This frosty Blueberry Vanilla Smoothie is one of my faves, especially when it’s warm outside! I love the delicious flavor combo and that it takes just moments to prepare. Plus, it’s a refreshing way to boost your protein intake and help optimize your gut health!
The combination of fresh blueberries, collagen and vanilla protein pack a mighty nutrient punch in a small package!
Blueberries provide antioxidants and fiber, essential for our gut health and supporting our immune system (1). Plus berries are a low-sugar fruit, which makes them a sweet treat that doesn’t spike your blood sugar.
Collagen is produced in your body using the amino acids from the dietary protein you consume and supports the epithelial cells that line your gut – which helps with nutrient absorption and immune support (2).
As we age, we don’t make as much collagen, so using things like bone broth, gelatin, or a hydrolyzed collagen supplement can help support your gut health, and your joints, skin and bones (3).
I added a serving and a half of I 
Vanilla Protein to provide us with essential amino acids, the ones your body can’t make on its own and must get from food. I boosted the serving here, which I suggest if you’re over 40 since we need a bit more of the aminos as we age, as the body doesn’t absorb them as easily.
This mini meal is representative of the things I care about in any meal: getting plenty of fiber from whole food sources, and including enough protein in all of our meals throughout the day. This will support your body with the building blocks it needs to stay healthy and thriving.
I love this quick and easy blend and I know that you will too!
Blueberry Vanilla Collagen Smoothie
Yield: 1 serving
You will need: blender, measuring cup 
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk,(or milk of choice,) or water
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1.5 servings (45 grams) I Vanilla Protein
- 1 serving (13 grams)Full Body Collagen
*Optional ice cubes
Directions:
- Add milk, berries, protein powder and collagen to the blender, and blend to combine.
- Add desired amount of ice cubes for a frosty smoothie.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Additional Notes: *This recipe also includes 11 grams of collagen peptides. I don’t count the peptides toward my overall daily protein count, as collagen is not a complete protein source on its own.
So easy and so good! Leave me a comment and let me know if you tried it – I love hearing from you.
Full Body Collagen is in my personal daily rotation because of its amazing protective benefits for our skin, joints and bones. It’s really versatile in that it is flavorless, can be mixed in anything and dissolves completely and instantly.
- Holscher, Hannah D. “Dietary fiber and prebiotics and the gastrointestinal microbiota.” Gut microbes vol. 8,2 (2017): 172-184. doi:10.1080/19490976.2017.1290756 Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5390821/
- Moskowitz, R W. “Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease.” Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism vol. 30,2 (2000): 87-99. doi:10.1053/sarh.2000.9622 Web. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11071580/
- Ames, B N et al. “Oxidants, antioxidants, and the degenerative diseases of aging.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America vol. 90,17 (1993): 7915-22. doi:10.1073/pnas.90.17.7915 Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC47258/
The post Blueberry Vanilla Collagen Smoothie appeared first on The Betty Rocker.
