This post is sponsored by Vital Proteins. Being a fair-skinned gal with loads of freckles, I always protect my skin with SPF lotions and makeup, but I'm also been a big fan of collagen supplements to help keep my skin firm, soft, youthful and healthy.
At one point, I was taking NeoCell collagen chews every evening. I really enjoyed them, but for some reason I stopped purchasing them, so when Vital Proteins reached out with a chance to try their new Collagen Beauty Greens, I jumped at the chance to get back to my collagen routine.
Before I get into the product, you may be asking,
Uh... what the heck is collagen and why do I need it?
Well, my fit & focused friends, lucky for you, that's exactly what this post is all about!
Collagen makes up 70 percent of the protein in our skin and 30 percent of the protein in our whole bodies. In our 20s, levels of collagen begin to decline, leading to fine lines & wrinkles, loss of moisture and a dull appearance (ain't nobody got time for that).
Studies show, and I can attest, that when consumed daily, collagen plumps and firms skin, improves moisture & smoothness, helps to restore natural elasticity & suppleness, helps prevent the signs of aging, and has a healing effect on skin.
On the inside, collagen is a major building block of bones, joints & connective tissue, and protects against damage from intense exercise (hello, CrossFit & Running) and the stresses of daily life. In addition, collagen promotes a healthy immune, digestive, and central nervous system, contributes to a balanced diet and helps to maintain weight.
I know what you're going to ask next:
If it's so essential, can't I get my collagen from whole food sources?
Of course you can, but here's why you're probably not:
Why Our Diets Are Deficient
Before food was mass produced and packaged, our ancestors ate all the edible parts of animals, including collagen-rich organs, skin, and fatty cuts of meat, and they used bones and other inedible parts to make healing broths and soups. While bone broth is a big trend and is a great way to get in some collagen, we mostly strive to eat lean, skinless, and boneless meat, poultry and fish and indulge in packaged and processed foods, which provide little or no collagen.
Hmmmm, I see," you say, "so how can Vital Protein products help?
Oh, I'm so glad you asked!
How Vital Proteins™ Can Help
Vital Proteins create collagen products that promote optimal healthy, beauty, vibrant youth and overall wellness. All of their products are 100% natural, whole food proteins made using eco-friendly practices. Two of their newest products ( Vital Proteins™ Marine Collagen and Vital Proteins™ Collagen Beauty Greens) contain marine collagen, made from the scales of fresh, wild-caught snapper in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. The fish are sustainably harvested in accordance with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program. Each lot of collagen is thoroughly tested to ensure purity. Because of its carefully managed process, Vital Proteins' marine collagen is virtually tasteless & odorless, so it mixes easily with any cold or hot liquid.
While I haven't tried the plain marine collagen, Vital Proteins did sent me a nice big tub of their Collagen Beauty Greens, a nutritious elixir made from a blend of marine collagen, raw organic greens, hyaluronic acid, and probiotics, with a natural vanilla coconut flavor made from organic coconut water and the finest Madagascar vanilla beans.
Each serving has 10g of protein, 7g carbs and 70 calories, but it also contains all these important sounding things:
- 9,375 mg collagen peptides for healthy skin, hair and nails
- 80 mg hyaluronic acid to promote collagen production and skin hydration
- 2B CFU spore probiotic bacillus coagulans - good gut bacteria for a glowing complexion
- 9,375 mg organic raw greens to support overall health and wellness
It's also Whole30 approved.
I've been having a little shake made simply with water and a scoop of Collagen Beauty Greens after dinner each night. It blends well in a shaker bottle.
I can't really say I taste the coconut or the vanilla. It tastes more "green" to me, if that makes sense, but I don't mind that. It's not all that sweet, but the 10g of protein make it super filling. I'm hoping it will help minimize my post-dinner sweet tooth.
I've already seen an improvement in my skin, especially in some uneven redness in my face, so I'm looking forward to the results as I continue to take this little shake.
Interested in learning more or getting some collagen products for yourself? Learn more about Vital Proteins from their website (they have a blog filled with recipes you can incorporate collagen into!) and follow them on instagram (they have beautiful page!).
Let's Chat:
Have you ever taken collagen supplements?
What do you do to keep you skin healthy?
