All tagged Antioxidants

Do You Need Collagen Supplements?

Have you jumped on the collagen train yet?

The trend of adding collagen peptides to drinks and smoothies for glowing, elastic skin and sipping on bone broth for healthy joints, healthy gut, and weight loss is exploding.

In 2018 alone, we spent $46.6 MILLION on collagen supplements!

And why are collagen peptide supplements so popular?

The promises of younger looking skin, weight loss, and healthy joints are appealing to almost everyone.

But are these promises true?

And are collagen supplements worth their high price tag?

Let’s see…

Have you asked yourself what collagen is?

Collagen is a type of protein, often referred to as our body’s “scaffolding.”

Why “scaffolding?”

Because the tissues that hold out body together is made out of collagen.

Think bones, tendons, ligaments, skin, blood vessels, our organs…

Yes, our whole body is made largely out of collagen.

And as we age, our collagen production declines.

Hence the desire of many people to boost their collagen supply!

But are collagen supplements necessary for boosting our collagen supply?

The truth is, collagen supplements may not be necessary for you to see the benefits of younger skin, strong and gorgeous hair, weight loss, healthy joints, and improved gut health.

While researchers have studied the effects of collagen, the results are often limited or biased.

Does it seem right that the collagen supplement industries should fund the research on collagen?

If you answered “no,” you’re right.

Industry backing of their own products is sketchy at best.

The research studies are also small, and there hasn’t been research on the long-term effects of collagen.

And the scope and number of clinical trials are lacking.

So, more research on the effects and necessity of collagen supplementation are needed.

But while we wait on the researchers to do their thing, what should we do in the meantime?

You can buy collagen peptides for about $50 for a month’s supply. 

And yet, those collagen supplements come with some risks.

You might experience an allergic reaction, or suffer the side effects of nausea, heartburn, headaches, diarrhea, constipation, and skin reactions.

So, is there a better way to boost your collagen supply without a high price tag or side effects?

Consider this:

Collagen is a type of protein, which means it’s a chain of amino acids linked together.

Whenever we ingest protein, whether that’s from a piece of chicken, quinoa, beans, or collagen peptides, we break down that protein into amino acids.

Here’s the thing, you don’t get to choose where those amino acids go in your body go, or how they are used.

Instead, your body prioritizes those amino acids for whatever your body needs them for.

In other words, those expensive collagen peptides your adding to your morning coffee might not be used for collagen production at all!

Your body chooses where those amino acids will be best used.

If your body is choosing how the protein you consume is used, you’re likely better off eating real food instead.

The protein from nuts, seeds, quinoa, spirulina, salmon, chicken, and eggs can be consumed to boost your collagen supply.

When it comes to healthy skin, healthy weight, healthy joints, and a healthy gut, a balanced diet is king.

·        Vitamin C-rich and antioxidant-rich foods boost collagen formation and skin regeneration

o   Think oranges, peppers, strawberries, broccoli, and tomatoes

·        Vitamin E can also help protect your skin, since it’s a powerful antioxidant

o   Think nuts, seeds, and whole grains

·        Even turmeric has collagen-boosting benefits 

o   You can make curries and Golden Milk to see turmeric’s benefits

·        Zinc and sulfur both play roles in collagen formation as well

o   Think chicken, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, onions, garlic, and broccoli

·        And don’t forget that protein, as mention above

o   Think nuts, seeds, quinoa, spirulina, salmon, chicken, and eggs

You see, a whole foods, plant-based diet allows you to get the protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals you need for healthy collagen production.

And be aware of the choices that actively reduce collagen.

Sugar actually can cause irreversible damage to the collagen in your body! 

Sugar binds to collagen, which creates AGE’s (advanced glycation end products), which causes a loss in the strength of the collagen.

Which then leads to wrinkled, saggy skin.

Just another reason to limit added sugar, isn’t it?

And be sure to load up on SPF to protect your skin from damage!

All of these can lead to the damage of collagen:

·        Sun exposure

·        Pollution

·        Smoking

·        Alcohol

Final thoughts:

Don’t let yourself get swept up by the marketing tactics of products, like collagen.

Always come back to your eating and lifestyle choices when trying to make a healthy decision.

And when in doubt, experiment with what works best for you and your needs.

Knowing what you know now, would you spend the money on collagen peptides?

Need a few collagen-boosting recipes?

>>Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding Parfait

>>Easiest Vegan Chili

>>Foolproof Restaurant Quality Salmon

>>Tomatillo Chicken in a Pot

>>Raw Vegan Pad Thai

>>Red Lentil Stew

>>Anti-inflammatory Pasta Salad

>>Chewy Trail Mix Bars (Raw Vegan)

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet: What You Need to Know and 5-Step Plan to Make it Work For You | + FREE Gift! |

Chances are you’re either stressed out by work or by kids.

How’d I know that?

Well, those are the two most common stressors in America, where striving for work-life balance seems to always be the goal (and always a struggle)…

And maybe you feel anxious, irritable, or especially tired from all the responsibilities you carry.

The chronic inflammation caused by daily, excessive stress can definitely take its toll:

·        Suppressed immune system

·        Colds

·        Illness

·        Increased risk of cancer

·        Increased risk of food allergies

·        GI issues

·        Increased risk of autoimmune disease

·        Depression, sadness, anxiety, fatigue, irritability

Ok, so what can you do about it?

It might seem obvious at first glance, but the Anti-inflammatory Diet is a surefire way to reduce inflammation in the body.

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet is based on the Mediterranean Diet, rated the Best Overall Diet of 2019 by US News and World Report.

But when you research the Med Diet, the amount of information out there is seriously overwhelming!

Information overload!

And when there’s too much information and overwhelm, we simply won’t take action.

How do you sort through all the research, tips, strategies, shopping lists, food lists, and recipes?

Well, that’s why I’m here 😉

Let’s first break this diet down into its simplest lessons!

Then I’ll give you an actionable step-by-step plan for you to do this week.

From information to action plan, let’s dive in!

The core tenets of the Med Diet:

·        Frequently eat a variety of plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains like farro, barley, and bulgar, lentils, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds)

·        Focus on fiber (fruits and veggies galore)

·        Switch to healthful fats (avocado, nuts, seeds, olive)

·        Get omega-3’s from fish, walnuts, and flax

·        Season your food with an abundance of herbs and spices

·        Frequently consume tea

·        Enjoy two servings of fish per week

·        Moderately eat dairy and eggs

·        Have the occasional poultry (if you choose)

·        Get your sweet craving itch scratched by antioxidant-rich dark chocolate

·        Infrequently eat red meat

·        Infrequently indulge in sweets

·        Limit processed, refined food

·        Exercise daily

Ok, easier said then done. 

I mean, that’s a lot of “core tenets” to focus on if you think about it!

To avoid information overload and inaction, follow this actionable step-by-step plan to successfully reduce inflammation:

Step 1: Choose one of the two goals listed below:

1.      Eat one entirely plant-based meal this week at home

2.      Eat plant-based for an entire day

Which did you choose? 

Step 2: Look at your calendar for this week and choose either the meal or the day that you commit to eating plant based.

Which day did you choose?

Step 3: Schedule your plant-based meal or day in your calendar.

Did you schedule it?

Step 4: Choose the recipe(s) that you will make for that meal or day.

Need a few anti-inflammatory, plant-based ideas?

Try one (or all!) of these:

Green smoothie for breakfast

Anti-inflammatory pasta salad for lunch

Red lentil stew for dinner

Energy balls for snack

What recipe(s) did you choose?

Step 5: Complete your goal!

Did you eat plant-based for your planned meal or planned day?

Woohoo!  Celebrate! You took intentional action to lower inflammation in your body.

Which is what you wanted to do in the first place, right?

Yep, I’m right there with you 😊

Want even more meal and snack ideas that are quick, easy, and anti-inflammatory? 

Meals that you know can help you on your journey of eating healthier and living your best life?

I’ve got a FREE gift for you!

Download your FREE PDF of 21 Simple, Quick, & Easy Meals now! www.victae.com/cheatsheet

I’ll show you 21 meals (and snacks) that you can make in 15 minutes or less!

Oh, and you’ll only need 10 ingredients TOTAL to make ALL 21 meals and snacks 😊

Cheers to anti-inflammatory eating that doesn’t take time and energy!

My Top 5 Nutrition Tips for Reducing Stress

If you’re frequently stressed out, you’re certainly not alone. 

According to Gallup, 80% of Americans feel stress on a daily basis.

Woah, that’s a lot of people…

And in a fast-paced world where “busy” is rewarded and hectic schedules abound, daily stress takes its toll.

We’ve all been there:

·        Running late to a meeting

·        Trying to put a fire out at work

·        Managing the schedules and emotions of children

·        Or juggling numerous projects while trying to have a social life

We’ve experienced the immediate effects of stress:

·        Faster heart rate

·        Faster, shorter breathing

·        Tensed muscles

All perfectly normal signs of stress, which can give us that beneficial edge to getting work done. 

But what if we never fully come down from elevated stress? 

What happens to our bodies and mind then?

The effects of chronic stress are:

·        Weight gain

·        Insomnia

·        Anxiety

·        Depression

·        Weakened immune system

·        Reduced nutrient absorption

·        High blood pressure

·        High blood sugar

·        And even fertility problems

In the moment, you might not feel like you have to worry about stress- it’s normal, right?

But if you’re gaining weight, having trouble sleeping, struggling with anxiety, or are constantly getting sick, you might want to consider managing your stress through lifestyle tweaks.

The good news is you CAN reduce stress naturally, with food (in conjunction with exercise, quality sleep, meditation, and other tricks for winding down).

Here are my top 5 nutrition tips for reducing stress through food:

·        Eat a high-fiber diet (a minimum of 25-30 grams of fiber per day)

·        Eat a whole food, plant-based diet (i.e. lots of fruit, veggies, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains)

·        Limit foods that make your blood sugar spike (beware “healthy” snacks that are sneakily high in sugar, like most yogurt)

·        Eat the rainbow (antioxidants come in different colors, so eat a variety of fruit and veggies)

·        Enjoy probiotics (kombucha, miso, yogurt, probiotic supplements, kimchi, sauerkraut)

Throughout the month, I’ll continue to provide specific strategies and tips you can do right NOW to reduce stress and the effects of stress.

Your Action Step: What is ONE THING you can do today that will help you reduce stress? Use the 5 tips above to inspire you.  If you need extra help with this one, simply email me!  I’m here to support you 😊

Need a few recipe ideas to reduce inflammation caused by stress?

Check out these popular, easy, and fun anti-inflammatory recipes:

>>Fruit Sushi with Pomegranate Roe

>>Detox Salad

>>Zero-Added Sugar Zucchini Muffins

>>Anti-Inflammatory Pasta Salad

>>Strawberry and Mint Spring Rolls with a Lime Peanut Sauce

How Do You Take Your Coffee?

My morning starts at 5 AM each day, and the first thing I do before my mind even starts to work is make a pot of coffee.

It’s muscle memory to me after years of making coffee every single morning.

My iPhone alarm rings every morning at 5 AM.  I roll out of bed, walk downstairs, turn on my fireplace (yes, I love how a gas fireplace starts with the flip of a switch), grind fresh coffee beans, and make a pot of coffee for Matthew and me.

We drink it black in our favorite speckled coffee house mugs that we collect on our travels.

I find I drink it less for the energy jolt, and more because I love the coziness of my hot bitter drink every morning.

I frequently get asked is healthy coffee, which is a great question!

But I think an even better question may be, how do you take it?

Let me walk you through everything you should consider when reaching for your cuppa joe: