by Mollie Millington | May 23, 2023 | beauty, health, product review
My friends from Boston University came for a visit in March. It was years ago the three of us were together and we packed a lot into a weeklong visit. Now that we are all in our 40’s, there were many discussions about skin care, body aches and pains, and perimenopause (we sure know how to rock and roll!). We also discussed vitamins and supplements we take now that we are older (top tip: don’t get old). Eryn swore by collagen, which she has been taking since November. She saw her finger nails become stronger and experienced less aches and pains.
I decided to see what all the fuss was about for collagen. Like many supplements, most brands state that it takes 30 days+ to see an difference. This makes a lot of sense in terms of hair and nail growth. It also seems to be very much a trending supplement, much like menopause products which are also gaining momentum. The Global Collagen Report started that the collagen market is worth $9.1 billion in 2022 (which is approximately £7 billion), making it quite lucrative.
What do the professionals think about collagen supplements? Dr. Hana Patel, GP specialist in womens and mental health and GP Expert Witness, told me the NHS does not recommend patients take collagen as there isn’t enough evidence to support its effectiveness. Dr. Patel went on to say that are many studies, however, that show that taking up to 10 grams a day, may help with skin health, joint health, bone density and muscle mass.
How to choose a collagen supplement
I know I was overwhelmed with choice as I started to look into it. Eryn takes Beyond Collagen Multi Collagen for Women (which Oprah also recommends) which is a powder but I could not find it in the UK. Dr. Patel shared that although collagen can be absorbed in all forms, studies show that more is absorbed per gram in the powder form, as there are not other additional substances added to it. You may want to take this into account when choosing a collagen product. Other factors to consider are ease of administration (do you want to be able to swallow a pill or make a drink) and if what kind of collagen you want. For example, Type I collagen typically is move from bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) or even bones. It can be found in your body in skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Type II collagen can also be found in the body in your cartilage, bones, and connective tissue. Type II collagen often is made from chickens. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Holland and Barret have an informative summary over on their site if you would like to learn more.
So I put some feelers out on Twitter to see what people would recommend. A few people responded with Arbonne Skin Elixir Collagen Booster. I already have an Arbonne consultant and she takes it too. As it is vegan, it doesn’t contain any collagen but instead encourages your body to make more.
Stacey, founder of Planthaya, contacted me to try out her Glow Natural Collagen Support, which is also vegan. Its three key ingredients help promote your body’s natural production of collagen, which will improve skin elasticity. The instructions recommend taking on an empty stomach for best results.
Osavi is a brand I had not heard of before and are health, nutrition, and food supplements company who focus on creating supplements which are high quality and pure. They just launched two different collagen formulas, one for tendons and ligaments* and another for joints and bones*. These products use collagen peptides (the collagen protein has been hydrolysed). Osavi also shared with me that their Tendons & Ligaments collagen is formulated using patented TENDOFORTE® bovine[i] bioactive collagen peptides, made by world-leading producer Gelita[ii], which are optimised to stimulate the production of collagen in the body. TENDOFORTE stimulates the biosynthesis of new extracellular matrix molecules, reducing the risk of injuries and rupture of ligaments and tendons. TENDOFORTE® is clinically proven to increase tendon strength and flexibility, reduce the risk of injury and result in a faster return to training. I was impressed by the clinical trial results they shared with me that highlighted the effectiveness of TENDOFORTE®. I have high hopes for this one because as a runner, I am always getting injured!
Lastly, I went to MyProtein to see what they had to offer because they always have sales and who isn’t trying to save money these days? I bought their collagen capsules and also was intrigued by their collagen gummies so I bought both (on sale).
Whenever I try a product for review, I make sure to test it for a while before passing judgement and my opinions on to you. With collagen, it is a bit tricky because I wasn’t expecting to see any effects within the first 30 days. I decided to start with Arbonne Skin Elixir because I bought it and it came with a 30 day guarantee. It was one of the few products I was testing that had a flavor, acai, which is very mild. I have the Skin Elixir with my breakfast and had initially had trouble getting it to dissolve in about 400 ml of water. It is easier if you add the sachet to the glass, THEN the water. Who knew? Having an extra glass of water to start my day helped wake me up a bit. It has now been 30 days and unfortunately, I have not noticed any difference. This is to be expected, however, and if I didn’t have so many other products to try, I would stick with it for another month. Arbonne have me a second box as a free gift with my order, so I am saving it for the end of all this product testing. If you would like to try it, you can use the code ARBONNE10 for 10% off your purchase.
This week, I started taking both Osavi products which will give me the recommended 10g a day, per Dr. Patel. I was told I can take a serving of each type every day. This morning, I added one to my porridge and this evening, I added the other to my coconut yogurt. It truly does not have a taste and I didn’t notice any changes in the food texture either. So far, that is a good start!
How do they compare?
Below is a chart I made to summarize the major differences between all the products I will be testing (please note the pricing is from April 2023 and may have changed since publication). Dr. Patel shared that although there are no specific trials to support added ingredients in collagen supplements, in the body, lysine and vitamin C work together with collagen to help keep connective tissue and joints strong and healthy. Therefore, they might be something to look for on the label. You will have to keep checking back to this post to see how the other products compare as I try each one for 30 days.
Finally, Dr. Patel said that collagen can be absorbed in all forms, but studies show that more is absorbed per gram in the powder form, as there are not other additional substances added to it. There seems to be a variety of ingredients in the products I am trying, as you can see above. The convenience of a capsule or gummy appeals to me, but if something works there is no reason not to be able to stick with it. Dissolving a powder into a glass of water doesn’t take too much time.
What are you thoughts on collagen supplements? How long did it take you to see a noticeable result? Which form do you prefer (powder, capsule, other)? Leave a comment below and let me know.
*Thanks to Planthaya and Osavi for the complimentary samples. All opinion are honest and my own.
[i] Osavi’s Bovine collagens are clinically tested collagen peptides that target specific needs, which are kosher, and halal certified.
[ii] TENDOFORTE® is made by Gelita. Gelita is a German producer that is the world’s leading supplier of collagen proteins for the food, medical and pharmaceutical industries. The brand works in the market since 1875, currently having factories on five continents, more than 20 plants production and 2.8 thousand employees all over the world.
by Mollie Millington | May 22, 2023 | virtual training group, VTG
After a two year break, I am pleased to say my Virtual Training Group (VTG) is back for my 16th offering. This online program gives participants a method of accountability and encouragement from a supportive online group. Anyone who has an email address is welcome to join us.
The next VTG program starts Sunday 4th June, 2023, and lasts nine weeks total with weekly check-ins in our private Facebook group. We finish with our last check-in on Sunday August 6th, 2023.
During week zero, I have a quick chat with you to develop three SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound). You then have eights weeks to work towards these, guided by support from the group and weekly emails from me which include motivational quotes to print out, current health news, and delicious recipes.
I want the VTG to be accessible to everyone, so I am offering an early bird price of £49 for nine weeks of coaching. Consider that I charge £75/hour for in-person personal training, which makes this an incredible deal! This price is valid until 11:59pm London time on May 31, 2023. From June 1-5, the price is £79. Payment can be made via Paypal below.
Personally, I will be working on paleo eating along with completing my physiotherapy and drinking more water. Your goals can be as simple as:
- 10 minutes of meditation before work
- spending an hour unplugged every evening during the week
- calling your family every weekend
- completing a 30 second plank five days in a row
- reading a chapter a week of your book
The possibilities are endless and I can ensure we shape the goals to make them work for you and your lifestyle.
What are you waiting for? Sign up now and feel free to send this link to friends and family who might also be interested. The more people involved, the more fun we will have.
Don’t delay. Register via link above today to secure the early bird price. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below or send me an email. I can’t wait to get you going as summer arrives.
by Mollie Millington | Jan 27, 2023 | running
Winter is in full effect in London, with a touch of spring on a sunny day. With the changing weather, there comes varying trail conditions, rainy pavements, and occasionally the icy morning. My go-to shoe in the winter months tends to be a Gortex trail running shoe as it keeps my feet dry but it does’t mean the outside won’t get dirty. Muddy trail shoes are not a good look when at work. They leave dirt in my office and on my carpet at home. So how can I keep my running shoes clean?
Every pair of new shoes I get, whether they are waterproof or not, I spray with a Nikwax waterproof spray. This helps add a layer of protection from dirt and water (just keep in mind that this may negate any product warranties on your shoes if something happens). I will also keep last year’s shoes for very muddy or rainy days in the hopes of keeping my newer ones clean. Of course, if you live in a small flat, this approach may not work for you. If your shoes do get wet, I suggest stuffing them with newspaper and leaving overnight to dry. Most of the time, this absorbs all of the water and avoids your shoes becoming smelly. If the shoes are not wet after one night, swap out the newspaper with a new piece. Stuffing newspaper won’t help prevent mud build up, however.
For nearly a year, I have been working with ON Running and their shoes tend to have Cloud-Tec soles that can allow a lot of mud to build up (some of their shoes now have a solid sole). I have learned to check for rocks and mud when I get home from the trails, and remove as much as I can before letting them dry by the radiator. Usually, it can be easier to brush off the mud the following day. You can use a stiff brush for this if there is a lot, but be sure to avoid wire bristles that may damage the shoe. I don’t worry too much about the dirt staining my shoes but if you prefer keeping them pristine, keep reading!
It is really important to choose the right shoes for the activity you are going to do so you can focus on enjoying your time rather than worrying about your feet getting wet or slipping along the trail. If you live in a warm, dry climate, your shoes might not get too muddy and will last a long time. However, if like me, you live in a place with ample mud (thank you British weather!), Brooks Running wrote a great article on how to clean running shoes if you would like a step by step guide. Their first tip is don’t put your shoes in the washing machine, which I 100% agree with! Keep in mind that by taking care of your shoes properly, they will last you much longer. This is much more sustainable for the planet and your bank account.
If you have any other tips and tricks for keeping your sneakers clear that are not covered in their article, please leave a comment below and let me know.
by Mollie Millington | Jan 17, 2023 | travel
It is week halfway through January 2023 and I am finally comfortable again in ‘normal life.’ For three weeks over Christmas and New Year’s, I was away from home, doing my own thing in Argentina (my 5th continent) and Antarctica (6th, leaving Australia). Without a husband or needy dog, my schedule was my own and as a bonus, I didn’t have to cook. Truth to told, I took a lot of naps but I also had a lot of adventures. Last week, I starting sharing the highlights of each day over on Instagram (@ptmollie), but here on the blog I will get into the nitty gritty. So many questions have come through from friends and family – what did I wear, did I get to walk on land, what the food was like, what animals did I see? It is my aim to answer them all over the next few weeks across a few posts. Here are the key points and some thank you’s for the brands who supported me on this amazing expedition.
First things first, I traveled with Intrepid Travel. They are currently having a sale on upcoming trips booked by 23 February 2023. And if you mention my name when booking, you will get $150 onboard credit (not an affiliate link/program). Although I will also give you some tips on how to book a cheap trip to Antarctica (clue- you will need to be flexible with the travel dates) in the near future. Originally, I booked my trip for 40% off in August 2020 to go on a WWF whale migration trip in February 2021 (the best time to see whale migration), which was postponed due to Covid. Twice. I had to redeem my trip by 2023 to keep the 2020 pricing valid which caused a diary clash. If you read my blog, you will know that my 2020 Tokyo Marathon was also cancelled/deferred several times and I had finally secured March 2023. Work wasn’t keen on two long holidays so close together, so I went for Antarctica over Christmas. This meant I saved a few days of annual leave and my inbox would not be too full (hopefully) upon my return. While I didn’t see as many whales as I would have liked, I met some amazing people from all over the globe that I now call my friends. And am now tempted to return to Antarctica to see the whales when my bank balance allows it.
The best coincidence of the trip was being in Buenos Aires for the World Cup final. This sporting event wasn’t on my radar at all and luckily for me, it did not negatively affect my travels (I cannot day the same for others on the expedition who were unable to travel between airports in Buenos Aires during the national holiday). It was so much fun to watch the game with thousands of cheering fans in the local park. Of course, as a solo female traveler, I had to be careful in large crowds traveling to and from the park, as well as experiencing the celebrations later that day around my hotel (more on that later). I was very fortunate not to have any incidents. My nephew even asked for a Messi jersey from Argentina as a Christmas present (which I will send to him this week!).
Of course, traveling to South America in their summertime meant I needed to be able to dress for 28 degrees C weather while also being ready for whatever Antarctica would throw at me. We could not have been luckier with the weather. Aside from the morning after camping, the majority of the time we had sunshine and blue skies. Yes, sometimes there were larger swells which kept us on the boat and strong winds, but for the most part, we were very blessed. As a skier, I had a lot of outerwear and base layers I could use on the trip (some I had to buy in bigger sizes due to recent weight gain). Being a blogger, I am very fortunate to work with brands by reviewing their products while on adventures such as this. I would like to thank Lucy Locket Loves (activewear and warm hat), Artilect Studio (merino base layers), Swarovski Optik (binoculars), Leki (trekking poles), and ON Running (tracky bottoms to wear around the ship), and Darn Tough (merino wool socks) for supporting this trip by gifting me the items listed. A packing list will definitely be one of the posts I share in the future. Luggage weight is very important when traveling to Ushuaia and you will need a lot of things for two weeks at sea. I will also be editing some of my 360 degree video footage at some point for my YouTube channel, but first I want to go through the 1000s (not an exaggeration!) of photos I took first.
If there is anything specific you want to know about traveling with Intrepid, going to Antarctica, or visiting Argentina, please leave a comment below. I will do the best I can to answer. Don’t forget to check out my Instagram highlights for day by day highlights in the meantime.
by Mollie Millington | Dec 7, 2022 | travel
Recently, I found my old blog that I started in 2006 when I moved away from my hometown to earn my Masters degree. What memories it brought back from my time in Michigan and Alaska. Turns out, I also reviewed restaurants and outdoor activities so I guess I have been at this for a while. My husband and I also had a blog with videos during our three week road trip across America before moving to the UK. This blog was in no way perfect and made me realize I should take the pressure off myself to create epic blog posts on a weekly basis. This is my side gig after all, so I cannot expect it to be at the same level as a full-time content creator.
Since the last time I posted, I am feeling a bit more relaxed now that the conference at work is over (it went well!) and the move to our new house (finally!). Now, we are trying to decorate, organize and unpack all at the same time. We stripped the bedroom wallpaper and an interior designer came over to review our choices. We have arranged for electricians and decorators, as well as finalized all the colors and fabrics. We had wanted it to be completed before Christmas, but like many big projects, it has seen some delays.
In other suburban life news, James bought a car. We went with a Skoda Octavia as we have hired this make/model for our camping trips and always managed to fill it up with our toys and Maple. James is keen to go on many weekend adventures with his bike and I hope he is able to in the new year. Although I don’t think we needed it quite yet, it was a great deal (one owner vehicle with super low miles). We have already been using it to leave town for an early Christmas away as we will not be together for Christmas this year.
My big news is that I am headed to Buenos Aires and Antarctica in December with Intrepid Travel. In August 2020, Intrepid had a huge sale on their trips. We were stuck home and not spending much, so I figured YOLO. Antarctica, along with Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands, have been on my bucket list for a long time (I am a marine biologist after all). Originally, I booked a WWF affiliated whale cruise for February 2021, which was postponed to February 2022. Then February 2023, which conflicted with the Tokyo Marathon (postponed from March 2020). I couldn’t be in two places at once, so luckily I was able to nab a spot on this Christmas and New Years trip.
Things are starting to feel real now as I start to pack and get all the paperwork in order. It will be 28 degrees C in Buenos Aires and cold in Antarctica (currently around 0 degrees C in Rothera at the British Antarctic Territory but I am not going exactly there). From what I understand, it will be quite warm on the ship so two wardrobes will be needed. I have been blessed to have several brands support my trip with the following kit (all gifted except binoculars are on loan):
Leki Sherpa poles
Artilect base layers
Lucy Locket Loves leggings, hoodie, and hat
ON Running active pants and active leggings
Swarovski Optik binoculars
Darn Tough socks
NGX are also supporting me on this trip by continuing to supply my with body fuel. While I have only lost two pounds and zero inches, I am continuing to make better food choices when hungry. Unfortunately, I am struggling not to let fresh vegetables go to waste. Frozen fruit and veg are proving to be life savers.
If you are thinking Antarctica would be cool, there are still spots available on this cruise and many cabins are on sale. Why not #joinme for a Christmas you will never forget?
Thanks to all these amazing outdoor brands for supporting me on this epic adventure.
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