Collagen Boosting Smoothies

I’ve been on a mission lately; an experiment of sorts. You see, the other day I did something no woman over fifty should ever do. I took a long critical look into the mirror – the magnifying mirror. I don’t really recommend this. This deep evaluating stare leads to one of two things; the solo consumption of a bottle of wine or a three-hour google marathon of face cream reviews. Neither of which changes the fact that as we get older, the collagen in our skin breaks down. It’s kind of similar to my favorite pair of jeans; the more metaphorically comfortable I am in it, the baggier it gets.

My Not-So-Secret Fear

Unlike wrinkles, which I’ve totally earned, bags and sags are just a sneaky, irritating consequence of gravity. I have this secret fear (that I’m now blasting through the blogosphere) that the bags under my eyes will eventually droop to my jowls, which will drop to my boobs which will sag to my belly and, taking my pelvic floor with it, will descend to my knees. I know this is fatalist thinking. My counselor would ask, “what are the real odds of that happening?” I’m thinking . . . ten percent? Okay, probably more like two percent – for ALL of those things to happen. But, really! Are any of us thrilled with what happens to our bodies as we age. I know! Be grateful . . . it’s better than the alternative . . . accept and embrace. I hear ya – BUT, I sure as heck don’t to have follow gravities convincing pull without a fight.

A Little Research

Like most middle-aged women, I’ve spent a pretty penny trying different creams and serums. I guess they help but I’ve yet to find a topical miracle. So, I decided to research the possibilities of working from the inside out. Instead of going broke slathering $100 hope-in-a-bottle from hairline to hipbone, could I feed my body what it needs to protect and repair collagen from within?

Now is the perfect time for me to disclose that I have ZERO medical training. I am not a scientist or chemist and I dropped out of my biology for majors class in college. I do; however, have a knack for research – and a significant stubborn streak. So that is what I applied and this is what I found.

Collagen is a natural protein that makes up 80% of our skin and 25% of the total protein in our body.

As we age, collagen proteins break down and struggle to replenish. Combine that with a reduction of strength in our elastin and you get – well basically, an old dried-out rubber band.

How our skin ages is affected by our DNA but also external factors like UV damage, diet, and pollution.

Vitamins A, C and E, Antioxidants, certain Fatty Acids and three key amino acids; Glycine, Lysine and Proline are all CRUCIAL for the protection and production of Collagen

My Solution

Solutions have to be realistic and knowing my lack of dietary willpower, a full nutritional overhaul was not the answer. I eat lean and healthy for dinner most nights so I focused on a breakfast/lunch option; an easy to make smoothie full of collagen-loving vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids.

Topping it Off

In addition to the ingredients on the chart, I use this Pure C20 Coconut Water to top off the blender to the fill line. It adds very few calories, has electrolytes and a mild flavor that works with all of the optional ingredients. Other liquids I use are orange juice and carrot juice (see comment below)

A Word About Blenders

If you own a Vitamix you can probably blend harder stuff like carrots and keep the skin on fruits like peaches. I however, own a Ninja Nutri – which I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. It’s under $50, the perfect smoothie size, easy to clean and comes with travel lids that snap right onto the cup you blend in. The Ninja Nutri is very powerful BUT it’s not a $400+ Vitamix so I use pre-purchased carrot juice and I sloppily peel (most) of the skin off peaches and the like.

Pretty Awesome. . . But Not Pretty

A confession is in order. See how fresh and vibrant the smoothie ingredients look before blending? Well, after blending, not so much. While these smoothies are delicious (head down to the bottom of the page for my three favorite flavor combos) they are not pretty. Honestly, if I told you what they kind of resemble – you would never try one. So, if you are someone who needs your food to be as beautiful as it is tasty, here’s my solution.

Buy yourself some drink umbrellas – there’s even ones with built-in straws but I’m not showing them for fear of being ostrasized – but they have them, just so you know. Anyway, plunk in a drink umbrella and close your eyes. They are really quite delicious.

My Favorite Flavor Combos

I’ve made about a dozen of these Collagen-Boosting Smoothies now and there are three flavor combinations I keep going back to; Plump It Up Protein, Romaine Vibrant and Anti-Saggy Sunrise. Check out the printable recipe sheets below.

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I don’t know if it’s placibo effect but I actually think I’m noticing a difference in the tone and vibrancy of my skin. It could also be that I just came back from a two week vacation where someone cooked my meals, made my bed and drove me around. Yeah, that might have something to do with it. These smoothies do give me an energy boost and make me feel good though so I think I will keep it up. Remind me to do an update in a month or two – when reality has set back in and it’s 115 degrees outside.

I’d love to hear your take on these smoothies . . . we could have a Pro-Collagen Collaboration! Have a fantastic week/weekend and please feel free to like, share, pin and comment the heck out of this post. I can’t afford advertising so it’s up to you readers! Please SNEEZE (spread) all the crafty goodness of A Crafty Composition. Muchas Gracias!

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