You've probably heard about the benefits of Collagen for a 'youthful appearance.' And Collagen is a major component of the skin, contributing to its elasticity and hydration. Supplementing with Collagen may reduce the appearance of wrinkles, promote skin elasticity, and support overall skin health. Supplemental collagen can be especially effective as we age because, studies show although our bodies naturally produce it, collagen production starts to decline as we get older.
The benefits of collagen go beyond skin deep. As Haley Miskowiec, a registered dietitian, explains, there are actually 16 different types of collagen each with its own amino acid profile and composition.
Most collagen, however, is known as type 1, which provides structure to our skin, joints, tendons, and ligaments. Collagen is also important for things like gut health and healing wounds (which can be incredibly important postpartum, as for everyone, there’s some degree of wound/tissue repair). All of which become increasingly vital if we are pregnant, given the additional strains on all aspects of our bodies.
Beyond that, Collagen also provides us with a way to start our day with vital protein, which medical research suggests is better spread throughout the day but is missing from many people's breakfast. Adding it to something as simple as a smoothie is a really easy way to establish a healthy habit, in a practice called habit stacking—an implementation intention where you add a new habit to something that is already an established part of your routine to make it easier to stick to.
1. Collagen Protein Pancakes
Pancakes are a breakfast staple, but this twist created by our co-founder Ryan is a healthy favorite of her family, and now our whole team is obsessed. They're full of healthy protein, fat, and fiber, and they're perfect to make as a big batch for the week ahead or to have in the freezer for a quick meal or snack.
Click here for the full recipe Collagen Protein Pancakes Recipe
2. Vanilla Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Perfect for food prepping, because we all know our mornings can get a little hectic, and an amazing healthy sweet breakfast treat with plenty of Collagen. Sprinkle the top with your family's favorite fresh fruits.
Click here for the full recipe Vanilla Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
3. Collagen Chia Pudding
The companion to overnight oats in terms of its fantastic prepare-ahead quality is chia. Specifically crafted for expecting mothers, this chia recipe combines both our Collagen and Prenatal powders.
Click here for the full recipe Collagen Chia Pudding Recipe
4. Golden Milk
If you are looking to switch out your coffee either because of pregnancy or just trying to reduce caffeine, our Golden Milk recipe is a wonderful alternative. You can mix up the type of milk to suit your needs and remove the prenatal powder for another supplement that suits your life stage. But if you stick to the core recipe ingredients, we promise it'll be delicious.
Click here for the full recipe Golden Milk Recipe
5. Chocolate Cashew Milk Smoothie (Tastes Like a Frosty)
If the words - chocolate and tastes like a frosty haven't convinced you to try this as your new morning smoothie, then perhaps the health benefits of this non-fruit smoothie will win you over. The lack of fruit does mean it's not terribly sweet though, so if you are making it for kids or have a sweet tooth, you might want to add a banana.
Click here for the full recipe Chocolate Cashew Milk Smoothie Recipe
