Okay so we know collagen is cool and all but like...why?

Allow me to tell you why you need to drop everything and make sure you are adding collagen into your diet AND YOUR SKINCARE!!!

First of all what is collagen? 

Okay so it’s not a super romantic phenomenon to describe however, it is sustainable in promoting zero waste. Why? Well because it comes from animal carcasses (derived in humane ways of course). Yup, you heard it here folks, collagen peptides derive from bovine connective tissue found in fish and animals-like how gelatin is made! 

Photo from perfectketo.com

Collagen is the most abundant protein found in mammals. Collagen is the primary structural protein in the various connective tissues in the body. It truly is the “backbone” of our bodies because it literally holds our bodies together providing strength and structure. As we age, collagen begins to deplete which is why it is important to add Exogenous collagen (found in supplements) internally and topically.

But like, what does it even do? 

Collagen creates stronger bonds on proteins found in your body so much so that you notice it benefiting, hair, skin and nails. Hair becomes stronger, promoting growth, strength, and more luster. Nails become stronger and less prone to breakage. Skin often becomes balanced in reducing redness and acne as well as appearing more plump diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. 

When I first started religiously incorporating collagen into my diet with hopes of targeting my acne prone skin-within weeks I began to notice less bloating and stomach cramping and it took me a while to put two and two together to realize that it was the collagen doing so. Collagen works wonders for gut health which aids in the functioning of overall health. I didn’t realize I had “gut health issues”-I just thought I was born to always be bloated. Hah! Collagen proved otherwise. Collagen is highly recommended for any gut health oriented issues and take it from me, with consistency, results are apparent. Gut health also is the culprit of acne and redness so don’t rely on topical collagen products solely-make sure you double up with a supplement and collagen building peptides. 

Collagen is incredible for joint support as it is absorbed into the cartilage and helps people with osteoarthritis. As it helps to tighten bonds in the skin it tightens bonds in the joints keeping them loosey goosey and ready for you to be on the move! 

Photo from Hello Magazine

BUBS Naturals

Next time you’re at Fit Bar learn how you can optimize your meal by adding a collagen peptides boost to your bowls or smoothies with our amazing BUBS Collagen.

Sunwarrior Plant-Based Collagen Builder

Want to take a more plant based approach? Opt for our Sunwarrior Collagen Building Peptides with 100% plant based ingredients that promote collagen production and retention! Add to your smoothie/bowl or add it to your at-home creations for $35!

Vital Proteins

Add a collagen creamer to your coffee or steamer with our Vital Proteins! You really cannot go wrong! Ask for a matcha latte with matcha collagen!

Outside of our doors, as far as topical products go:

Algenist

Outside of our doors, as far as topical products go. My #1 recommendation is Algenist GENIUS Liquid Collagen™ which according to their website “is a breakthrough formulation with plant collagen and Microalgae Oil beads for a more youthful and vital appearance. There are 13,000 beads of Microalgae Oil in each bottle, which is naturally sourced and sustainably produced, rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9, and a natural source of Vitamin E.”

It does have a higher price point HOWEVER you are paying for the most quality collagen topical product on the market where the FIRST ingredient is not water nor any other filler. It is simply COLLAGEN!!!!! So you KNOW you get what you pay for which is radiance.

DID I MENTION IT IS VEGAN!?!??!

So bottom line if you have a gut, are covered in skin, have hair (anywhere), nails or joints-basically if you are a human being, do your body a favor and incorporate collagen into your life! 

Any questions you have about supplementing collagen, never hesitate to reach out to the Fit Bar crew or our instagram DM’s-our nutrition coaches are here for YOU to create your optimal self!

What's The Deal With Keto?

I have very mixed feelings about the popular diet “Keto” and how people approach it. For starters, Keto refers to a ketogenic diet which is a low carb, moderate protein, and high fat diet that puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis. When your body is in ketosis, it uses fat for energy instead of carbs which leads to fat loss and many other benefits. This all sounds amazing right? Getting to eat a high amount of fat for weight loss which we have been told to stay away from in the past, sounds great to me! Now here’s where it gets tricky, people often use this as a pass to avoid veggies and load up on meats and cheeses which is where the title “dirty keto” comes from. Vegetables should be your main priority and the largest portion on your plate because they carry the most vitamins and nutrients. If you are feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to eat for meals, start with veggies and build around it with high quality protein and healthy fat. If you are choosing to stick to a keto based diet, opt for dark leafy greens and colorful vegetables that are high in fiber and avoid starchy vegetables that would add to your daily carb intake. I encourage you to focus more on the quality and ingredients of the food you are consuming rather than the calories and numbers. Keto can have a positive impact on your health and wellness journey and is possible to do without going hard on the processed meats and cheeses. The best diet for you is made up of whole foods!  

There are a few things I encourage you to look into and keep in mind, for example if you are consuming dairy often I recommend products that are organic and grass fed to limit the amount of hormones and other additives in your diet. Same goes for meat, beef, chicken, eggs, and pork, organic/non-gmo and grass fed if and when available would be something to consider! Now this can get a little more expensive because the higher the quality, the higher the price but I personally think of it as investing in your health which I am more than willing to do. But keep in mind that vegetables are going to be cheaper than any kind of meat and any kind of cheese more times than not which makes them budget friendly! Protein is also very important to include in your diet for brain development, skin, strong bones, and muscles so including some sort of plant based or animal protein to your plate is a must! To stay on the keto train you’ll want to add some healthy fats in there, some good options would be an avocado for potassium and fiber, or a drizzle of olive oil which is loaded with antioxidants. I hope this info can be helpful to you and your lifestyle! Keep in mind that Fit Bar adapts to all lifestyles and our menu is completely customizable, plus if you’re on the go we can whip up one of our Keto Shakes to keep you fueled for the day ahead!

Coach Liv

Pn1

Email: live@fitbarcafe.com

Instagram: @fitbarcafe

App: Fit Bar Superfood Cafe

Website: fitbarcafe.com

Community Over Crisis

The question everyone wants to know with hesitancy, “so… how are you doing among all this…”

So in case you haven’t heard, there is this pandemic happening-a disease that has turned our lives around and has created chaos left and right. Everyone is going through the same thing. Everyone has been affected in one way or another. Everyone understands what is going on (although we may have different ideas of the gravity of it all and how the situation should be handled). Everyone is in this TOGETHER. When was the last time anyone said “EVERYONE” genuinely in a wholesome collectivism oriented manner?

In an age where social distancing is encouraged, community is stronger than ever, how is this so? As a society we are beginning to recognize the importance of “we” and alter the definition of self isolation as being a solo unit and instead create the idea of self isolation as something we are doing together as ONE.

With things opening and closing/”norms” changing, it’s almost too easy to be afraid or frustrated by the status quo, however the praise and hope that community brings overcomes any feelings of doubt and questions of worth. Words of support and faith go a long way, more than dollar signs, more than words of discouragement. 

Lets take a moment to pause and be grateful for all we have. Sure, things have changed but change is never an excuse to be unhappy or discontent. That’s where resiliency comes into play. Together, we can be resilient as we. No more “me vs. you” no more YOU and I as two beings its “us,” its “we.”

We all have hope for the future, we all want a productive today. We work to provide our children and our grandchildren a bright tomorrow. We are all on different journeys but that’s where ownership comes into play. Own your journey and support your comrades on their journey. 

Hats off to everyone who has been working hard to maintain resiliency and make life not only work but prosper! Thank you to everyone who has been working the front lines, to those who have been working day in and day out to keep the doors of their small business open. Thank you to all the moms/dads/guardians for adjusting their life to ensure their child is getting their education. 

We are in this together. Stronger than ever and with consistent mindfulness, action, and support, WE will create community over chaos.