Power Packed Protein

Thanks to Jill Hanner, a fellow FitFluential gal, and Jean at Neocell,  I was sent a sample of Neocell's Collagen Sport French Vanilla protein powder to try out.  I enjoy trying out new things, especially tasty ones.  

What's in Collagen Sport?

• 15 grams of Pure Ion-Exchange Why Protein Isolate
• 15 grams Super Collagen Bioavailable Peptides
• Rich in BCAAs
• Good source of L-Glutamine
• Enhanced with Exogenous Amino Acids
• Multi-vitamin Fortification
• 123 calories per scoop

What's not in Collagen Sport:

• Gluten
• Wheat
• Sugar
• Lactose
• Artificial Sweeteners of Flavors
• Fillers or Synthetic Ingredients

When I first got my delivery, I was not running at all.  Rather, I was spending a lot of quality time on the couch with a horrid fever during my forced rest.   When I emailed Jean to let her know I received my Collagen Sport, I let her know I was laid up.  She directed me to a link regarding the benefits of Collagen.  

The article outlines the benefits of a collagen supplement.  

- boosts lean muscle mass

- improves cardiovascular performance

- decreases recovery time

- helps rebuild damaged joints

- excellent for hair, skin, and nails

- as well as many more benefits

Because I am such a visual person, I was immediately drawn to the Orange Smoothie in the photo.  Immediately I needed to make one.  The downside is that I did not have any oranges in the house at that point.  But I did have frozen orange concentrate.  Better than nothing, right?  

I got busy whipping together my own Orange Smoothie. 

- 1 scoop of French Vanilla Collagen Sport

- 1/2 bottle of Coconut Water

- 1 spoonful of frozen orange juice

I put all the ingredients in the food processor (because I haven't gotten a blender yet) and blended away.  

This smoothie was delicious.  But the next time I make it, I'll probably add in 2 spoonfuls instead of the 1 because I do love orange.  

I've been making protein smoothies as part of my post-run routine and have noticed that I am not as achy after my long runs as I have been in the past.  I am definitely sold on the benefits of Sport Collagen.  The taste is excellent as well.  

In addition to smoothies, I also made some protein bars.  I came across this recipe on Pinterest made by one of my fellow FitFluential gals, Jess at Blonde Ponytail.  These bars are phenomenal.  I actually made them to surprise the girls after their long run that I didn't go on because I was still recovering.  Just because I didn't run with them didn't mean I was going to skip out on girl time entirely.

The bars were a hit!  

I am also going to join Jenn and Carrie (another FitFluential gal) in the March photo challenge put together by @fatmumslim.

http://www.fatmumslim.com.au/

Here's my UP photo - taken just after riding around on the snowmobile with the kids.  

Do you use protein powder in your training/recovery?  

How do you use it?  

Any favorite recipes to share?