Why Collagen Is a Daily Ritual in My Wellness Routine
By Jess Bippen, MS, RD
When I first started diving into the world of collagen nearly a decade ago, it wasn’t the wellness staple it is today. But as a Registered Dietitian, I was deeply curious about the research around collagen peptides and how they support the body.
That curiosity turned into years of personal experimentation, research, and eventually writing a whole book on the subject—Collagen: Self Care Secrets to Eat, Drink and Glow—which was published in 2020. It’s safe to say collagen has been a consistent part of my daily wellness routine for years.
And today, even with two young boys, a business, and a full plate, it’s still one of the easiest and most effective ways I support my skin, joints, gut, and overall health (usually stirred into my morning coffee).
Why I Use Collagen Daily
From a science and lifestyle standpoint, collagen just makes sense. It’s the most abundant protein in the body, but by our late 20s, our natural production starts to decline. That decline can show up in sneaky ways, like slower recovery, dry or thinning hair, digestive shifts, or more visible signs of aging.
Adding collagen to your daily routine is one of the easiest things you can do to:
- Support healthy skin, hair, and nails
- Helps maintain joint health
- Supports digestion
For me, collagen is a foundational supplement. It's about giving your body the building block it needs and an easy, consistent way.
Why Great Lakes Is My Collagen of Choice
I’ve tried a lot of collagen brands over the years, but I keep coming back to Great Lakes for a few key reasons:
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Trusted quality. Great Lakes has been around long before collagen was trendy. They’ve earned a reputation for sourcing high-quality, grass-fed bovine collagen and marine collagen that’s rigorously tested for purity and consistency.
- Dissolvability. Their collagen peptides dissolve into hot or cold drinks without any weird taste or gritty texture. (As someone who’s sensitive to taste, this matters!)
Great Lakes checks every box when it comes to sourcing, efficacy, and simplicity—and that’s why it’s my go-to.
How I Incorporate It Into My Day
I usually reach for collagen in the morning because it’s easy to pair with existing habits. Most days it’s a scoop in my morning coffee, but I also love blending it into smoothies, oatmeal or adding it to baked goods.
Here are a few of my tried-and-true favorites:
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Strawberry Collagen Chia Pudding – a refreshing, fiber-rich breakfast or snack
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Nature’s Botox Gummies – packed with collagen, vitamin C, and healthy fats to support skin from the inside out
- Lemon Cashew Collagen Bites – bright and balanced snack or preworkout.
These recipes make it easy to stay consistent without feeling like you’re “taking a supplement.” They’re family-friendly, functional, and delicious.
Your wellness routine doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. For me, collagen is one of those non-negotiables. It’s a simple daily habit that continues to support me through the seasons of life and helps me feel my best.
If you’re just getting started, choose one small moment in your day—maybe your morning coffee or afternoon snack—and make collagen a ritual. Over time, you’ll feel and see the difference.
