Nourishing Your Skin from Within

In the vast world of wellness, few words have taken centre stage as robustly as "collagen". Celebrated for its role in giving our skin elasticity and resilience, this wonder protein has everyone hooked.

While the market has seen a surge in collagen supplements - ranging from marine to bovine and even plant-based variants - the power of our daily meals to provide collagen shouldn't be underestimated. Indeed, for holistic health and optimal gut function, our focus should always return to the wholesome foods on our plate. These not only give us collagen but also offer other essential nutrients vital for our overall well-being.

Want to infuse your meals with collagen-boosting goodness? Here's a delightful day's menu to inspire and indulge in:

MORNING DELIGHT

Jumpstart your day with a gut-pampering Glow boosting Breakfast Smoothie.

Smoothies are incredible - they're versatile, delicious, and can be nutrient powerhouses. Imagine sipping on a delectable blend of marine collagen, collagen rich cashew nuts, prebiotic-laden bananas, and fatty-acid packed chia seeds.

But if cold beverages don't appeal, especially during the nippy weather, a plate of eggs could be your go-to. Though not directly collagen-rich, egg whites are loaded with proline - a significant amino acid in collagen formation.

MID-DAY MUNCHIES

Did you know that Vitamin C is a cornerstone in the creation of pro-collagen, the foundation of collagen?

So, your mid-day snack should ideally be bursting with this vital vitamin. Think refreshing citrus fruits, berries, mangoes, and pineapples.

If you are up for a change, consider trading your afternoon coffee for a collagen-packed beef bone broth. This savoury delight not only nurtures gut health but also fortifies joint and skin health with its rich amino acid content.

EVENING EATS

When crafting your lunch or dinner, keep your collagen inspirations in mind.

Focus on protein sources that stimulate collage synthesis. This includes oily fish, poultry, red meats, dairy, and even legumes.

Why?

Because these foods are packed with collagen-building amino acids such as proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. To add some colour and more nutrients, spinkle your plate with Viamin C-rich veggies like leafy greens, capsicums, and tomatoes. Looking for some inspiration why not try my Spicy Salmon Patties

Don't forget that zinc, found abundantly in nuts, seeds, and legumes, is also a collagen production champ.

DESSERTS that DELIGHT & DELIVER

The desire for a sugary finale to your day can be strong. However, it's crucial to understand that excessive sugar can hinder collagen levels due to a process called glycation. This happens when excess sugar attaches to proteins, creating harmfule byproducts. These can induce inflammation and damage our cells, including collagen.

But don't despair! Bypassing refined sugars doesn't mean you forsake desserts. There are mutiple ways to indulge your sweet tooth while also ramping up your collagen. Think fresh fruit parfaits, dark chocolate with almonds, or even a smoothie bowl topped with seeds.

In conclusion, while collagen supplements can be an addition to our health regime, the foods we consume daily can play an equally potent role. By intentionally choosing collagen-rich and supporting foods, we not only nurture our skin but also enhance our overall health. So, the next time you're grocery shopping or preparing a meal, remember that the journey to radiant skin might just begin on your plate. #FoodGlow