If you want to feel energized throughout the day, it helps to get a balance of protein, carbs, fat, fruit and veggies each day. Although, this is obviously easier said than done and sometimes it can be difficult to make sure you're incorporating all the right essential nutrients into your daily routine.
When I dive into working with a new client, I often notice that she or he is lacking enough protein throughout the day. This is an easy fix when we're ready to dive into gentle nutrition!
An easy and effective way to increase protein intake is using collagen (if you consume animal products).
You find collagen in your bones, connective tissues, ligaments and tendons and it helps us with strength, structure and elasticity.
Collagen and peptides can be found in a variety of foods, however, collagen supplements provide a pre-digested form that can be more easily absorbed and utilized than by food alone. While more research needs to be done as to the efficacy of collagen supplements (i.e. is that powder in your coffee actually bioavailable), but nevertheless it is clear to see the benefits that collagen has for our body.
Collagen can keep your skin healthy looking and feeling healthy by increasing the elasticity and hydration of your skin, and may be able to reduce wrinkles by adding body and vigor to the skin.
Peptides help to protect the skin from toxins and damage by building stronger skin. Stronger skin can help reduce damage to the skin caused by pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and other toxins.
As we age, our bodies slow down on collagen production. So, it can be helpful to add collagen supplements into your daily intake routine.
Collagen can benefit your body in several ways:
Protect your joints
Support growth of your hair, skin and nails
Adds 18 grams protein to your day through 1 scoop (try Vital Proteins)
The best part of collagen is it's easily digested and absorbed by your body.
It mixes easily into your water, coffee or a smoothie (if mixing into cold beverages I like to dissolve it in a small amount of warm water and THEN add to the cold drink to avoid any clumps).
Adding collagen supplements to your routine is a simple a way to increase your protein intake for those who may need it.
If you're feeling curious the next time you see these foods or that supplement in the grocery I hope you try one!