another gem from EDP Contributing writer Marissa

“This morning, with her, having coffee.” - Johnny Cash

To the best part of my morning -

I remember the first time I heard your name. I was in the kitchen with Ash and she was talking about you in a way that sounded promising, but hesitant. I think she knew that I was susceptible to new, trend-worthy things and at the time, you were no exception. I remember thinking that I had to have you, and after weeks of seeing you at Ashley’s, she finally sent you home with me. 

We started small. I slowly introduced you into my life, in a way that wasn’t all consuming and that I could manage. Mornings were my favorite time to spend with you. I didn’t know how at the time, but you made coffee an even better experience than it already was.

As the weeks passed by, I noticed that I looked at myself in the mirror with a different sense of appreciation. You made me feel strong and youthful. You gave me a confidence that I hadn’t experienced before. It didn’t take long for me to fall for you. I knew I wanted to stay with you forever, in the same way that you sign up for monthly deliveries of your favorite thing. Exactly like that, actually. I told all of my friends about you and made them want to experience you for themselves. 

When it came time for me to travel to Paris, I made the hardest decision I’d had to make all year. I left you behind but only because you made me feel strong enough to fly. Come to find out, you were the foundation of that strength. There was a sizable difference in my life while I was in Paris. Slowly, shadows began to appear under my eyes and my hair began to thin. Not only was I losing you, but the benefits of having you in my life were slowly slipping through my fingertips. 

It was around this time that I decided to go off birth control. Why on Earth I thought I could quit you and BC at the same time is beyond me, but in hindsight, I wasn’t thinking straight. 

I had a tough time without you during those months. I had no way of being in contact with you and the hardest part was knowing you were certain I’d come running back. 

Surprisingly, it was my dad who brought us back together. Christmas morning, I ripped open the wrapping paper to find you nuzzled in that beautiful blue box. It was on this morning that your name, Vital Proteins, clicked. You are vital to my life. You’re vital to everyone’s life and once people experience your love, it’s hard to look back. 

It’s been a long road since you came into my life, but now that I know what life is like without you, I’ll never let you go. 

Thank you for helping my skin glow, my hair grow, and my confidence soar. Sharing you with my friends hasn’t been easy but hearing the wonders that you’re working for them as well, I know that together, we can change the world. 

Better together, 

Marissa

How I Take My Collagen:

In my personal opinion, the best way to take collagen is in your morning cup of coffee (or tea or matcha). I add one scoop of it instead of the recommended two (because it lasts twice as long, duh) to a hot cup and sprinkle some cinnamon on top. I froth my creamer because I’m a classy broad and then fluff it on top. The collagen makes your coffee creamy AND filling AND gives you something to jump out of bed for.

The second best option? A smoothie!

My go to smoothie is an OG BeWellByKelly #FabFour recipe (with a couple tweaks by yours truly):

• 1 Serving Vanilla Protein Powder (The Vital Proteins collagen I use is flavorless.)

• 2 tbsp of your Nut Butter of choice (Almond butter or bust.)

• 1 Serving Raw Fiber Powder or 2 Tbsp Chia (Chia til I die.)

• 1/4 cup Blueberries (1/4 or 1/2.. who’s counting?)

• 2 cups Nut Milk (Again, almond all day.)

• Blueberries & Hemp Seeds to top (Who has time for this step?)

• I add in a big handful of frozen spinach and a few hundred sprinkles of cinnamon.

• Add everything to a blender and blitz until smooth. Thank me later.

Ash uses Vital Proteins and it has been helping with her hair. See her go-to smoothie recipe here.

Editor’s Note: 

I brought the individual packets of my love to London, but they only lasted maybe a week or so. I tried to do the whole ‘pause’ thing because, you know, priorities, but quickly realized I was out of my league. I ordered this UK brand of collagen, and while I don’t want to play favorites, I’ve never received more compliments on my hair in my life. 

The moral of the (love) story is, collagen WORKS. Whether you’re on the fence or a diehard fan, just know that it takes weeks for you to see results. While the difference may feel small, you’ll notice that the 80-year-old filter on your phone starts looking a whole lot more like reality when you decide to stop. It’s an easy way to add more protein to your diet and definitely worth a try.

I’d love to hear if you’ve had a good (or bad?) experience trying collagen or tried any other brands. Vital Proteins holds a soft spot in my heart, but after trying Mighty Balance here in the UK, there might be a fight for my heart. 

More Marissa Real Talk