Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Giveaway!!!

     Christmastime is one of the most wonderful times of the year, but it can also be a time when we can over-indugle and lose track of our health goals!  It’s ok to treat yourself of course, and God knows I’m good at that!  But you can’t lose focus of the importance of being and staying healthy.  Rather than be part of the millions of Americans plagued by colds and sickness each winter and holiday season, it is important to keep your body healthy and strong to support the immune system and combat illness.

     One of my favorite ways to do this is through regular supplementation with gelatin and collagen peptides.  I have been buying these products from Vital Proteins for over a year now, and I could not be happier with the product. 

     What are collagen and gelatin?  Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is key to the construction of all connective tissues.  It also provides the infrastructure of the musculoskeletal system.  Collagen peptides are natural, highly bioavailable, and digestible, and can ensure the cohesion, elasticity, and regeneration of skin, hair, tendon, cartilage and joints.  Both collagen and gelatin have similar amino acid profiles and nutritional benefits.

     What’s the difference?  Collagen peptides mix well with both hot and cold liquids without “gelling”, but you cannot use them in recipes that call specifically for gelatin.  Collagen goes great in smoothies, juice, water, coffee, and I have used them for oatmeal, pancakes, and no-bake cookies to boost protein content.

     Gelatin, on the other hand, “gels” in cold liquids.  It’s ideal for more hot preparations and is great to add in soups and broths as a thickener or natural protein booster.  You can also use it for baking and making ice cream, yogurt, and fruit gelatin snacks.  Gelatin takes longer to digest, coating the small intestine, which makes it especially advantageous for those on the GAPS, AIP or SCD diet.

     What I love about the Vital Proteins products is that they are sources from pasture-raised, hormone free bovine hides from Brazil.  These cattle are raised on standards in alignment with the Global Animal Partnership 5-step animal welfare rating standards, and each animal gets 2.67 acres to graze on.  Talk about giving animals a good life!  All Vital Protein’s products are made without high heat to preserve the enzyme process.

     Can you take these products while pregnant?  Absolutely!  In fact, consuming collage while pregnant is critical because it provides essential proteins that our bodies utilize daily that promote optimal health AND a growing baby.

     Vital Proteins is kind enough to collaborate with me this Christmas season by giving one of my blog followers a FREE 20 oz collage peptides case!  This is a $41 value!  Entering is easy.  This contest is open to all U.S. residents 18 and older.  The contest will go from today to Wednesday, December 23^rd, 8PM EST.  The winner will be notified Christmas Eve.  Check out the rafflecopter below by scrolling all the way to the bottom of this page, and good luck!