Protein Smoothie for Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails

I recently made a round-up of skincare favorites that included collagen. While I haven’t expounded on the benefits of collagen, I did want to share with you guys one way that I am adding collagen + protein into my diet: a collagen protein smoothie.

It’s been a while since I’ve had smoothies. They’re easy to make, but I noticed that my old protein powder seemed to break out my skin. At 33, everyday breakouts due to my post-workout smoothies is not cute. So, I needed to cut out whey protein but was leery about those “plant protein” protein powders out there.

After a bad experience with one brand (it literally tasted like mud) I was afraid I wasn’t going to be able to find a protein powder to help me rebuild muscles after weight-lifting.

However, I ran across a special on Ideal Raw organic plant protein. All the reviews claimed they were the best tasting, so I ordered protein samples in organic vanilla and organic chocolate. I actually liked them both (no dirt taste!) and have been loving them mixed with almond milk.

For a few months now, I have been incorporating collagen powder into my daily coffee. It has definitely helped kickstart some baby hairs growing along my hairline, and my nails were so much stronger. But then I ran out of both collagen and my multivitamins for a month. and my nails returned to their brittle, peeling state.

I was upset with myself for not going without them for all that time. Vital Proteins was kind enough to send me a fresh supply of their collagen peptides, and also included their Collagen Beauty Greens a try.

Yesterday was the first time I experimented in creating a smoothie using these two products. I used Ideal Raw organic vanilla protein powder and Vital Proteins’ Collagen Beauty Greens to make a smoothie and it turned out divine! Plus, knowing that I was getting in my protein from organic plant sources, and getting collagen, hyaluronic acid and hydrating coconut water powder from Vital Proteins made me feel really good about what I was putting in my body!

If you are looking for a plant-based protein powder that won’t make you gag (haha that’s the best way I can put it), I encourage you to give Ideal Raw a try. I love that they have samples so you don’t have to commit to a huge tub. They’re delicious on their own, and even better with almond milk.

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the Collagen Beauty Greens. I didn’t know what to expect taste-wise, but there is nothing unpleasant about the taste of these greens. I already add spinach and kale to all my smoothies, but it’s nice to have them in powder form for when I’m out of fresh ingredients.

Without further ado, here’s the recipe for the yummy protein smoothie I made yesterday. I loved it, and I know you will, too!

Protein Smoothie for Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 3 minutes

A protein smoothie with collagen and hyaluronic acid to help strengthen your hair, skin and nails from the inside out.

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Ingredients

• 1 scoop Ideal Raw organic vanilla protein
• 1 scoop Vital Proteins Collage Beauty Greens
• 1 medium banana
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup ice
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• handful of baby spinach, optional

Instructions

1. Add the banana and baby spinach (optional) to the bottom of your blender.
2. Add the Greek yogurt, ice, and almond milk.
3. Add the cinnamon, collagen beauty greens, and organic vanilla protein powder.
4. Blend well.
5. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1 Servings
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 532Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 228mgCarbohydrates: 57gFiber: 15gSugar: 26gProtein: 71g