nutrition tips – Live Laugh Love Do http://livelaughlovedo.com A Super Fun Site Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:27:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 3 Smoothie Add-Ins For A Healthier Gut & Inflammatory Response http://livelaughlovedo.com/3-smoothie-add-ins-for-a-healthier-gut-inflammatory-response/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/3-smoothie-add-ins-for-a-healthier-gut-inflammatory-response/#respond Sun, 05 Oct 2025 16:28:48 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/10/05/3-smoothie-add-ins-for-a-healthier-gut-inflammatory-response/ [ad_1]

A smoothie a day is arguably one of the easiest ways to pack in loads of nutrients—many of which you can customize tailored to your health goals. Want more protein? Toss some powder in your smoothie. Looking for immune support? Load up your blend with citrus. 

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]]> http://livelaughlovedo.com/3-smoothie-add-ins-for-a-healthier-gut-inflammatory-response/feed/ 0 The Best Collagen Powders Have These Vitamins http://livelaughlovedo.com/the-best-collagen-powders-all-have-these-vitamins-what-to-look-for/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/the-best-collagen-powders-all-have-these-vitamins-what-to-look-for/#respond Sat, 23 Aug 2025 07:23:44 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/08/23/the-best-collagen-powders-all-have-these-vitamins-what-to-look-for/ [ad_1]

The Best Collagen Powders All Have These Vitamins — What To Look For

Hey there, fabulous folks—your no-nonsense guide to living life on your terms. Listen, if you’re chasing that youthful glow and wondering why the best collagen powders pack a punch with specific vitamins, you’re in the right spot. The best collagen powders all have these vitamins to supercharge absorption, boost skin elasticity, and support joint health—think Vitamin C as the MVP for synthesis, plus hyaluronic acid and biotin for that extra oomph. I’ve been there: at 62, my DEXA scan wake-up call revealed bone density dips, sparking my obsession with the best collagen powders to rebuild from within. Mixing one into my morning deck coffee ritual has been a game-changer, turning my home gym sessions into energized triumphs without the creaks. Today, we’re unpacking what makes the best collagen powders stand out, backed by nutrition experts, with real picks that’ll fit your routine. With New Year’s resolutions for glowing health in 2026 just around the corner this December 10, 2025, now’s the urgency hook: snag these vitamin-infused gems before holiday indulgences leave you craving a reset. Let’s dive in and find your perfect match—because life’s too short for lackluster skin and joints.

Why Vitamins Are the Secret Sauce in the Best Collagen Powders

Let’s kick things off with the basics: Collagen is your body’s building block for skin, hair, nails, and joints, but as we age (hello, my 62-year milestone), production dips—up to 1% yearly after 20. The best collagen powders step in to replenish, but without key vitamins, they’re just meh. Vitamins like C enhance absorption and synthesis, turning that powder into a powerhouse. Post my DEXA scan, I learned low collagen links to brittle bones and sagging skin—vitamins bridge that gap. Experts at Cleveland Clinic emphasize Vitamin C’s role in stabilizing collagen molecules. Skip the vitamins, and you’re wasting scoops. My tip: Blend into smoothies for easy uptake.  Collagen science deep-dive at Cleveland Clinic here.  How to Build Muscle After 60 Without Hormones – Part 2.

The 10 Best Collagen Supplements, According to Dietitians

Alt Text: Best collagen powders with vitamins scoop for skin and joint health

Top Vitamins to Hunt For in the Best Collagen Powders

When scouting the best collagen powders, prioritize these vitamins for max benefits. Vitamin C tops the list—it’s crucial for collagen biosynthesis, boosting production by up to 8 times in studies. Look for at least 100% DV. Biotin (Vitamin B7) supports hair and nails, while Vitamin E fights oxidative stress for youthful skin. Hyaluronic acid, though not a vitamin, often pairs as a moisture magnet. The Good Trade highlights clean formulas with these for ethical wins. At 62, I swear by Vitamin C-infused ones to combat DEXA-flagged issues. Pro hack: Check labels for third-party testing.  Cannabis as a Tool for Self-Knowledge and Ethical Living.

Vitamin C: The Must-Have in the Best Collagen Powders for Absorption

No best collagen powders list skips Vitamin C—it’s the cofactor that activates enzymes for collagen cross-linking, per Health experts. Without it, your body absorbs less, wasting that pricey tub. Aim for 75-90mg daily; many powders pack 100% DV. My DEXA scan showed improved density after adding C-rich collagen to my deck coffee. Benefits? Firmer skin, fewer wrinkles—studies link it to 17% elasticity boost. Vitamin C-collagen synergy at GoodRx here.  Summer Salad with Honey Roasted Pistachios.

The Best Collagen Powders, According to a Dietitian

Alt Text: Best collagen powders with Vitamin C for better absorption and skin health

Biotin and B Vitamins: Hair and Nail Heroes in Top Collagen Formulas

The best collagen powders often include biotin for keratin support, strengthening hair and nails—think less breakage, more shine. B vitamins like B6 aid metabolism, reducing fatigue tied to low collagen. Vogue recommends marine collagen with B5 and B6 for comprehensive beauty. At my home gym, biotin-boosted collagen keeps my nails tough during lifts. Look for 30-100mcg biotin. Internal: Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll Vol 890 2.

Vitamin E and Antioxidants: Protecting Your Glow in the Best Collagen Powders

Antioxidant Vitamin E shields collagen from free radicals, preserving skin’s firmness—key in the best collagen powders for anti-aging. It teams with C for double defense, per BBC Future. My 62-year-old self noticed smoother texture after E-infused scoops. Aim for 15mg; avoid if allergic.  Antioxidant benefits at BBC here.  Chasing Sun with Saks Julia Berolzheimer.

The 8 Best Collagen Powders, Tested and Reviewed

Alt Text: Best collagen powders with Vitamin E for antioxidant protection and youthful skin

Hyaluronic Acid: The Hydration Booster Often Paired with Vitamins

Though not a vitamin, hyaluronic acid in the best collagen powders holds 1,000x its weight in water for plump skin. Vital Proteins adds it with C for synergy. Post-DEXA, it eased joint dryness during gym time. Look for 100-200mg. Vital Proteins with HA and C—.  Benefits of Red Light Therapy.

Types of Collagen: Matching Vitamins to Your Needs

The best collagen powders come in types—I for skin (pair with C), II for joints (with E), III for elasticity (biotin boost). Bovine suits all-around, marine for pescatarians—BBC Good Food tests marine with vitamins for taste. My pick: Type I/II blend for DEXA support.  Gluten-Free Meal Plan Week 1.

Best collagen powders to shop today: tried and tested by us!

Alt Text: Different types of best collagen powders with vitamins for specific benefits

Best Collagen Powders with Vitamin C: My Top Picks for 2026

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides with Vitamin C—tops Health’s list for dissolution and efficacy. 20g collagen, 100% DV C—my DEXA savior. Next, Further Food: Grass-fed with vitamins, per Byrdie. Unflavored ease.  Amazon Further Food—I’d buy it anyway. Internal: Chunky Monkey Cookie Bites Vegan Gluten Free Healthy Helper.

Flavored vs. Unflavored: Vitamin Stability in the Best Collagen Powders

Unflavored best collagen powders preserve vitamin potency—no sugars degrading C. Flavored? Chocolate with biotin for treats, but check heat stability. My unflavored mixes into gym shakes seamlessly.  Flavor reviews at CNET here. Savory Vegan Risotto with Mixed Mushrooms.

How to Mix the Best Collagen Powders for Max Vitamin Benefits

Stir into hot coffee—Vitamin C survives up to 140°F. My deck ritual: Scoop into joe for morning boost. Avoid microwaves to preserve.  Blender bottle for froth-free mixes .  Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Salad.

The Best Collagen Powders, According to a Dietitian

Alt Text: Mixing best collagen powders with vitamins into coffee for daily routine

Potential Side Effects: Vitamins in Collagen to Watch

Most best collagen powders are safe, but excess Vitamin C can cause GI upset—stick to 2,000mg max. Biotin might skew thyroid tests. At 62, I started low post-DEXA. Consult docs if pregnant.  5 Reasons Why Your Thanksgiving Cactus is Dropping Leaves and How to Fix It.

New Year Glow-Up: Why Now’s Prime Time for the Best Collagen Powders

As 2026 approaches, stock up on the best collagen powders with vitamins for resolution-ready radiance—holiday sales abound. Midi Health notes perimenopause boosts need. My plan: Ramp up for winter joint support. Affiliate: Sports Research with C and HA ).  Sagging skin fixes at Midi here.  Gretchen Rubins 2025 Gift Guides.

The 11 Best Collagen Supplements

Alt Text: Lineup of best collagen powders with vitamins for New Year health goals

FAQs: Your Burning Questions on Vitamins in Collagen Powders

Q: Do vitamins make collagen better? A: Yes, especially C for synthesis. Q: Vegan options? A: Plant-based with vitamins exist, per The Good Trade.  Meaty Vegan Bolognese with TVP No Lentils.

There you have it—your guide to the best collagen powders with must-have vitamins, laced with my 62-year-old wisdom. You’ve got this; glow on into 2026. For more, check our site.

P.S. Want my free “Collagen Glow-Up Checklist” to build your email list? Sign up here: [Lead Magnet Link]—packed with vitamin tips and recipes for radiant results.

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]]> http://livelaughlovedo.com/the-best-collagen-powders-all-have-these-vitamins-what-to-look-for/feed/ 0 An RD’s Favorite Anti-Inflammatory Canned Food + How To Use It http://livelaughlovedo.com/an-rds-favorite-anti-inflammatory-canned-food-how-to-use-it/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/an-rds-favorite-anti-inflammatory-canned-food-how-to-use-it/#respond Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:40:13 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/08/19/an-rds-favorite-anti-inflammatory-canned-food-how-to-use-it/ [ad_1]

It’s been nearly a year since people started stocking up on toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and canned goods to prepare for an unknown amount of time in lockdown. While that scarcity mindset may have subsided, nonperishable foods have been, and always will be, a pantry staple. 

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]]> http://livelaughlovedo.com/an-rds-favorite-anti-inflammatory-canned-food-how-to-use-it/feed/ 0 Want To Build Muscle After 60? Make Sure You Get Enough Of This (Not Protein) http://livelaughlovedo.com/want-to-build-muscle-after-60-make-sure-you-get-enough-of-this-not-protein/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/want-to-build-muscle-after-60-make-sure-you-get-enough-of-this-not-protein/#respond Mon, 14 Jul 2025 02:12:45 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/07/14/want-to-build-muscle-after-60-make-sure-you-get-enough-of-this-not-protein/ [ad_1]

Want To Build Muscle After 60? Make Sure You Get Enough Of This (Not Protein)

December 08, 2025

I turned 62 this year, and for the first time ever I can bang out 8 strict pull-ups, deadlift 185 lbs for reps, and carry every grocery bag in one trip without sounding like a dying walrus.

Everyone swears it’s the protein. It’s not. I eat 120–130 g a day — solid, but nothing insane. The actual unlock — the one thing that turned years of frustrating plateaus into steady, visible gains — was finally fixing the deficiency almost every woman over 60 has:

Vitamin D.

Not more creatine (though I take that). Not collagen (cute, but not the bottleneck). Not “just lift heavier, grandma” (already doing it).

Vitamin D. The one your muscles literally cannot function without once perimenopause and age sabotage your ability to make it from sunlight.

63-Year-Old ‘Pull-Up Queen’ Reveals the Secret to Her Health

The Day My Doctor Actually Gasped

January 2025 bloodwork: 18 ng/mL vitamin D. Doctor: “Do, this is osteomalacia range. Your muscle fibers can’t even contract properly.”

Ten months later (now): 68 ng/mL. Result? My trainer asked if I was on TRT. I wasn’t. I just stopped starving my vitamin D receptors.

Suddenly I’m adding 10–20 lbs to lifts every month instead of every year. Recovery went from “please kill me” to “let’s go again tomorrow.” Shoulders rounded out. Legs look strong, not skinny-fat. I finally have arms that don’t wave back.

Fit at 60: Valerie’s 20-Pound Weight Loss After Menopause

Science That Isn’t Bullsh*t

  • Muscle cells have vitamin D receptors (VDRs). When activated → direct protein synthesis (independent of dietary protein).
  • After age 60 your skin makes ~75 % less vitamin D from the same sunlight.
  • Low D = skyrockets myostatin (the “muscle growth brake” protein) and tanks follistatin (the accelerator). Studies show correcting deficiency drops myostatin up to 30 %.
  • Low D blocks testosterone utilization at the muscle — even if your levels look fine on paper.

Real receipts:

  • 2023 meta-analysis (Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle): Vitamin D + resistance training = 2× muscle gains vs training alone in 65+ adults.
  • 2024 Belgian study: Women 60–85 with levels >50 ng/mL gained 2.6 lbs muscle in 12 weeks. Women <30 ng/mL gained 0.2 lbs — same training, same protein.

My Exact Protocol (Copy-Paste If You Want Identical Results)

  1. Get bloodwork — 25(OH)D, target 60–80 ng/mL (yes, higher than the timid lab ranges).
  2. Loading phase — 10,000 IU D3 + 200 mcg K2 daily for 8–10 weeks (with fattier meal).
  3. Maintenance — 5,000 IU daily forever.
  4. Food game — Wild salmon 3× week , sardines on toast, pasture-raised egg yolks, beef liver pâté once a week.
  5. Sun hack — 20–30 min morning sun on arms/legs/back, no sunscreen, 5 days a week. I literally drink coffee while doing it.
Appreciating life’s simple moments and beauty

Training never changed: 4× week full-body (deadlifts, pull-ups, overhead press, hip thrusts, rows).

Current 62-Year-Old Stack

  • 5,000 IU D3 + K2
  • 5 g creatine
  • 2 g Carlson’s fish oil
  • 400 mg magnesium glycinate (D burns through mag)
  • 120–130 g protein (boring consistency)

10-Month Results

  • +7 lbs lean mass (DEXA)
  • Visible shoulders and arms for the first time in my life
  • 8 strict pull-ups (from zero at 60)
  • 185 lb deadlift × 5 (video below)
  • Zero joint pain
  • Sleep like a teenager
Watch This Woman Deadlift More Than 200 Pounds — At 80 Years Old …

The Part That Makes People Mad

When I posted progress pics, the comments were: “Ozempic?” “Steroids?” “Surgeon’s name?”

Nope. Just fixed the deficiency that 93 % of women over 60 have and never test for.

If you’re 60+, lifting hard, eating “enough” protein, and still look/feel the same — get your vitamin D tested this week. I guarantee you’ll be shocked.

Because the secret isn’t eating more chicken. It’s giving your muscles the single co-factor they’ve been screaming for since perimenopause began.

You deserve to be the strongest, most jacked version of yourself — at any age.

Go get your sunshine (or your 5,000 IU).

Love always, Do ✨

P.S. Want my exact bloodwork panel + the pharmaceutical-grade D3 I use (third-party tested, no fillers)? Comment “VITAMIN D” and I’ll DM you everything.

Related on LiveLaughLoveDo: → You Can Do This Entire Full-Body Dumbbell Workout Sitting Down → Spicy Chipotle Salmon Tacos (1,111 IU vitamin D) → How Sleep Support Changed Everything For Me → Cold Plunge Deals — because ice baths + vitamin D is pure rocket fuel

Let’s get strong together.

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]]> http://livelaughlovedo.com/want-to-build-muscle-after-60-make-sure-you-get-enough-of-this-not-protein/feed/ 0 The Benefits of Chia Seeds—and the Best Ways to Eat Them http://livelaughlovedo.com/the-benefits-of-chia-seeds-and-the-best-ways-to-eat-them/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/the-benefits-of-chia-seeds-and-the-best-ways-to-eat-them/#respond Fri, 27 Jun 2025 16:04:44 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/06/27/the-benefits-of-chia-seeds-and-the-best-ways-to-eat-them/ [ad_1]

Once you learn about the health benefits of chia seeds, you’ll be inspired to eat more of them. These small seeds are packed with key nutrients, earning them superfood status. Fortunately, chia seeds are versatile, so you can eat them in many ways. For example, you can consume chia seeds as pudding or incorporate them into baked goods for a generous nutritional boost.

If you’re unfamiliar with chia, they’re the seeds from Salvia hispanica. The plant is native to Central America and related to mint. Chia seeds can be white or black, though the latter is more common in the U.S. Typically, you can find them at the supermarket next to other seeds or nuts. The next time you see chia seeds at the grocery store, consider stocking up and enjoying their many benefits, as outlined below by the nutrition experts we spoke to.

The Health Benefits of Eating Chia Seeds

Credit:

Getty / Anna Blazhuk


Though tiny, chia seeds have noteworthy benefits for the body.

Increases Satiety

“Chia seeds are rich in both protein and soluble fiber, two nutrients that help keep you full,” says Daniela Novotny, DHSc, RDN, LD, CHES, registered dietitian and senior instructor at the School of Health Sciences at Missouri State University. More specifically, protein reduces levels of ghrelin, a hormone that sends hunger signals to the brain, says Novotny. “Additionally, protein can help stabilize blood sugars, which prevents sudden spikes and crashes that can lead to cravings,” she notes. As for soluble fiber? When it reaches the stomach, it absorbs water and forms a gel-like consistency. This slows digestion and helps you feel satisfied for longer, according to Novotny. 

Helps Gut Health

As a source of fiber, chia seeds are one of the best foods for gut health. The fiber “feeds” beneficial bacteria in the gut, thereby promoting a healthy balance of microorganisms. Fiber also softens the stool, which helps digestive regularity, according to the experts at Harvard Health Publishing. 

Reduces the Risk of Disease

Chia seeds can help lower the risk of chronic disease, and it’s thanks to their rich content of antioxidants. Examples include caffeic, kaempferol, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid, according to Ashley Koff, RD, registered dietitian and nutrition director at the University of California, Irvine’s Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute’s Integrative and Functional Medicine Fellowship. Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress, a form of damage that can accelerate aging and increase the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, per Novotny. 

Additionally, chia seeds reduce inflammation, another driver of chronic disease. This is due to omega-3 fatty acids, or “good” fats. Omega-3 fatty acids work by preventing the inflammatory response from misfiring, per Koff. They also reduce proinflammatory molecules (and increase anti-inflammatory ones), according to Jessica Zinn, MS, RD, CDN, CDCES, registered dietitian at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital.

Supports Heart Health

Chia seeds are excellent for heart health. Their fiber content lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides, according to Zinn. When present at high levels in the blood, these fats can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease, so managing them is important. What’s more, fiber protects the heart by promoting healthy blood vessels and blood pressure, says Koff.

The omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds lend a hand, too. As mentioned, they lower inflammation, a process that can otherwise damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.

The Best Way to Prep and Eat Chia Seeds

Chia seeds should always be soaked before eating. “When chia seeds come into contact with liquid, they absorb up to 10 to 12 times their weight in water and form a gel,” explains Novotny. Eating them dry can pose safety issues as dry chia seeds can swell in the digestive tract, “which may cause discomfort or even a choking risk,” she says, especially if consumed in large amounts.

It’s recommended to soak chia seeds for at least 15 minutes, says Zinn. Soaking also makes some nutrients in chia seeds easier to absorb, according to Novotny. Soaking chia seeds also improves their texture and makes them more versatile in recipes, she adds.

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