Collagen Peptides during Pregnancy | Dark Chocolate Berry Acai Protein Bowl

Dishing on why I’ve loved collagen peptides this pregnancy + sharing the recipe for this tasty Dark Chocolate Berry Acai Protein Bowl!

The two things I have craved the most this pregnancy have been cheeseburgers (as with every other pregnancy) and smoothies…or smoothie bowls.  Kinda polar opposites. But this Dark Chocolate Berry Acai Protein Bowl is one of my latest favorites- filing it right in there with smoothie bowls. It’s cool and refreshing, totally filling but it’s also packed with protein and collagen peptides! 

I started using Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides at the beginning of this pregnancy (right after my first trimester).   A lot of other women were using it, adding it to smoothies, shakes, soups, baked goods, anything really, and raving about the benefits of collagen. Glowing skin, stronger nails, hair growth, joint and ligament support, etc.  After doing a little research I was IN, especially because I was pregnant (with twins nonetheless). I felt my body could use all of the extra support it could get! I asked my doctor if collagen was safe to take during pregnancy and he said it definitely was. *If you are pregnant, I’d recommend discussing it with your doctor as well* 

What is collagen? (this is straight from the Vital Proteins website): 

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is a key constituent of all connective tissues. Collagen provides the infrastructure of the musculoskeletal system, essential for mobility.

Also….this little tidbit: 

Our bodies can produce its own collagen, but around age 25, our natural rate of collagen production begins to decline. This is why age-related issues such as sagging skin, bone inflexibility, joint problems, fine lines and wrinkles begin to manifest in our 30s and beyond.

HELLO, 30 was my decline in most of those areas, lol! Consuming MORE collagen can support our natural production of collagen by providing our bodies with the amino acids (components of protein) necessary for collagen production! Consume more, make more! 

And HERE ARE JUST A FEW BENEFITS (listed from their site as well)  SEEN FROM TAKING COLLAGEN DAILY:

• Glowing skin**
• A more youthful appearance**
• Joint health**
• Tendon & bone strength**
• Healthy cartilage**
• Increased athletic performance**
• Improved digestion**
• Gut health**
• Deeper sleep**

Like, hello. Why wasn’t I using it sooner? 

The suggested serving of collagen peptides is 20g a day, which is actually pretty easy to do!  

Vital Proteins has a variety of products with collagen- collagen powder, collagen whey protein, matcha collagen, collagen beauty waters, collagen creamers, collagen beauty greens– all of which can be easily added into your daily routine to get the suggested serving of collagen. For pregnant women, getting enough protein in our diets is extremely important– it helps support blood volume and healthy circulation, which can help prevent swelling! 

I started using the unflavored collagen first  adding it this green smoothie almost daily. The first thing I noticed after using it consistently was stronger nails . They weren’t brittle and they were growing faster. And my hair was growing like crazy/felt thicker.  I know I’m pregnant and pre-natal vitamins helps with that too- but this was even better than previous pregnancies when I had just used pre-natal vitamins.

My skin is the healthiest it’s ever been, and I attribute that to both the collagen peptides and stepping up my skincare game.  (That may have to be it’s own post, but if you’ve been following me for a while you know I’ve fallen in love with Beautycounter products!)

I also noticed more energy. And I truly believe it’s played a part in how active I’ve been able to stay this pregnancy! I’ve stayed active during all of my pregnancies, but was really worried about how active I would be able to be with a twin pregnancy. I’m 34 1/2 weeks pregnant right now and still walking, lifting some weights, or doing light bodyweight workouts a couple of times a week. I have aches and pains, and am getting real uncomfortable, but I really believe the added collagen to my diet has overall helped me maintain a healthier, more active twin pregnancy! And I’m hoping it will help just as much with my post-partum recovery.

I’ve recently started using the Vital Proteins Collagen Whey Protein Powders too, to get that added boost of both collagen peptides and protein. I love this Dark Chocolate & Blackberry Collagen Whey Protein in berry smoothies and acai bowls.

Get your hands on some and give this Dark Chocolate Berry Acai Protein Bowl a try! Adding two scoops of the collagen whey protein added 20g of collagen and 18g protein! RECIPE IS BELOW!

Now, the best news for last! I’m excited to partner with Vital Proteins as an ambassador this year! I’ll be sharing more on why I love the products, my favorite products, recipes and tips for living a healthier lifestyle with Vital Proteins all year long! 

I can’t wait!