How famous actors and actresses prepare for their roles is a fascination for many. The script is one thing, preparing their bodies, which sometimes entails a full body transformation, is quite another. Hours spent at the gym and some major changes to nutrition are commonplace. Today we’re not focusing on hunger strikes or extreme diets, but rather the importance of healthy, balanced nutrition. And who better to feature than actress Jennifer Garner who has generously spread awareness of her healthy & balanced nutrition.
The focus of dieting today is wiser than it once was. No longer do diets focus only on shedding the pounds, but instead on improving your diet in a way that will benefit your well-being long-term, not just in 6 weeks from now. And that’s exactly what Jennifer Garner was looking to achieve while preparing for her latest project, the movie Peppermint.
According to the famous actress’s Instagram profile, celebrity nutritionist Kelly LeVeque has come up with an ideal carb-free satiating breakfast formula, and it’s a perfect balance of macronutrients. Jennifer shared what she likes to call her collagen-infused #BeWellSmoothie with her 9.2 million followers, and everyone seems to be blending. But before we get into the recipe itself, let’s take a look at why adding a scoop of collagen to your smoothie is beneficial in the first place, even when you’re not an Oscar contender.
Before we jump into its numerous benefits, let’s introduce the mighty protein that many like to refer to as the glue that holds our body together. Collagen is a structural protein found in connective tissues, skin, bones, muscles, ligaments - and pretty much every single body part you can think of. While our bodies are able to produce it from scratch, the process begins to decrease after the age of 25. Bummer. It’s not only aging, but also environmental and lifestyle factors that compromise natural collagen production, calling for a supplement, like grass-fed collagen powder.
Collagen is widely known for its anti-aging properties, promoting overall skin elasticity and hydration. In addition, it has been shown to reduce the visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, pores, and dryness. Collagen has quickly become a beauty staple for beautiful hair, skin & nails. Even though topical collagen products have been shown to yield positive results, studies show that only orally administered collagen supplements can provide the needed bioavailability to really get the benefits..
No matter how consistent we are with our workouts, muscle soreness is inevitable - especially if you’re constantly challenging yourself and pushing your limits. Adding a scoop of collagen powder into your post-workout shake helps with a faster recovery, due to collagen’s prominent anti-inflammatory activity. What’s more, collagen’s dominant amino acid glycine has been shown to promote a restful night's sleep, contributing to the recovery process even more. Collagen’s role is also to protect joints, bones, and tendons, while promoting lean muscle growth. While on the topic of inflammation, it is important to mention that collagen plays a vital role in digestion, preserving the gut lining and easing the symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
But why is collagen considered a perfect addition to your breakfast smoothie, aside from all the beauty and health benefits? As a protein, collagen provides a strong satiating effect, keeping you full for a longer period of time. Certain studies have even compared collagen powder and its more prominent rival, whey protein. Collagen powder did, in fact, turn out to be more satiating, acting as a natural appetite suppressant. Therefore, with collagen breakfast smoothies, you’re “tricking” your appetite while still providing the body the energy it needs throughout the day. Win-win!
Why wait any longer? Let’s jump right into Jennifer’s collagen smoothie recipe!
1 ½ cups almond milk (unsweetened)
1 tbsp almond butter
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
Small handful ice
Small handful blueberries
Handful fresh spinach
2 scoops All-Natural Collagen Peptides Powder
Ready in 3 minutes!
One thing is certain: this recipe doesn’t require hours in the kitchen (in fact, a few minutes will suffice). Simply add all the ingredients into the blender and blend until you’ve created a consistent, creamy texture. Avoid adding ice in order to maximize solubility. Enjoy!
