Food

Collagen

I’ve had a lot of questions about collagen lately. You have seen me post specifically about Vital Proteins because I love their products and the company. They don’t have any, “extras” or “fillers” in their products and the company is always willing to answer any questions I may have. I completely trust their ingredients and love the taste of their flavors or unflavored comes in handy more times than I can count. (When I’m baking, adding collagen to my coffee, etc.).

I often get asked two consecutive questions: What do you use the most from Vital Proteins and do I need to take it?

To answer the first part, I love the unflavored collagen the best because it’s versatile and can’t be tasted. (Hence the name, ha). On almost a daily basis, I add collagen into my routine via coffee or a smoothie. I’ll list all my smoothies below as a starting point for you to do the same but it really can be added to whatever kind of smoothie you like the most. The vanilla collagen is also another favorite when some sweetness needs to be added to something. Two scoops are recommended but sometimes I only do one..and that’s okay! Every little bit helps!

This is also great for some homemade gummies. I have been wanting to try this recipe!

To answer the second part of the question, although you can take collagen earlier than 25 years old it is from this age on when your body really benefits from collagen the most. It helps promote elasticity, more vibrant skin, can help aid in joint pain, while also helping your hair, skin, and nails.

Smoothie recipes to help you add collagen into your daily routine: 

Pina Colada Hemp Smoothie

Orange Fluffy Smoothie

Green Smoothie

Thin Mint Smoothie

Blueberry Ginger Smoothie

Chocolate Banana Mocha Smoothie

Peanut Butter Chocolate Smoothie

Peaches and Cream Ginger Smoothie

Aloha Smoothie

Brighten-Your-Day Smoothie

Chocolate Chai Tea Smoothie

Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

 

Minty Shake

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You guys basically made this recipe for me so that I could share with everyone else! So, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Last week I shared how I was craaaaving a Shamrock Shake from McDonalds. But I looked up the ingredients on purpose to keep the craving at bay. 😉 I came home, tried my hand at recreating a healthy and somewhat similar version. The verdict? I loved it and Eric hated it. So I asked several of you to try it out and let me know what you honestly thought. With a splash of this and a little of that, we have the combination that you guys raved about! Here you have it!

Print
Minty Shake

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of your favorite milk
  • 1 large frozen banana
  • 1/4 cup mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup of spinach (or less if desired)
  • 1 tablespoon of your favorite chocolate chips
  • Pinch of salt to bring out the flavor
  • Pinch of sweetener/favorite type of sugar if you desire

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth! Top with homemade whipped cream (recipe below) or your favorite kind. Sprinkle with chocolate chips (optional). Enjoy! xo
  2. Homemade Whipped Cream:
  3. In a mixer, whip about 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream and pour in maple syrup or a sprinkle of sweetener to taste. Whip on the highest setting for a few minutes until fluffy.
  4. *You also can opt to not use maple syrup or sugar and it is still delicious!
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*This can also be made dairy free with nutmilk, no whipped topping (you could do coconut cream) andEnjoy Life Chocolate Chips!

Current Breakfast Ideas

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Breakfast has looked a lot different lately over the last several months. Between nursing, doing a 5k in the fall, and then the holidays thrown in there, it has been all over the map. Since staying home with Capri, I’ve really tried to listen when my body is hungry and not feel the need to eat first thing in the morning. I like starting off with healthy fats and some sort of green if I can. But I know your scenario is your own. Whether breakfast is at the crack of dawn or more of, “brunch” of sorts, eat when you feel like your body is ready and I hope some of my favorites can add some variety to your breakfast!

Favorites Lately:

*I have looked high and low to find some of the cleanest brands of different milks and yogurts. These have been some of the cleanest and staples in our fridge lately.*

  • Eggs + roasted veggies, bacon.
  • Smoothies: I have been trying to cut back on the amount of fruit I add in my smoothies (even though they are delicious and such a good place to get your fruits + veggies if you don’t incorporate that throughout the day otherwise). Two of my go-to’s recently are My Blueberry Ginger Smoothie and My Green Smoothie. I have a ton of other smoothie recipes under my “drinks” tab.

Other ideas:

Christmas Brunch Menu

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Brunch has become a favorite…a big favorite. I love all the flavors that pair well with coffee or lattes and between mixing and matching a variety of dishes, the possibilities seem endless. I’ll be making a few things the night before so that Christmas morning we can really soak in all it’s beauty: Jesus, pajamas, and family. Oh, and coffee. I will be sipping on that all morning long. 😉

Take a peek at the menu below!

  1. Egg and Sausage Quiche.
  2. Pepper and Kale Quiche.
  3. Bacon and Spinach Quiche.
  4. Paleo Cinnamon Rolls (via Paleo Running Momma).
  5. Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls (via Seven Layer Charlotte)
  6. and fruit will be served. 🙂

Cheese Please

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‘Tis the season for family, friends, and cheese boards. Right? I love a good cheese board so I thought it would be fun to break down some of my favorite elements for you!

          1. The most obvious: Cheese: I love this kind! and a soft cheese is great as well
          2. Fruit: Apples, (red or green) Grapes, (red or green) pears
          3. Nuts: Almonds, Walnuts
          4. Crackers/Bread
          5. Local, Organic honey (if I can’t get any local honey, I buy this brand at the store)/ something sweet: Craisins, Chocolate
          6. Add some fun holiday/seasonal touches and you are set!

Psstt..there’s still time to enter this giveaway!

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