Get your collagen fix, no stirring required.

Let’s talk collagen. 

It’s a trend that took the wellness world by storm a few years ago, and its results have kept it center stage. The benefits? Healthy, thicker hair, stronger nails, clearer skin, reduced joint inflammation, and improved gut functioning. According to collagen enthusiasts everywhere (us included) there’s no placebo effect going on here - it really. does. work.

Whether or not you’re aiming for a specific benefit, collagen powders are a great way to sneak protein into unexpected places. While blending it into your morning smoothie or adding it to a cup of coffee are most people’s go to’s, you can get SUPER creative with this tasteless, dissolvable powder. Sneak it into baked goods (protein cookies, anyone?), soups, SALAD DRESSING (my favorite way to add protein to my mostly veggie salads), and more. 

But summer is busy, and being honest - my kitchen hasn’t seen much action lately. I’d rather be outside than anywhere near my stove. And when it’s hot AF outside, I just want something easy and refreshing. 

That smile on her face is cause these waters are REALLY GOOD.

Helloooo Vital Proteins collagen water! We got to try these for the first time at our NYC Gut Health talk last week with Pheobe Lapine. I was honestly skeptical - I can sometimes taste a faint collagen flavor in my coffee, so how will this mix well into WATER? But, its actually REALLY GOOD. They are super refreshing, light, with a nice bright flavor. I went home with one of each flavor, and found that sipping on one throughout the day, or post workout, helped curb my afternoon sugar cravings and kept my energy levels high. So much more refreshing than a sticky protein bar on a hot day!

Vital Proteins new collagen waters come in 4 refreshing flavors (I’m partial to the Strawberry Lemonade) and are all under 60 calories, with less than 3 grams of sugar, and pack 10 grams of protein in each bottle. They are also gluten and dairy free, and free of artificial flavors and sweeteners. As a reminder, Vital Proteins collagen is not vegetarian or vegan - it's made from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle. Unlike the collagen powders you may already be familiar with, these are a totally grab and go option - no mixing or blending required. Count us in.

You can find VP’s collagen waters at any Whole Foods, select Target locations (in the protein/nutrition aisle) and direct from vitalproteins.com.