I’ve kinda been a health and nutrition nut for the last 10 years or so but over the years my mindset in regards to food, fuel, and what “works” has really evolved for me and a lot of my clients.
The past 7 months have ben totally new and uncharted territory for me though-I’m growing a little one! So…that meant for me something my body has never gone through before and it’s not just about me anymore, I am growing a human and what I put in my body can directly impact the health in utero and beyond so I am sure as heck going to do what I am can to give my baby the healthiest start I can!
Most of what I have learned has been through researching and trial and error on my own. When I got pregnant I started researching pregnancy nutrition and was honestly appalled at the standard recommendations I found. I knew that wasn’t going to be following those so I’ve really stuck with a real whole foods based template for a good chunk of my pregnancy and I feel really good. Nutrient density is the name of the game for me and supplementing with a few supplements that I feel will serve myself in growing this tiny human.
Not pregnant? These are still a nutritional power house! I used grass fed beef gelatin in this recipe and gelatin helps with digestion (can be very beneficial if you need to heal your gut), joint health (did you know that collagen which is what gelatin is made from is found in your bones, joints, connective tissues, etc.), it can help make your skin, hair, and nails stronger as well. I could go on and on as it’s also been shown to benefit inflammation levels in the body, help with blood sugar regulation, and even sleep!
One of the key ingredients in gelatin is an amino acids called glycine. Your body can’t make glycine and your needs during pregnancy are elevated as it helps with tissue creation in your growing baby as well as supporting the growth of your uterus.
"Ok, ok, we know it’s healthy but so are a million other things we probably don’t get enough of in our diet. "
True.
But these are a FUN little snack that are super easy to make so without further ado, here’s the recipe for my Gelatin Protein Gummies!
Ingredients:
2 cups of organic, no sugar added juice*. My favorites have been tart cherry and orange mango. *Do not use pineapple as an acid in the pineapple will not allow the gummies to set up properly.
5T plus 1tsp grass fed beef gelatin. I use this brand. (I weighed out 64g)
1/2 tsp liquid stevia (or more/less to taste). I WILL say that you want the liquid to taste a bit sweeter than you would ideally like it as when it sets up they have much less flavor. The first time I made them they tasted like nothing so I adjusted the stevia amount. The brand and flavor you use will depend to taste a bit of the liquid when you mix everything together.
Gummy molds or ice cube trays (you will need a lot) or you can use a 9X13 baking dish and cut them once set but I think the fun shapes are awesome. :)
Directions:
In a sauce pan on low heat, add all ingredients. With a wire whisk, mix until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
Once dissolved, pour the mixture into the molds or ice cube trays and place in the refrigerator to set. Once set, pop them out of the molds and place them in a glass storage container in your fridge. They usually don’t last too long but I’ve stored them for 2 weeks with no problems.
Depending on the size of the gummies and the type of juice your nutrition facts will likely differ. One batch for me makes approx 55-60 gummies: 8kcal, 1P/1C/0F so grab a handful for a snack!
Did you make these? What kind of juice did you use? I’d love to hear! I also think they’d be great with coconut milk and blended berries!