As a Dietitian, I Trust Vital Proteins' Collagen Peptides

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Every day without fail, I blend up a green smoothie for breakfast. Sure, I'm a dietitian, so it might be a cliché, but it’s the only breakfast that keeps me full and fueled to take on the day (especially with three small kids and an active lifestyle). 

Throughout the years, I’ve tried and tested various protein powders. Hemp is too grainy, whey can cause tummy troubles, and the popular, unsweetened plant-based options leave me with a metallic aftertaste for hours. Let’s not mention the 20-plus powders I tested in one day—I’m still recovering. Through these trials and tribulations, I found Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, my “Goldilocks” protein powder—it’s just right.

This influencer-loved brand is the real deal. If you want a sugar-free, tasteless supplement that’s free of artificial ingredients and packed with 20 grams of bioavailable protein per serving, look no further. It blends seamlessly into my go-to smoothie without any weird tastes, clumping, or side effects. Plus, it keeps my nails and hair growing and my skin glowing. (Have you added it to your cart yet?)

As a dietitian, I’ve tested hundreds of smoothie recipes (and even written a cookbook featuring my tried-and-true recipes). Smoothies are hands-down my favorite way to get a mix of fiber and protein first thing in the morning, and the taste combinations are endless. Plus, they can be prepped ahead of time if you’re in a rush. If you’re not a planner, you can always opt for something like Daily Harvest—easy peasy. 

Ready to blend? Here’s my go-to green smoothie recipe.

Serves 1-2

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender. Blend and enjoy!

(Pro tip: For an added crunch without the sugar of granola, top your smoothie with one teaspoon of cacao nibs. You’ll get an extra boost of protein and fiber, plus cell-protective antioxidants.)

Looking for a way to level up your smoothie? I can’t live without these other must-have smoothie products, either.

You might get sticker shock, but this blender is worth the investment. Skip buying a cheaper version that may lose steam after a few years—I’ve had mine for ten years, and it still creates the silkiest, smooth blends every day. Want an insider tip? Check out the refurbished Vitamix products for an option with a more affordable price tag.

Getting out the door with three kids is no easy feat. This also means I can’t always drink my smoothie exactly when I want. This Hydro Flask Tumbler keeps my smoothie super cold and is portable, so I can take it with me on-the-go. I love that the silicone straw is easy to clean, so you won’t find smoothie bits clumped in there, even if you throw it in the dishwasher.

If you’re a chocolate lover like me, you must try out these crunchy cacao nibs from Navitas Organics. I opt for these as a smoothie topper in place of granola, but you can also throw them into a blend for a chocolatey flavor boost. Try out a mint cacao recipe: add 1 tsp cacao powder, 2 tsp cacao nibs, and some mint leaves to the recipe above, and leave out the strawberries.

Fiber and protein are the magic combination for a smart morning start. Take your smoothie up a notch with this fiber and digestive enzyme supplement. If you’re feeling bloated or a bit stopped up (TMI?), this plant-based blend of prebiotic fiber (along with a fiber-packed, hydrating smoothie) can help to quell your tummy troubles. I’m a fan of food first, but this product is amazing if you’re on-the-go and can’t meet your daily fiber goals.

Chia seeds deserve a special callout, as they’re a must-have ingredient in any smoothie I blend up. These tiny seeds pack a fiber and protein-filled punch (2 grams of protein per tablespoon) and expand in fluid to keep you fuller for longer. Someone once described chia to me as a “scrub brush for your colon” and that visual stuck.