As I age and start to feel the aches and pains that inevitably start happening, I focus more on the food I eat & what it can do for my body. I truly believe that food is healing and has a purpose – hence my tagline #foodwithapurpose. Sometimes it’s hard to get all the essentials into your daily food intake so I find ways to get some of my needs with products like Vital Proteins. I admit that I’m knew with using supplements as I really wanted to just use food as my “medicine” but again, as I age I realize that I can’t possibly get everything I want into my diet every-single-day.
I was fortunate enough to give Vital Proteins a try and I’m a believer! First things first — there are differences between the Collagen Peptides (blue) and the Beef Gelatin Collagen Protein (green). Not only will they be used differently in some of the recipes you’ll see floating around on their blog or your other favorite bloggers but they have a different effect on digestion in terms of one being processed more easily than the other.
What I personally love about these products is the way I feel. I definitely felt a big difference in how I felt pre & post workouts. I felt like I was getting through my WOD’s (workout of the day) with much more energy and the big bonus was that I felt like I recovered more quickly. And though I would still feel sore after a good workout, it didn’t seem nearly as bad or last as long.
The other thing that I felt has improved was joint pain. I suppose we can call it arthritis??? (Ugh….I really hate using that word) But I did begin feeling a little achy in areas that had absolutely nothing to do with a workout — in my finger joints & elbows. It occurred to me just last month that I haven’t had that “ache”, if you will, since I’ve incorporated the collagen protein. As I age, I realize there will be things that I have to deal with now that I didn’t have to deal with 20 years ago….and had I known then, what I know now, I may have been using something like this long ago so that it could have been a “preventative” in terms of dealing with the aches of aging. The other plus is that it’s going to help keep me lean without losing muscle and help protect my bones. I’m entering into the world of menopause and that is a huge concern of mine — bone loss and whimpy muscles! So I honestly feel so good that this will help me get through that process without many concerns. And while we’re on the subject of aging, these products help tremendously with keeping skin supple and actually reduce signs of aging skin. I mean people are reaching for miracle drugs and/or needles to help but why not just add some natural collagen to your daily diet and not fear that you’re doing damage – in fact, you’ll be doing your body/skin a favor!
We’ll start with Collagen Peptides (blue): I use this particular protein when I make coffee (cold or hot), pancakes/waffles & smoothies/juices or a frozen treat. I’ve even added it to some homemade vinaigrette. The collagen peptides won’t gel in cold liquids so you will still be able to stir it in and get the same great benefits.
The Collagen Proteins – Beef Gelatin (green): I use this to make jello’s, gummies, add to thicken up a soup/roux or I’ve even added to cookie recipes to swap out the eggs. It gels in cold liquids so it’s best to use in hot drinks or as mentioned, to gel a recipe or thickener.
The difference between the Collagen Peptides (blue) & the Collagen Proteins (green) is this, as described on the Vital Proteins website:
Collagen Protein is a traditional beef gelatin that will gel in cold liquids, it is useful for recipes such as mousses,jellos, or for mixing into hot liquids. Collagen Peptides are a unique formula that are able to dissolve in cold liquids, making them ideal as a supplement that can be mixed with liquids such as juice or milk.
The peptides and protein do indeed have very similar amino acid profiles. The large difference is that the peptides are enzymatically hydrolyzed using a water process This means that enzymes were used to break the gelatin protein down into smaller molecules which results in a product that does not gel in cold liquids and one that is also faster digested due to the fact that it is already partially broken down.
The collagen protein, which is gelatin, is a bit different. It is not treated with enzymes and is a larger protein molecule that is theoretically slower digesting as it has not been pre-digested like the peptides. When consumed, the gelatin does help to draw water into the gastrointestinal tract. It also forms a “gel” that can be beneficial to the digestive system. Since it seems to be slower digesting it may travel along the gastrointestinal tract further, potentially enhancing the gut health benefits.
As I mentioned above, there are many ways you can get these proteins into your system. You can easily add to drinks or take it up a notch and make some gummies or add to recipes to thicken or create texture. Either way, it’s super easy to incorporate and reap all the benefits! So do you want to give the products a try??
Well……..
Vital Proteins is so kind to offer a discount to YOU! If you purchase their products within the next 14 days, you can get 20% off your order….plus FREE shipping!
Offer: 20% OFF + Free Shipping
Coupon Code: COCOSPALEO20
Valid: August 31 – September 14, 2015
Redeem here: www.vitalproteins.com
Sound good? So head over to www.vitalproteins.com and take advantage of the discount.
Here’s a few recipes to try when you get your proteins!
Café Latte Gelatin Gummy Bears (Grassfed Girl)
Chocolate Dairy-free Ice Cream (The Spunky Coconut)
Gelatin Jigglers Fruit Snacks (Paleo Parents)
Cold Coffee w/Vital Proteins (Cocos Paleo Kitchen) see below 🙂
- 1 1/2 cups cold brew
- 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk
- 1-2 tbsp Vital Proteins
- 1 tbsp ghee or butter
- 1 tbsp date or maple syrup*
- ice
- Blend all in a blender or use an immersion blender til creamy & frothy. Serve over ice.
- *If you like a sweeter coffee, add an additional tbsp of date or maple syrup. Can be made hot as well....just use your favorite brewed coffee and omit the ice 🙂
Hey BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!
I LOVE VITAL PROTEIN! I met the company a couple years ago at the Paleo Fx in Austin and have been consuming the green label by the scoopfuls. A great product to get behind:)
Hi You! Yes…I’m loving it! I am doing the same – getting it in my system in any way I can! And I am seeing the benefits so it makes me want to keep on scooping 🙂 {hugs}
I’ll be stocking up in the am! Thanks for letting us know about the affects you feel and describing the difference between the two options. I have some old achy joints to get rid of as well (but I refuse to admit they’re arthritis lol)! Thanks Val!