Sarah Schuh is a longtime collagen fan and new mom to daughter Charlotte. Here, she writes about her favorite collagen product and how her wellness routine changed since entering motherhood.
As an avid runner, collagen had always been part of my routine. This 1-2 scoop-a-day habit was key to helping support my joints, so it was one I was very regimented with (give me all the smoothies, please!).** But fast forward to two little pink lines on a test, Googling "can I use collagen while pregnant?", nine months of beach ball status and, ultimately, a sweet baby girl in my arms, and it’s safe to say my collagen routine was officially turned upside down. But (spoiler alert!) in the best way possible.
Here's how my collagen routine changed after becoming a new mom and all the benefits I’m reaping as a result.
First things first, why collagen?
It should come as no surprise that, as a new mom, I have very limited time! That's why I ensure every part of my day is intentional — I no longer have time to mess around with the random things I used to (looking at you, social media!) And what I choose to fuel my body with is no exception to this. I continue to include collagen in my routine because I love the benefits that come with it. This includes helping provide structure to hair, skin, nails, joints, bones, ligaments and tendons. In addition to this, collagen is behind helping hair shine, skin glow and nails stay strong.** Couple that with a ringing endorsement from my favorite celebrity, Jennifer Aniston, and you better believe collagen makes the cut when it comes to this mom’s routine!
So, how do I use it exactly? Keep scrolling!
My new collagen routine
Mornings are a little chaotic for me these days. So my cup of coffee with 1-2 scoops of Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer® in Vanilla is a welcome break in the action. After letting our pup out, then waking, feeding and changing the baby, my husband brings me a warm mug of this dairy-free treat to enjoy while our daughter plays. Cue the feel-good vibes while I sip away in bliss over the next few minutes.
In addition to a delicious treat, and a little self-care, I love that 1.) I’m getting some caffeine (aka a mom’s BFF) and 2.) I'm enjoying a drink packed with 9g of healthy fats and energy-boosting MCTs from organic coconut milk powder, giving me a beneficial start to my day. (This is KEY as many days I don’t get to eat until lunch!)
As someone who used to diligently spend time blending up the perfect collagen smoothie, I love that this new little routine is quick, easy and supports my wellness routine.
Why my new collagen routine works for me
Other than enjoying a delicious mug of collagen + coffee and the overall ease of this routine (it takes no time away from regular baby programming!), I feel confident that I’m fueling my body with what it needs after a strenuous few weeks.
It should go without saying that nine months of carrying and birthing a little human takes its toll. Outside of the obvious, the months following delivery come with their own set of postpartum woes. Leaning into my collagen routine does things such as helping to maintain glowing skin, a youthful appearance and stronger, healthier hair.** This last one is BIG for new mamas.
If there’s anything a baby has taught me, it’s that life comes with new phases and constant changes — and a collagen routine is no exception to this. Adjusting how I take my collagen is a great way for me to squeeze in some TLC, while giving my body the benefits it needs to keep flourishing as the best parent I can be!
A New Mom's Collagen Recommendations
Okay, so I've already covered that I love adding 1-2 scoops of Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer® to my coffee. However, I know that everyone has their own unique flavor preferences! For parents that don’t enjoy coffee, I recommend our Matcha Collagen, which is made from ingredient-grade Japanese matcha green tea powder and grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen for maximum nutritional benefit. Otherwise, if you're super short on time, our Collagen Shots™ and Collagen Waters™ are quick, easy and cover the full spectrum of flavors and benefits, sip for sip!
Try This Collagen Recipe
On weekends when I have a little extra "me time," I like to whip up this muffin recipe, also made with Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer®, to enjoy throughout the week!
PALEO WHITE CHOCOLATE AND MACADAMIA NUT MUFFINS
Yields 8 collagen muffins
Ingredients:
- 1 C almond flour
- ½ C tapioca flour
- ½ C coconut flour
- 1 scoop Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer® in Vanilla
- 1 T cinnamon
- 1 T baking powder
- ½ t sea salt
- 2 eggs
- ½ C maple syrup
- ¼ C applesauce
- ½ C coconut or almond milk
- 1 T vanilla extract (optional)*
- ½ C cacao butter chips or chunks
- ½ C macadamia nuts, plus more for topping
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a muffin pan with parchment paper liners and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add in almond flour, tapioca flour, coconut flour, Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer®, cinnamon, baking powder and sea salt. Whisk together.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, maple syrup, applesauce, coconut milk and vanilla extract, if desired.
- Slowly add in dry mixture to the wet mixture until well combined.
- Fold in cacao butter and macadamia nuts.
- Pour batter to three-quarters full in each muffin liner.
- Top with remaining macadamia nuts.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in a muffin comes out clean.
*Note: The cacao butter will melt into the muffin while baking*
