. When it was sunny I would run the same 5k loop around campus.  When it wasn’t nice out, I wouldn’t run.  I would just go to the gym.

I mark St. Patrick’s Day as the official day I got my running start because after that point I considered myself someone who didn’t hate running anymore.  When you fail the mile test multiple times in grade school, it’s hard to like it.

I began to consider myself a runner:

I didn’t run every day.

I didn’t run fast.

I didn’t log my mileage.

I didn’t run when it was cold, windy or not perfect weather.

I had no desires to run with anyone or at a certain time…

I didn’t run any more races until July.

But I ran…and when I did I enjoyed it. 

Crazy to think that was almost a decade ago!

Questions for you:

When did you get your (workout) start?

What are you up to this St. Patrick’s Day?

Benefits of Collagen Creamer

February 27, 2019 By in vital proteins Tags: , , , , , , 16 Comments
Benefits of Collagen Creamer

After sharing on Instagram a few weeks ago, about the collagen creamer, many people asked me if I liked it. In fact, it was one of my most responded too stories. I was not expecting that!

In short, I like the Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer. It’s not as rich as a traditional creamer, but it has far more health benefits. Plus, adding it to coffee isn’t the only way I use it. Unlike other collagen products, the creamer contains healthy fats as well as collagen peptides. 

vital proteins collagen creamer

Why Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer?

  • 10 grams of clean collagen peptides
  • 9 grams of healthy fat (regular collagen does not have this)
  • No artificial sweetener or refined sugars
  • Dairy Free

A Few Benefits of Using Collagen:

  • Supports joints and tissues
  • Improved gut health
  • Better skin, hair, and nails

You Can Read More Benefits of Collagen Here.

Now that we got a few of the health benefits out of the way on to using it. Many people have asked me how I liked collagen creamer.

If you like darker coffee that doesn’t taste like milk with a splash of coffee, collagen creamer is the way to go. The creamer tastes good, but it isn’t going to taste like a super rich coffee.  Do I like it? Yes. Do I know it won’t taste like a super rich coffee? Also yes.  It doesn’t take away from the flavor of coffee. Most people know I like adding whipped cream in my coffee at diners, it won’t taste like a “dessert” coffee.  I appreciate that as much as coffee with whipped cream.

It might sound crazy but adding the collagen creamer to coffee isn’t the only way I use collagen creamer.

Here are a few ways that I’ve found I like adding the creamer:

  • Hot Cocoa. This is my favorite method of using the creamer. It makes the cocoa much more rich with a hint of coconut.
  • Waffles: Remember early in the month, when I posted the waffle recipe. I’ve occasionally substituted the whey protein for the creamer, and it tastes good. Vital Proteins has discussed using most of their products in baked goods, but I haven’t tried much until this year.
  • Oatmeal: In the winter, I eat a lot more oatmeal. Basically, if it’s warm, I’ll eat it in the winter. Instead of milk, I like adding the creamer for the extra collagen and fat.

In all, I like the creamer. Of the three flavors, the coconut creamer is my favorite. While of course, it can be put in coffee, there are many other ways to use it.

I am a Vital Proteins Ambassador, and in exchange for products, I share ways collagen has helped me.

Questions for you:

Have you tried collagen creamer before?

What is something you crave more in the winter?

For me, anything hot.

Saving Time with Sweet Earth

February 22, 2019 By in Sponsored Tags: , , , , , , , , 27 Comments
Saving Time with Sweet Earth

Recently I was given the opportunity to try Sweet Earth burritos and bowls.  Between life and work, there are some days I’m out of my house for 12+ hours a day.  Am I the busiest person? No. But do I find myself stopping somewhere and spending 20+ dollars for a meal if I don’t pack enough food? Always.

When Sweet Earth gave me the opportunity to try their burritos and bowls, I jumped at it.  Storage is easy, and they sit in my freezer until I pack one.  The burritos take about 2 minutes to cook in the microwave, and the bowls take about 3-4. It’s not like you’re taking time to cook.

Curry Tiger Sweet Earth

About Sweet Earth:

  • All foods are vegan/vegetarian and packed with plant-based protein.  I’m not vegan or vegetarian, but it’s nice to occasionally have a meatless meal.
  • Sweet Earth is environmentally friendly. They only choose ingredients that sustain and protect our coast. Along with good tasting products, the food is also sustainable.
  • Sweet Earth also listens to customer feedback. They’ve grown and adapted with new flavors, vibrant colors, and complex textures.

So Anyway a Few Products I’ve Tried:

Curry Tiger:

My favorite is the Curry Tiger which contains lentils, curried seitan, red peppers, and potatoes.  Lentils are one of my favorite foods, so I enjoyed it. It keeps me full for a while thanks to the potatoes as well.

Chana Marsala:

My favorite bowl so far has been the Marsala which has turmeric rice with chickpeas, curry seitan, potatoes, and peas all in an Indian Marsala Sauce. I had never had seitan before this, and it was good!  I found myself full for most the day. Sweet Earth food

They have dozens of more products to try, and all are vegan and vegetarian, made from sustainable and healthy good. Fast doesn’t mean unhealthy, and that is something I appreciate.

Saving Time Other Ways:

When I have a full plate of things to do during the day, saving minutes even hours, has helped me.

  • Eliminate all distractions for a set time:  If I’m working on important information or even writing, I turn off distractions. I put my cell phone in another area and turn off any notifications.  I’ve found I can get work done 50% faster and save minutes or even hours just by putting my cell phone somewhere else. Thank goodness, I went to college in a time cell phones weren’t “a big thing.”
  • Plan each day: Every morning before I go for a run or leave, I write down what I want to accomplish for the day. It takes 5 minutes but my mind is clear, and it’s much easier to get things done when I have a plan.
  • Small Tasks First: Anything I can do within 5 minutes, I do first. I might cross ten things in 20 minutes and then spend 2 hours doing the next.
  • Stop Multitasking: It seems counterintuitive, but for me, if I focus on one thing at a time I get it done much faster. Focusing on multiple things at once, means I slowly finish things.
  • Set a Timeline for Research: Often I don’t know the answer to something, so I need to research. That can lead to mindless internet browsing…how did I get on this cat webpage? Something I recently started was setting a timeline. Once my set limit is done, I go back to doing what I was doing. It’s amazing how you can somehow complete a task in less time when you give yourself less time.

Thanks to Sweet Earth Enlightened Foods for sponsoring this post!  You can find Sweet Earth at your local Kroger (my favorite grocery store LOL), Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Frys, King Scoopers, Marianos and more.  Plus nationwide.

Questions for you:

How do you eat healthy while out?

How do you save time during the day? 

Tools to Recover

February 21, 2019 By in Running, Training Tags: , , , , , , 1 Comment
Tools to Recover

Like easy runs and rest, recovery is often overlooked with training.

Without rest and recovery, you won’t be able to run.  I’ve started to up my mileage and lately I’ve felt like I can’t get enough recovery.

Soon March through May will be busy racing months, so it’s important to take rest seriously.

My mantra for 2019 is a la Des Linden: to Just Show Up.  From the good, bad, the PR, and personal worst, I’ll be there.

This means I’m packing up my race schedule to try and find my speed legs. Nothing more than a half, but recovery is as important.

There are plenty of recovery items from compression sleeves to foam rollers that look like rollerblades….but what works and what doesn’t?

I’m not being paid to tell you about any of these products; it’s just what I use on a personal level.

Tools to Recover:

Like running shoes, what works for me might not work for you.

CEP Compression Sleeves and Tights:

CEP Sleeves:

I’ve been wearing CEP compression sleeves for years. My calves are my problem area, and I need to stretch and promote blood flow as much as possible. Compression sleeves allow more blood to flow to calves and shins. Therefore, calves (as well as shins) recover faster.

Compression sleeves can benefit anyone for faster recovery.  There isn’t much (if any?) downside to them, it’s just important to get the right size as well as medical grade compression.  Personally, I don’t wear them 24-7 but I do wear them frequently while running as well as after running.

I frequently wear them during races as well as after a hard run or race.  I’ve been known to wear them under leggings and have a nice tan line through the summer.  I’ve also written a post dedicated only to compression. 

me running fall

Why CEP Brand?

  • I like CEP because they are medical grade compression. Medical grade compression means unlike many other brands, they have “medical grade” compression. Medical grade compression are designed to move blood flow.  The most common support come:
  • mild (8-15 mmHg),
  • Medium (15-20 mmHg),
  • Firm (20-30 mmHg) CEP
  • X-Firm (30-40 mmHg)

They aren’t simply an expensive tube sock to make you look cool.

CEP Tights:
More often than not my quads get sore after a hard workout or race. The compression capris have the same compression as the sleeves but geared towards the quads and hamstrings.

I’ve worn them while running, and I’ve also worn them to recover in. I don’t wear them as much as the sleeves, but I do wear them after hard workouts and races.

Roll Recovery: R8

The Roll Recovery R8 is the most expensive piece of equipment I purchased but, to be honest; it ‘s worth it. It’s $120 (the average cost of shoes).

I haven’t found anything that can get as deep into the muscle. When I foam roll myself, I never get as deep as needed. Since the R8 clamps on to your leg, it goes as deep as possible. It takes the guesswork away from you. While it’s expensive, I do think it’s better than any other foam roller I’ve tried. I do use my Roll Recovery R8 more than any other foam roller I’ve purchased…(read: I use my R8).

As I tell anyone, foam rollers are only as good as you use them.

Epsom Salt Baths and Ice Baths:

Admittedly, I’m not always as good at this as I would like. I prefer Epsom salt baths because I do feel relaxed afterward. I just feel cold and miserable after ice baths.

Active Release Therapy: (ART): 

ART is expensive, but it does keep me healthy.  Locally, I prefer Dr. Kemenosh and his team because they’ve worked on my issues since my second marathon.  I try and go at least once a month.

Essentially, ART releases knots in my muscles too deep for me to do personally. Deeper than I can get with a foam roller or R8. Over time, they build up. I think that’s what keeps me from having a lot of muscle injuries (knock on wood).

active release technique

Cryotherapy:

On Tuesday, I tried Cyrotherapy for the first time ever.  I was so nervous to try cryo because I hate the cold. The theory for cryotherapy is by immersing the body in extremely cold air for several minutes, your body will have all of the benefits of an ice bath but in a shorter amount of time.

You stand upright in an enclosed chamber.  Your head in the only thing out! Then the space drops to anywhere between -100-300.  The first time I went, it dropped to about -160.  It was cold, but I didn’t find it unbareable or the worst thing ever. I didn’t enjoy standing in a freezing cold tube for 3 minutes, but I do feel better after doing so.  If you’re local I went to Innovations Health and Wellness in Hamilton, NJ. Will I do it again? Yes, I do feel less sore than before I went.

Those are just a few things I’m using but there are always more. These days in the running world, there are more recovery tools than running shoes!

If you are looking for more running related news subscribe to my free newsletter that goes out once a week on Mondays.

Questions for you:
How do you recover from a hard workout?
Do you like to take baths?  Have you tried cryotherapy? 

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