The One Protein I Eat Every Day

If you’ve read my last few posts, then you know that my nutrition focus has been very protein + veggie heavy lately.

I find that this combination helps keep me feeling full for longer, it keeps my blood sugar levels stable, and it helps me cut down on cravings.

But my meals aren’t the only place I add protein in.

I also use it before my workout and find that I can’t workout fasted (without eating beforehand).

I’ve also tried using pre-workout powders — which left me jittery and uneasy — and carbs before a workout — such as bananas or rice cakes with almond butter — but felt awful with both options.

I’ve even tried tons of different protein powders — from hemp to whey — and finally have found the one for me.

Now, even if you’re not working out, the protein I’m about to share could still be worth it for you and I’ll show you why that is shortly.

So I encourage you to keep reading before assuming you may not have a use for it.

Another thing to note — I am not paid or sponsored by the protein I’m about to share. It’s just the one I prefer after a ton of trial and error. 

Without further ado, here’s:

The One Protein I Eat (Almost) Every Day: Collagen

I initially came across collagen after writing for my client, Perfect Keto.

I wrote an article for them on collagen and it was through that research that I discovered more about it.

For example, I learned:

1. Collagen makes up about 30-40% of the protein in your body
2. It’s found in your skin, tendons, muscle tissue, ligaments, and connective tissue
3. Collagen has also been called “the glue” that holds your body together and gives it its shape
4. It’s also responsible for sending crucial signals to your cells — including some that help repair damaged cells and fight inflammation

The problem is, your collagen production naturally decreases as you get older.

To combat this, as I discovered writing for another client (the article isn’t published yet), you can increase your collagen production by consuming certain foods or by supplementing with it.

While I definitely try to eat collagen-boosting foods, I have no idea if I get enough and if I do this consistently since I don’t track my food intake anymore.

So that’s where supplementing with it makes more sense for me.

Doing this gives me an easy protein source to use before a workout and when I’m in a pinch and need a filling snack. Plus, it ensures that I get a healthy and consistent dose of collagen.

Before I share the exact collagen I use, I want to first highlight:

The Top 7 Science-Backed Benefits of Collagen

So far I’ve explained why collagen is important, now I want to share the benefits of getting enough of it.

I discovered these health perks when I wrote that Perfect Keto collagen guide.

Here’s a quick recap of what I talked about there:

1. Collagen may help support heart health by lowering cholesterol levels
2. It may also offer support for improving your gut health — studies are showing  it may help with IBS and leaky gut symptoms as well as repairing your gut lining
3. Collagen may also help to decrease joint pain and slow down how fast joints deteriorate
4. Some people reported less back pain when supplementing with collagen
5. Collagen also improves skin elasticity and may support better skin health from the inside out
6. It also may also help to strengthen your nails and improve nail growth
7. One type of collagen (IV) may also help to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s 

If you want to see the in-depth research behind these claims, I encourage you to check out that Perfect Keto collagen guide when you’re done here.

By this point, you know the importance of collagen and its health benefits, let’s dive into:

The Collagen I Use

There are plenty of collagen protein options on the market.

Some of them are filled with crappy fillers and artificial ingredients while others don’t contain any of this junk.

So it’s crucial that you check out the ingredients anytime you’re considering collagen or any other supplement.

I’ve had Perfect Keto’s collagen — which doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients — and it’s delicious.

What’s unique about Perfect Keto’s collagen is that it also comes with MCTs, or medium chain triglycerides, which come from coconuts and have their own incredible health benefits.

Personally, as someone who doesn’t drink caffeine and has a sensitive stomach, the MCTs were just a bit too much. Some people love the MCTs though and find them to be a great boost so don’t go by my reaction — that’s one you may have to see for yourself.

The collagen that I’ve found to be the best for my needs is from Garden of Life, which is local here in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

What I love about this collagen — aside from it not containing any crappy ingredients — is that each scoop gives me 20g of protein when most on the market only deliver 10g per scoop.

I also like that the only ingredients in this one are collagen and probiotics and that the collagen comes from grass-fed, pasture-raised collagen sources.

This option also contains 10g of probiotics per scoop which is another perk in my book.

I personally use the unflavored collagen (these are not affiliate links, and I don’t make any money if you buy this) and find that you can taste it initially in water but it eventually disappears.

I’ve also added it to smoothies and it mixes well and I plan to eventually bake with it.

As I mentioned earlier, I’m not sponsored or paid to share this protein — it’s the one that I’ve found works well with my sensitivities.

I usually take half a scoop before a workout and will use a full scoop as a last minute snack to hold me over until my next meal or in my smoothies.

And I generally take this 5-6 days per week.

Final Thoughts on Collagen

Collagen isn’t the only protein you can take — there’s whey, hemp, and plenty of others — but I find that its benefits make sense for me.

Personally I’ve seen a nice difference in my hair and nails and find that it’s an easy protein to take down — I don’t get bloated, jittery, or have any stomach cramps which some other options used to give me.

I also find the 20g of protein to be filling and just the right amount.

But remember, what works for me may not be the best fit for you.

That’s why it’s a good idea that you become your own food detective to see what works well for you.

I love collagen at the moment and know that it will be my protein of choice for the next few months, if not years.

I’m curious what you think though — have you used collagen protein before? Or is there another protein that works better for you?

Let me know in the comments below.

Sending you lots of love today,

Devan