Daily Food Diary – Day 188 of 365

This is Day 188 of my Daily Food Diary. 

This month I am focusing on collagen.  Collagen is important to everyone, but particularly so if one is born with genetic collagen issues and/or as we age.    By our mid twenties collagen production begins to decline.  😮

Since collagen affects every function in our bodies, it is important to be as proactive as possible in maintaining our collagen production and metabolism.

There are few foods that are actually a source of collagen for us – meat, fish, and poultry.   Each of these contains specific sources of collagen – generally organs, tendons, skin, and cartilage.  Bone broth and gelatin, made from these sources, are often used to access this collagen.

Our bodies produce most of the collagen we need, but we require specific nutrients to do so.

Some minerals (copper, zinc, and manganese) are an important part of collagen production.  Other minerals (iron and selenium) are required for collagen metabolism.

Amino acids (proline, lysine, and glycine) are also necessary for collagen production.

And finally, vitamins C, E, B12, and Biotin (B7) are required.

Every day this month, I am highlighting the foods I consume that contain collagen – or the minerals, amino acids, and/or vitamins that are needed for the production and metabolism of collagen. 

In the next few weeks, I will source out these different foods and note what they specifically contribute to the process.  (So far, I know that egg whites are a good source of proline. 👍)

The San Marzano tomatoes from our  patio planter will be a good source of Vitamin C and Lycopene (which protects our skin from sun damage and ultimately collagen breakdown).
Our parsley will be another source of Vitamin C plus iron

Daily Food Diary – Day 188

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) Eggo waffles (270)

(2) tsp butter (69)

(1 1/2) tbsp Maple Syrup

Snacks:

(1) Mott’s Clamato Caesar (168)

Supper:

(1 1/2) serving nachos – Tortilla chips, ground turkey, red peppers, hot peppers, green onions, green olives, shredded marble cheese, salsa (875)

Total net calories: 1270

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1270 = 41 over 👎

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! 💓🌞