Why An RD Brings Protein & Collagen Powder On Vacation

Aug 11, 2023

Vacation is meant to be a time when you can indulge in experiences that bring you joy and fill you with a sense of adventure.

However, that doesn't mean your regular nutrition habits must fall by the wayside. According to a dietitian, bringing supplements in your carry-on can help keep your well-being on balance so you can enjoy all the culinary adventures you please. Here, discover the specific supplements she never forgets while traveling.

The travel must-haves? Protein and collagen powder.

"I usually bring a shaker bottle and a few packets of protein powder to mix with water if I need a quick protein option when on the road," says registered dietitian Jessica Cording, R.D. "I also always travel with a few sticks of unflavored collagen to easily add protein to my day if needed. I'll stir it into coffee, yogurt, or soup."

Protein is great for helping you stay full, but collagen may help you stay regular while traveling as well.

In one clinical study1, 40 healthy women took 20 grams of bovine collagen peptides each day, split into two servings. The results? After eight weeks of collagen supplementation, 93% (13 out of 14 women) of those who completed the study experienced noteworthy improvements in digestion, including bloating and abdominal comfort.*

A powerful daily ritual for glowing skin and strong hair & nails*

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So it's worth tossing your favorite protein or collagen powder into your tote. But no matter which powder you travel with, be sure to keep an eye out for added sugars. "Sucralose and sugar alcohols could cause GI distress—major bummer when traveling," Cording says.

As for the collagen powder, make sure you find a product with a hefty dose of collagen peptides, like mindbodygreen's beauty & gut collagen+.

This sugar-free powder contains 17.7 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides for optimal digestion, in addition to vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, L-glutamine, and more.*

Keep it on hand for daily use and while traveling so you can maintain a balanced gut.*

Add a scoop to your latte, oats, or smoothie for a quick boost. Here, more on collagen's benefits if you're curious.

No blender? No problem. An R.D. recommends bringing a shaker bottle to mix up her protein and collagen powders. Not sure which you should choose? Feel free to read this guide discussing the difference between protein powder and collagen.

A powerful daily ritual for glowing skin and strong hair & nails*

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"An incredible supplement that helps your skin from multiple angles"*

Alexandra Engler,mbg Beauty & Lifestyle Senior Editor

Hannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more. She previously interned for Almost 30, a top-rated health and wellness podcast. In her current role, Hannah reports on the latest beauty trends, holistic skincare approaches, must-have makeup products, and inclusivity in the beauty industry. She currently lives in New York City.