So two weeks ago, it was my birthday! Its crazy to think (at least in my head) that I am in my LATE twenties now. I feel like it was my 21st birthday yesterday, so feeling like 6 years of my life went by with the snap of a finger seems unbelievable to me! At the same time, when I look back to where I was then, and where I am now, I cannot help but love where I am now. Of course, there are many factors that have changed but when talking about my own personal health & fitness, so much has changed for the better as well.
For most of those who have known me for a long time, they know that since the age of like 18, I ran 7 miles, 6 days a week for the most part. Running became like a ‘baby’ to me and a passion. I plan to write a post on this in the future but to explain a long story short, I quit long distance running early in 2015. Besides the crazy amounts of stress on my body, I also was hungry 24/7 and struggled with anemia due to loss of iron when sweating for such a prolonged period of time.
Thinking about how much has changed over this period of time allowed me to realize how much has also changed in regards to my nutrition! I always tell people about how making small changes is how to see results and over my lifetime thus far, although I never made many drastic changes, I made tons of small ones that when I look back I think WOW to where I was years ago!
All of this to say, when I was thinking of aging, a lot of my focus recently has been on hormonal fat loss and longevity. Of course, we all hope to live long, healthy lives but thinking of ways we can aid in the longevity of this process is always something I strive to do and love researching. While I firmly believe that eating whole foods and reducing sugar intake is a huge part in looking & feeling young, I also enjoy a little help from different dietary supplements.
Today, I am sharing one of my favorite products I have found that really helps me… which is.. Collagen Peptides!!! Collagen supplies essential proteins that our bodies use to build and repair bones, joints and much more. Collagen production typically slows at a rate of 1.5% per year after the age of 25! One of the effects of aging is that the collagen fibers break down and become brittle thus making you look and feel older. In taking this powder supplement over the last 2 years, I have found not only is my hair and skin better, but I love that it is also good for your joints/bones along with being a tool for building lean muscle mass.
After my many years of running and also with the lifting I do now, I used to feel some soreness which is why I started researching a few years ago. Two years later, I can say I no longer feel the soreness but I also have found my skin to be so much firmer! In a lot of the research I have done, many people have found that this collagen powder is said to have reduced fine lines and made skin more plump. I also purchased it for my mom about a year ago and she has found it has helped her joints remarkably and her skin looks much more youthful (not that it didn’t already, Mom ;)! )
What is it? Collagen peptides are short chain amino acids naturally derived from pasture-raised, grass-fed collagen protein. Collagen peptides contain the same amino acids as gelatin which are identical to the protein found in skin, nails, hair, bones, cartilage, and joints. These proteins are needed by the body to build connective tissue and regulate the functions of the cells.
How do I use this? I love to put this in my nutri-bullet along with almond milk and protein powder post-workout in the morning. A few other people that I have recommended this product to blend almond milk, PB2 and a natural sweetener.
Here are some of the benefits of collagen but more can also be found here!
Collagen Peptides Benefits:
- 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 overexercise
- Natural glycine improves sleep quality.
- Bone and Mineral Density
- Joint Health
- Inflammatory response due to joint overuse or exercise
- Restore Muscle
- Maintain a lean body
- Stabilize Appetite
- Lose & Maintain Weight
- Increase Athletic Performance
Give it a try and let me know what you think!! 🙂
