Good Morning and Happy Self-Care Saturday! I hope you are enjoying your day so far.
I just got back from my morning run and am getting ready to head to the Farmers Market! Ahh... I LOVE Saturdays. My absolute favorite day of the week.

Before heading out I wanted to share a fun recipe with you that I made last night. I am absolutely head over heals in love with Collagen Peptides! I started using them two years ago after completing my Detox Intensive Training with Dr. Alejandro Junger, of the CLEAN PROGRAM.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It’s found in our muscles, bones, skin, and tendons. It’s the “glue” that helps hold the body together. It gives our skin strength and elasticity and helps replace dead skin cells.

BUT as we age, collagen production naturally begins to decline. And you can thank the loss of collagen for those lovely wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint pain. Ahh... the joys of getting older! Other factors, such as sugar consumption, smoking and sun exposure, also contribute to depleting collagen levels.

Health Benefits of Collagen

Promotes youthful skin, healthier hair, and stronger nails
Helps keep bones healthy and strong
Supports joint health
Contributes to a balanced diet and helps maintain weight
Supports healthy inflammation response due to over exercise
Natural glycine improves sleep quality

How To Use It

Stir into water, tea, or other beverages
Add to smoothies as protein booster
Mix with soups, dressings, and oatmeal

I personally add 1 tbsp. to my morning tea each day. It does not TASTE like anything. It melts right into my tea and I can't even tell it is in there. I also use it as my PROTEIN source in smoothies. So many of the protein powders have that stevia taste or are too earthy tasting for me. Thus, I use the collagen in my smoothies as a clean protein source. Two scoops = 18 grams of protein!

My favorite brand is Vital Proteins!

It is supposed to get up to 107 degrees here in Portland, OR this coming Wednesday... WHOA! So in an attempt to keep cool and have a fun treat on hand, I made some healthy Collagen Popsicles! Oh so easy to make and absolutely DELICIOUS!

Abby's Collagen Popsicles Recipe

Basically, I just puree fresh fruit and veggies, along with two scoops of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides and pour them into popsicles molds. I pop them into the freezer for at least 5 hours and voila, you have a delicious dessert to savor on a hot summer’s day!
P.S. These last up to 6 months in your freezer.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Abby’s Tropical Green Popsicle
makes 8-10 popsicles
3 cups water or coconut water
1 banana, preferably very ripe
3/4 cup chopped spinach
1 cup cubed pineapple
2 scoops Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Purée banana, spinach, pineapple, and two scoops Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides with water or coconut water in a blender. Pour into ice pop molds and freeze for at least 5 hours or overnight.

Coconut Kiwi Popsicles or Coconut Mango Popsicles
makes 8-10 Popsicles

3 cups water or coconut water
+ 1 cup fruit of choice – for these I used Kiwi or Mango, but other favorites are raspberries, blueberries, peaches, and nectarines.
2 scoops Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Purée fruit of choice with water or coconut water and two scoops of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. Pour into ice pop molds and freeze for at least 5 hours or overnight.

I sometimes get creative and stick a few whole blueberries or raspberries into the popsicles molds to make them extra pretty!

ENJOY!

These really are tasty and fun to make with the kiddos! I hope you enjoy your Saturday and check back again soon. I am loading up new content daily. Woo hoo!

In Health and Happiness,

Abby's Collagen Popsicles!

Abby's Collagen Popsicles Recipe