why I love collagen and a Vital Proteins giveaway!

I am giving away TWO large canisters of Vital Proteins (read on for more details and a COUPON CODE for everyone)!

There’s been a lot of talk about collagen from grass ged cows and its myriad benefits as of late. And if you’ve been following my blog or Instagram, it should come as no surprise that I LOVE this stuff. I can actually honestly say that, more than any other product out there, I use collagen every single day. Whether I am traveling, on the go, relaxing at home, or spending a whole day in the kitchen, I can guarantee that collagen will end up in my diet in some form each day. And the benefits of this nutritional addition have been pretty astounding.

You’re probably thinking to yourself, “Sure, Laura. Like I have time to add another step into my day.” But stay with me. This small nutritional change is possible, and you can get your daily dose of collagen in too, thanks to Vital Proteins, a company that has developed a real food product that makes a real big difference. But before we get more into the HOW (recipes, please!), let’s talk about the WHY.

WHAT IS COLLAGEN:

I’t simple, really.Β Collagen is the main structural protein found in animal connective tissue, yielding gelatin when boiled or cooked down. Before you get squeamish on me, it’s important to note that our ancestors ate the whole animal, utilizing sustainable practices and getting in an abundant amount of collagen with each kill. Sadly, over the past century or so, modern food processing has removed this naturally occurring, healthy protein from our diets. Collagen is essentialΒ for our body, and it’s the basic building block for our skin, hair, nails, bones and joints. You need look no further than THIS page to read the science behind the benefits, but I’ll lay it all out for you here.

BENEFITS OF COLLAGEN

  • Healthy Skin – Because who doesn’t want that? Collagen Peptides are a natural bioactive ingredient that improves epidermis moisture content and prevents skin aging. This means itΒ promotes younger looking skin by adding moisture and reducing the number of furrows along with signs of deep wrinkles. It also keeps skin looking youthful, supple, and beautiful.
  • pfx15-1415Happy Joints and Bones – Whether you are an avid athlete, an adventurer, or just a person wanting to avoid the aches and pains that doctors frustratingly attribute to aging (pain should never be a given), collagen can help you feel younger from the inside out for years to come.Β The process that collagen goes through in the body ensures and maintains the biochemical characteristic of the cartilage, keeping joints doing their job. The benefits can also be seen in bone mass, as collagen, which represents 90% of organic bone mass, provides beneficial effects on bone metabolism, even increasing density. This is a win for folks with degenerating bone mass AND for folks looking to recover stronger and stay healthy for longer.
  • Functioning GutΒ –Β Collagen has been found to help heal the lining of the stomach and the intestines, which is great for thoseΒ with heartburn,Β acidΒ reflux, or anyone dealingΒ with intestinal inflammation. Collagen has been shown to help withΒ gastric ulcers, and it is an important metabolic fuel for the intestines. This is also great for anyone suffering with an autoimmune condition, considering 70% of the immune system is located in the gut. Healthy gut, happy life.
  • LifeΒ GoalsΒ – Our muscles are often a main focus to enhance both physical performance and, for many, aesthetic goals too. Whether you want to increase energy, improve in your sport, become moreΒ efficient at your job, or simply look better naked, increasing muscle mass will help.Β Connective tissues are the secondΒ biggest organ of our body, formingΒ tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bones and maintaining ourΒ muscle structure. Without collagen, we cannot maintain these tissues, and we need collagen peptides to supply the amino acids that are needed to build new collagen. By supplementing with whole food collagen from grass fed cows, we can give our bodies a needed boost towards achieving those goals.

DSC_8570 copyNow, you can get in plenty of collagen by drinking bone broth daily, but let’s face it, making bone broth at home daily, drinking it in the hot summer months, and keeping enough bones on hand to make this all sustainable, just isn’t in the cards for most people… That, my friends, is where Vital Proteins comes in. While, I still make sure to have myΒ bone broth in the form of soups, stews, or sipping, every week, it’s great to know that I can add a couple scoops of this stuff in on a daily basis to ensure that I am getting the necessary nutrients in without breaking the bank or adding any stress to my day. Because let’s face it, some days are too busy to make a fresh batch of bone broth. And I would sure prefer to sip on a cool smoothie on a hot day than drink some hot broth. So, how do I get it in?

THE HOW:

  • Daily Coffee/Tea – I add two scoops to my organic tea each morning with a bit of honey
  • Adrenal CocktailTHIS recipe from Megan Rand of Ginger Newtrition is a favorite of mine
  • Ice Cream (yep, it’s a win-win)
  • Yogurt – simply stir it into your favorite probiotic-filled yogurt!
  • All kinds of gummy treats (like THESE from my good friends at Pickles and Peanuts)
  • Soups, chilis, and stewsΒ – add a few scoops for some extra nutrient punch
  • Smoothies (see new favorite recipe below!)

In a pinch, I’ve even stirred peptides into water for a little extra nutrient punch. I feel stronger. I recover faster. I get sick less often. And I attribute a lot of that to a healthy, real food diet and the supplementation of collagen, thanks to Vital Proteins. Don’t just take my word for it, though. Try for yourself! Check out the GIVEAWAY details below. You could win TWO full canisters of Vital Proteins to experiment with and enjoy. Here’s what you’ll get:

  • Collagen Protein Beef GelatinΒ (green lid – 17g protein/serving): Use to prepare hot in teas, coffees, broths, soups, sauces and gravy, or make gelatin and gummy snacks packed with protein.
  • Collagen PeptidesΒ (blue lid – 18g protein/serving): Use this hyrdrolyzed, cold water soluble version of the gelatin to prepare cold or hot in flavored drinks, smoothies, ice cream, yogurts, puddings, broths, and soups to boost the protein content.

In the meantime, feel free to make an order yourself usingΒ Coupon Code: MYRADICALROOTS20 forΒ 20% OFF and FREE Shipping fromΒ May 27 – June 10, 2015.

See all the details below. And keep scrolling for a delicious smoothie recipe just in time for summer!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And now, a recipe! 603829_584558345038471_2763821622683585007_n

Vital Proteins Summer Detox Smoothie (GF, NF, DF, AIP)

  • Servings: 1-1
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print
WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 1 cup full fat, organic coconutΒ milk from the can
  • 1 serving Vital ProteinsΒ Collagen Peptides
  • 1⁄2 cup fresh seasonal, organic berries
  • 1 cupΒ kale
  • 1 TBΒ chiaΒ seeds
  • 1 tspΒ ginger root
  • 1 tsp fresh grated turmeric
  • small handful of ice (optional, but I like it nice and cold)

WHAT YOU DO:

  • put everything in the Β blender or Vitamix
  • blend until smooth
  • Enjoy, breath, smile

Enjoy! And best of luck. And don’t forget, you canΒ make an order yourself usingΒ Coupon Code: MYRADICALROOTS20 forΒ 20% OFF and FREE Shipping fromΒ May 27 – June 10, 2015.

By | 2015-05-27T15:40:17-08:00 May 27th, 2015|Breakfast, Grab and Go, Health, Nutrition, Recipes, To Drink|35 Comments

35 Comments

  1. Kim May 27, 2015 at 7:41 am - Reply

    I love this stuff!!

  2. Jenna @ BarbellsAndBaking May 27, 2015 at 7:51 am - Reply

    I’ve been very interested in adding collagen to my daily practice and Vital Farms seems the way to go! Love your smoothie recipe too!

  3. Laura May 27, 2015 at 7:56 am - Reply

    I would be very interested to add this to my routine! You have some great tips!

  4. Rachel H. May 27, 2015 at 8:03 am - Reply

    Thank you for sharing! I love adding collagen to my drinks and making gummies. I have never tried this brand but have heard nothing but good things.

  5. Sophia May 27, 2015 at 8:09 am - Reply

    I’d love to try it in my bulletproof coffee!

  6. Melissa May 27, 2015 at 8:30 am - Reply

    I love vital proteins!!

  7. maggie May 27, 2015 at 9:30 am - Reply

    Some great ideas on how to incorporate collagen into everyday foods. Thanks for sharing!

  8. Lindsay May 27, 2015 at 9:34 am - Reply

    I just started using vital proteins a week ago and I love it! I was able to find out about it through blogs like yours πŸ™‚ thank you!

  9. Lorien Ramirez May 27, 2015 at 10:29 am - Reply

    I have wanted to try these for myself and my husband for a while now, we are both active and are careful with what we eat. We live a mostly paleo lifestyle and are always looking for new ways to add important nutrients intobour diets.

  10. Devin May 27, 2015 at 10:37 am - Reply

    I’m actually participating in the ginger nutrition detox. Never thought much about the peptide use nor how to go about using it. I actually received a small sample and am very eager to try it. I know I need some gut restoration and I’m glad I found someone who can help show me the way! Thanks for your helpful tips and receipes!

    • Laura Bruner May 27, 2015 at 10:39 am - Reply

      Hi Devin! That’s awesome. Hope the detox is going well for you. It always feels good to clean it all up for a bit. I feel refreshed πŸ™‚ let me know if there’s ever anything I can help with!

  11. Susan Doak May 27, 2015 at 10:48 am - Reply

    Vital Proteins has an excellent reputation. Thank you for always sharing such great information with us!

  12. Christa May 27, 2015 at 10:57 am - Reply

    I have been wanting to add this into our daily routine! This is just the nudge I needed. Thank you!

  13. natalie May 27, 2015 at 11:10 am - Reply

    I try to use Vital Protein in everything! It is great in my tropical green tea every morning.

  14. Ladonna May 27, 2015 at 2:21 pm - Reply

    I love these products! I use the Vital Protein daily in my protein shakes!

  15. Lisa May 27, 2015 at 2:28 pm - Reply

    Would love to try this!

  16. taylor May 27, 2015 at 2:37 pm - Reply

    I would use this stuff in smoothies post workout or for breakfast. definitely been wanting to add collagen to my daily routine!

  17. Yvonne Massey May 27, 2015 at 4:43 pm - Reply

    I can’t wait to try this!

  18. Kelly A May 27, 2015 at 6:03 pm - Reply

    I would put this in my tea and smoothies!

  19. Kristen May 27, 2015 at 7:48 pm - Reply

    Interested. Seems an easy way to add nutrients to every day food.

  20. Sonja Schweigert May 28, 2015 at 8:15 am - Reply

    I was looking into collagen for a while now but wasn’t sure how to get started – sounds like this is just what I was looking for!

  21. Shelley Richards May 28, 2015 at 8:51 am - Reply

    Thanks for the recipe. I started using some collagen during our liver detox and am amazed by it! but still trying to figure out what all can be made with it.

  22. Jessie May 28, 2015 at 10:40 am - Reply

    I would love to try Vital Proteins collagen! I do and would use it in smoothies especially; but I’ve also added it to no bake protein bars, soups, tea, and”bulletproof” coffee.

  23. Kim May 28, 2015 at 11:31 am - Reply

    I can’t wait to try this stuff!! πŸ™‚

  24. Abigail May 28, 2015 at 2:49 pm - Reply

    I would LOVE to win this giveaway to help with healing my Ulcerative Colitis. Thank you so much for the opportunity!

  25. Toan May 28, 2015 at 8:03 pm - Reply

    I love this stuff and am almost out! Thanks for the chance!

  26. Emily May 29, 2015 at 10:47 am - Reply

    I can’t wait to make gummies! I’ve made bone broth one time but honest I put it in the freezer. I’m still working on getting collagen and other nutrients into my diet!
    Thanks for the chance to try something new!

  27. Juliana May 29, 2015 at 11:11 am - Reply

    I would love to win this giveaway! I have heard wonderful things about collagen for joints, hair, and skin

  28. Louise May 30, 2015 at 1:56 pm - Reply

    I’ve been looking for ways to add collagen to my diet- this seems like a very simple and easy solution, sweet!

  29. Victoria Borst May 31, 2015 at 8:26 am - Reply

    Would love to try this in my coffee & tea! I already mix Kerry gold butter & coconut oil in it…this would be a great addition!

  30. Tracy Munson November 19, 2015 at 12:59 pm - Reply

    Hello. I started making bone broth, then taking all of it, including the bones and putting it in my ninja. I am hooked, every day pretty much. Every one thinks I am nuts, but it’s delicious. I put it in mason jars and heat it up for lunch

    • Laura Bruner November 19, 2015 at 3:32 pm - Reply

      Props to you for enjoying it despite peoples’ comments. I love that! I think people get weirded out by the texture. We do that here too, but mostly share with the pups. I’ll have some too, though, occasionally. It’s a texture thing for me, but the flavor is awesome!

    • Laura Bruner November 19, 2015 at 3:33 pm - Reply

      Not to mention, it’s SO nutrient dense πŸ™‚

  31. Jeanne June 23, 2016 at 6:44 am - Reply

    I like to put collagen in my smoothie too, recently started to try perfect hydrolyzed collagen, I put it in all kind of drinks since its hydrolyzed and you cannot taste it at all. Love the idea of including collagen in the smoothie. Thanks

    • Laura Bruner June 24, 2016 at 2:17 pm - Reply

      I use Vital Proteins collagen peptides. They also dissolve in all liquids and are flavorless. Plus, they’re made from pastured cows or wild caught fish. Glad you’ve found something that works so well for you! Thanks for commenting πŸ™‚

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