Tag Archives: collagen

Reset with Best Wellness Products for 2023

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This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.

Can you believe it’s a new year?!  I’m focusing on becoming my best self with a wellness reset.

And, to help me along the way, I’m incorporating some of the best wellness products for 2023 – a couple I’ve used for years, and others are new finds – but definitely keepers!

I’m Hydrating! And Ultima makes a clean performance drink with the perfect balance of electrolytes and trace minerals with no sugar and fake junk. Super easy to take on the go, just throw in your purse or gym bag and mix in a packet of this zero sugar hydration in a water bottle – CHEERS!

Yummy flavors like Raspberry, Lemonade, Cherry, Pomegranate, appletini, Coconut Pina Colada, and Orange. Featuring important electrolytes and minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium to support hydrate better than water alone along with vitamin C and zinc for immune support. Gluten-free, Vegan, Keto-friendly.

Save and enjoy sugar-free electrolytes yourself with code BABBLE20 for 20% off (expires 1/31/2023)

I’m battling bloat! Between holiday indulgences and reverting back to veggie-packed clean eating in January has my digestion a little out of whack. I tried FLATTER ME from HUM nutrition, it’s a blend of 18 full-spectrum digestive enzymes that help to break down protein, carbs, fiber, lactose, and fats to support healthy digestion and reduce bloating. Registered Dietician nutritionists developed these digestive enzyme supplements that use clean ingredients, are gluten-free and have nothing artificial. For example, it uses ginger and peppermint to support optimal digestion and fennel to help sooth any issues. These anti-bloating pills are super easy to incorporate into your day, just take 1 capsule before your two main meals!  Note: Despite the “six pack abs,” I’m a bloater. Between hormones and a love for (but intolerance of) cruciferous veggies seems like I battle bloat a lot. Getting bloated from the likes of broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts and cauliflower seems so unfair – but I really do feel that this pre-meal bloat supplement helps

Check out HUM Nutrition (the make other beauty and wellness products) and use code BABBLE30 for 30% with a $29 minimum from January 2nd, 2023-February 22, 2023.

I’m Healing Skin by taking better care of it with Tamanu Balm Barrier Salve from Erin’s Faces, a clean-beauty and skin care company. Ugh, I’m the queen of scrapes, scratches and little ouchies thanks to my trail running, obstacle course races and gym shenanigans. I’ve also found it ideal for rubbing into my awful hand calluses and into my ragged cuticles and knuckles that don’t respond well to cold weather, dry air and over-washing!  

To help remedy these little issues, I’ve been using Tamanu Balm Barrier Salve from Erin’s Faces, a clean-beauty and skin care company.  This organic balm is a great petroleum swap and features tamanu oil from the tamanu nut which has been shown in studies to be a therapeutic option for treading infected wounds.  It also features safflower oil, that naturally has anti-microbial properties, and also locally-sources beeswax for optimizing skin hydration.

Great for you, great for the whole family! Get yourself of organic Tamanu Balm Barrier Salve from Erin’s Faces and save 10% with code TAMANUBALM

Taking care of my joints! And also skin, hair nails and more with Biosil, a supplement that helps your body replenish its own collagen. I’ve been using this for a year now and love the results. When I crossed over into my 50s about five years ago, I started using a collagen supplement to take care of my joints, skin, hair and more. As a lifetime athlete, asking a lot of my body, I knew I needed to be proactive about replenishing / supplementing collagen after I learned that your body’s ability to produce enough on its own dwindles with age. Even being outdoors in the sun (which I crave and do daily) can diminish collagen productions.

Interestingly, Biosil isn’t actually collagen product like the powders and other supplements that are touted, but instead a clinically-proven supplement backed by my 25+ years and $20 million of research into how it can help your body generate more of its own collagen and protect what you already have. You can also take it in conjunction with a traditional collagen supplement (which I do).

The vegan-friendly capsules are clear, tiny and easy to swallow, and contain the liquid Biosil formula. As directed, I take two capsules a day, one in the morning and one in the evening.  Taking care of my joints is priority number one with me, but also, I appreciate how Biosil also helps elastin and keratin become more resilient and make wrinkles and fine lines soften and hair and nails thicker and stronger – and joints happier! You can learn more HERE.

Save 25% on a One Month supply of Biosil with code BabbleBoxxBiosil2023  – code valid for one-time purchases, not subscriptions.

I’m traveling more! Or I hope to hit up some new sights and experiences in 2023 and will be taking PlaneAire Travel Essentials, along for all my adventures. Travel essentials, including sprays and wipes made with anti-bacterial, anti-microbial essential oils, are easy to stash in my travel backpack and help keep me well in crowded, germy travel situations. PlaneAire products are designed to hygienically clean surfaces, sanitize hands, and freshen the air. These sanitizers are also a “feel good, smell good” sensory experience made with nourishing ingredients like essential oils, safflower oil, lingonberry, vegan glycerin, aloe vera, green tea and more. The scents are amazing – like   — but not overwhelming if you are sensitive (like me) to smells. Made in the USA, responsible sourced, plant-based, when possible, extensively lab tested (although not required) and never tested on animals.

Save on PlaneAire with code FITFORK for 10% off entire cart, expires 2/15/23

Sugar-Free Chocolate Caramel Whipped Coffee with Collagen (Low Carb)

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Sugar-Free Chocolate Caramel Whipped Coffee with Collagen let’s you create a coffee-shop experience at home with multiple benefits!  Whipped coffee (also called Dalgona) is a trend that is definitely meets and exceeds all the buzz!

Sugar Free Chocolate Caramel Whipped Coffee is an impressive yet easy coffee beverage to make -- and much more economical than going out, too! Serve warm or cold over ice. Low carb and friendly for Keto diets, diary-free, vegan and paleo diets. Collagen adds additional nutrients along with a protein boost. 128 cal, 2g net carb, 5.6g fat, 14.3g protein

This Chocolate Caramel Dalgona is a decadent-tasting coffee beverage that blends two classic flavors — chocolate and caramel – that are beloved pairings in most everyone’s cuppa Joe.  

Great Lakes Wellness discount code THEFITFORK10OFF

Check out more benefits of Caramel Chocolate Whipped Coffee which you can serve warm or cold depending on your mood:

Venti: When it comes to coffee, more is better in my book! That’s why I made this chocolate coffee dalgona “venti” sized, measuring in at over 20 ounces. However, if that’s too much caffeine for you, half the recipe or share with a friend.

Sugar Free: Using sugar-free coffee syrups and products that inherently have no sugar or have been sweetened with a natural, low-carb option (like Stevia) means this remains a low-carb coffee beverage.

Economical: Instead of $6+ you might pay in a gourmet coffee shop, this caramel chocolate whipped coffee is a fraction of the cost – I’d say just under a dollar, and that’s including a serving of collagen powder which is amazing for your health.

Collagen-Boosted: A serving of collagen hydrolysate (in a caramel flavor) is added to the almond milk before topping with the espresso foam. This not only creates the rich caramel flavor, but boosts the drink with 12g of protein and benefits for bones, joints, skin, gut and more. 

Save 10% code at GreatLakesWellness.com --- THEFITFORK10OFF

I used the Daily Joint Collagen from Great Lakes Wellness – save 10% with code THEFITFORK10OFF.  You can also use a plain flavor collagen and mix a tablespoon of sugar-free caramel syrup into the milk.

Sugar Free Chocolate Caramel Whipped Coffee is an impressive yet easy coffee beverage to make -- and much more economical than going out, too! Serve warm or cold over ice. Low carb and friendly for Keto diets, diary-free, vegan and paleo diets. Collagen adds additional nutrients along with a protein boost. 128 cal, 2g net carb, 5.6g fat, 14.3g protein

Note: This post contains affiliate links. A small commission is earned from sales generated through links, but price to you remains the same. Proceeds are used to offset operating costs for The Fit Fork. Thank you!

Sugar Free Chocolate Caramel Whipped Coffee is an impressive yet easy coffee beverage to make -- and much more economical than going out, too! Serve warm or cold over ice. Low carb and friendly for Keto diets, diary-free, vegan and paleo diets. Collagen adds additional nutrients along with a protein boost. 128 cal, 2g net carb, 5.6g fat, 14.3g protein
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Sugar Free Chocolate Caramel Whipped Coffee
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 

Sugar Free Chocolate Caramel Whipped Coffee is an impressive yet easy coffee beverage to make — and much more economical than going out, too! Serve warm or cold over ice. Low carb and friendly for Keto diets with 2g net carbohydrate.

Course: Beverage, Drinks
Keyword: caramel, chocolate, coffee, dalgona, keto, low carb
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 128 kcal
Ingredients
  • 18 oz. almond milk
  • 2 tbsp. Great Lakes Wellness “Daily Joint” Collagen Classic Caramel Flavor
  • 2 oz. boiling water
  • 2 tbsp. instant espresso
  • 2 tbsp. sugar-free chocolate syrup for coffee
  • Optional garnish: sugar-free chocolate dessert syrup
Instructions
  1. Warm milk or keep cold, depending on preference.
  2. Stir in collagen until combined; set mixture aside.
  3. Boil water in bowl in microwave. Add instant espresso and sugar-free chocolate coffee syrup to hot water and use coffee frother to whip for 2 to 3 minutes, until soft peaks form.
  4. Gently pour espresso mixture and froth over milk.
  5. Drizzle with sugar-free dessert chocolate syrup, if desired.
Recipe Notes

Per 20-ounce serving: 128 cal, 2g net carb, 5.6g fat, 14.3g protein

Lemon, Blueberry & Almond Granola (Lower Carb + Protein Packed)

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Lemon, Blueberry & Almond Granola is perfect for breakfast with milk or on yogurt — or for eating straight by the handful as a snack. I’ve used my kitchen hacks (like using alternative sweeteners and adding collagen powder) to moderate carbohydrates, boost protein and create a nutritious food to fuel my goals.

Crunch, lightly sweet and wholesomely satisfying for breakfast or a snack, this easy homemade granola recipe features oats, dried blueberries and almonds -- and also sugar swaps and collagen powder to keep the carbs lowered and protein up!

Preparing homemade granola is surprisingly easy . . . and super economical. Oats are inexpensive and can really stretch your food budget a long way — the biggest expense in homemade granola is the array of mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, seeds and such. But you still get more goodies in your batch than you’d find in a more expensive bag of packaged granola.

Check out this video tutorial on how to make Lemon Blueberry Almond Granola!

As hinted, this lower-carb, higher protein Lemon, Blueberry & Almond Granola uses a few favorite products — a honey alternative (or any zero-carb syrup will do) and unflavored collagen. And, so many wholesome, good-for-you ingredients in this low carb blueberry granola.

Crunch, lightly sweet and wholesomely satisfying for breakfast or a snack, this easy homemade granola recipe features oats, dried blueberries and almonds -- and also sugar swaps and collagen powder to keep the carbs lowered and protein up!

I’m a long-time user of collagen hydrolysate from Great Lakes Wellness. They have quite a few flavors, but the unflavored (green can) is very versatile for everything from mixing into coffee to using as a protein multiplier in recipes like this homemade granola with collagen.

Save 10% on anything at Great Lakes Wellness with my discount code: THEFITFORK10OFF

Great Lakes Wellness discount code THEFITFORK10OFF
Crunch, lightly sweet and wholesomely satisfying for breakfast or a snack, this easy homemade granola recipe features oats, dried blueberries and almonds -- and also sugar swaps and collagen powder to keep the carbs lowered and protein up!
Pin to make later!

5 from 1 vote
Lemon Blueberry and Almond Granola - Crunch, lightly sweet and wholesomely satisfying for breakfast or a snack, this easy homemade granola recipe features oats, dried blueberries and almonds -- and also sugar swaps and collagen powder to keep the carbs lowered and protein up!
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LEMON BLUEBERRY & ALMOND GRANOLA – Lower Carb and Packed with Protein!

Crunch, lightly sweet and wholesomely satisfying for breakfast or a snack, this easy homemade granola recipe features oats, dried blueberries and almonds — and also sugar swaps and collagen powder to keep the carbs lowered and protein up!

Course: Breakfast, Snack
Keyword: almond, blueberry, collagen, granola, lemon, lower carb
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 301 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • ¼ cup unflavored collagen powder
  • 1/3 cup sugar-free “honey” or can sub real honey but will increase carbs
  • 4 cups rolled oats gluten-free, if needed
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 1-2 pinches salt
  • 1/3 cup dried blueberries no-sugar added
Instructions
  1. Juice and zest one lemon in large bowl.
  2. Mix in honey substitute, collagen, and coconut oil.
  3. Add oats, chia seeds, almonds, salt and blueberries.
  4. Mix until coated.
  5. Dump out on parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet. Lightly pat down.
  6. Bake at 300F for 35 to 40 minutes, using spatula to turn over clusters at halfway point.
  7. Let cool.
  8. Store in air-tight containers.
Recipe Notes

301 Calories

20g net carb

16g fat

11 g protein

Toasted Quinoa-Oat-Pecan Apricot Bites (with Collagen)

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Time to get toasty in the middle of summer! My Toasted Quinoa-Oat-Pecan Apricot Bites (with Collagen) are a versatile, balanced energy balls that are easy to make and keep on-hand for healthy snacking.

Nourishing and delicious, these little wholesome balls of goodness feature toasted quinoa, oats and pecans -- along with apricots, maple syrup and collagen for a protein boost! A great breakfast on the go, anytime snack or for after workouts instead of a protein bar!

I like to pop one, two or three (depending on my hunger and energy needs) of these apricot pecan balls in my mouth on the way to my pre-dawn boot camp, or later in the day for a satisfying between-meal snack.  Whole grains, nuts and dried fruit for the win. . .  plus a little collagen powder for my joint support, general wellness and a protein boost!

Great Lakes Wellness discount code THEFITFORK10OFF
Nourishing and delicious, these little wholesome balls of goodness feature toasted quinoa, oats and pecans -- along with apricots, maple syrup and collagen for a protein boost! A great breakfast on the go, anytime snack or for after workouts instead of a protein bar!
Pin for later!

Not added sugar in this apricot protein bites recipe! Dried apricots (look for the unsweetened and unsulfured variety) add sweetness, along with a sugar-free maple syrup alternative. If you’d rather use real maple syrup, honey, agave syrup or another “sticky sweetener”, that’s fine too! Just swap in using the same measurements – do note that it will change the macro, adding more carbohydrates.

Toasting quinoa, oats and pecans

Toasting the quinoa, oats and pecans before chopping up in the food process gives them an amazingly satisfying texture and aroma. You can skip this step if absolutely pressed for time, but it’s well worth the extra 5 minutes each of cooking/cooking time for the elevated flavor. Toasting quinoa is also kinda fun! The dry quinoa also starts to “pop” in the pan, which is an indication only a minute or more needed before you can pulse the remaining ingredients in the food processor. And, the scent of toasting oats, quinoa, pecans and the cinnamon is AMAZING!

If the majority of the mixture isn’t pulling off the sides of the food processor, you can add in a tablespoon or two more of uncooked oats and pulse to make less sticky. You’ll still want it moist and sticky enough to keep the balls holding shape as you roll between your palms.

Save 10% at GreatLakesGelatin.com with code THEFITFORK10OFF

As I mentioned, unflavored collagen in this oat quinoa energy balls recipe for my joint/bone and general wellness support – plus a protein boost! For these no-bake collagen bites, I like the Great Lakes Wellness brand and you can save with code THEFITFORK10OFF

5 from 2 votes
Nourishing and delicious, these little wholesome balls of goodness feature toasted quinoa, oats and pecans -- along with apricots, maple syrup and collagen for a protein boost! A great breakfast on the go, anytime snack or for after workouts instead of a protein bar!
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Toasted Quinoa-Oat-Pecan Apricot Bites (with collagen)
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
cool
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 

Toasted Quinoa-Oat-Pecan Apricot Bites (with collagen) make a nourishing anytime snack — even a breakfast on the go or post-workout refuel. Gluten free.

Course: Snack, workout
Keyword: apricot, energy bar, pecan, protein bar, quinoa
Servings: 24 balls
Ingredients
  • ½ cup uncooked quinoa rinsed
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • 2/3 cup unflavored collagen powder
  • 8 oz dried apricots set 2 aside for garnish
  • ½ cup sugar-free maple syrup substitute or “sticky” sweetener of choice like honey, agave, etc.*
Instructions
  1. In skillet, over medium-high heat, toast pecans, oats, quinoa and cinnamon for about minutes, stirring frequently, until turning lightly brown. You will hear the quinoa “popping. Remove from heat and let cool down a few minutes.
  2. Place toasted mixture in food processor along with collagen and couple pinches of salt. Pulse a few times to combine.
  3. Add dried apricots and syrup in to food processor and process for a minute or so until a sticky mixture forms and is pulling away from sides. If seems to sticky, add a up to two tablespoons of oats (they don’t need to me toasted).
  4. Form a heaping tablespoon into a ball by rolling between your hands. Repeat with remaining mixture to make 24 total.
  5. Cut the two reserved apricots up into small pieces for garnish on top.
  6. Store bites in refrigerator for 4–5 days. * changing sweetener may affect the macros.
Recipe Notes

No-Bake Chocolate Cashew Oat Bars (Gluten-free, Lower-carb)

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Nom, nom, No-bake Chocolate Cashew Oat Bars! In the summer, I’m always looking for a chocolate treat that doesn’t require me to turn on the oven and won’t melt in my hot hands. Chocolate lovers and cashew lovers alike will love to chill out with these easy-make homemade granola bars that are a simple as mixing, mashing into a loaf pan and the sticking in the fridge for a few minutes before cutting.

Many similar cashew chocolate oat bar recipes use ingredients such as honey, maple syrup or pureed dates to sweeten and bind them – absolutely nothing wrong with that, those are smart options to sugar. However, in an effort to moderate the carbohydrates (but still keep a few from the oats for energy), I use various substitutes like a sugar-free honey alternative and monk fruit – this help me keep the carbs to just 14g per bar. Low carb treats not your thing? Then feel free to swap back in the traditional sugar ingredients – the recipe will turn out just as well, just the macros will be different.

I also add unflavored collagen powder to my bowl, to add a boost of protein and to provide extra nourishment for overall wellness (and my arthritic joints). I’ve used the Great Lakes Wellness brand for several years and have been really happy with the results – you should check them out and use THEFITFORK10OFF if you need a discount

Great Lakes Wellness Collagen - save 10% coupon discount code THEFITFORK.COM

 Each batch of these No-bake Chocolate Cashew Oat Bars makes 12 bars and for 162 calories each, offers about 7.5g protein per bar with 10g fat and only 14g carbs.  These are also gluten-free chocolate cashew oat bars, if that is a concern.

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission from sales, however price to you remains the same.

save 10% Great Lakes Wellness collagen and products with code THEFITFORK10off
save 10% Great Lakes Wellness collagen and products with code THEFITFORK10off

5 from 3 votes
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No-bake Chocolate Cashew Oat Bars
Prep Time
5 mins
freezer to chill
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 

A delicious, nourishing snack! These NO-BAKE bars come together quickly to satisfy hunger pains! Made with sugar alternatives to moderate carbs. Gluten free.

Course: cookie, Dessert, Snack
Keyword: cashew, chocolate, collagen, low carb, lower carb, snack
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 162 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup sugar-free honey substitute may use regular honey
  • 1 cup oat flour
  • 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 4 tbsp unflavored collagen may use another protein powder
  • ½ cup chopped cashews
  • 3 tbsp granulated monk fruit sweetener may use a different sugar substitute
  • ½ tsp salt
Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, melted coconut oil and honey alternative. In another bowl, toss together oat flour, rolled oats, cocoa powder, collagen powder, sugar alternative, chopped cashews and salt. Pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stir together with spatula. Mixture should look like cookie dough. Press mixture into 9×5”-ish loaf pan and use clean hands to smash down and flatten smooth on top. Place pan in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up before slicing into 12 bars. Store in fridge.
Recipe Notes