During pregnancy I have found myself craving WAY more sweets than normal – after a few weeks of “not so good” for me sweet treats, I decided I wanted to find a healthier alternative. After reading “Real Food for Pregnancy” by Lily Nichols I became intrigued with the idea of adding more gelatin into my diet.

Gelatin is Good For:

• anti-aging / hair growth: consuming gelatin helps stimulate new cell turnover and collagen growth which equals stronger hair, skin, and nails!
• joint health: since gelatin helps collagen growth, consuming it regularly helps repair your joints naturally. Gelatin also can help reduce inflammation in your joints so think less pain and stiffness.
• improving brain function and mental health: gelatin is rich in glycine which is good for brain function. Studies have also shown that glycine can help reduce symptoms of many mental illnesses such as OCD and schizophrenia.
• improving liver function: the glycine in gelatin has been shown to improve alcohol-related liver damage.
• improving gut health: gelatin can help create a protective barrier on the intestinal lining which is a great preventative / healer of leaky gut. The glycine in gelatin also helps balance digestive enzymes and stomach acid.

Gelatin For Pregnancy:

Gelatin is amazing for pregnancy since it has anti-inflammatory properties. The glycine in gelatin has been shown to help with sleep. Gelatin also boosts your protein stores which are vital during and postpartum.

HOMEMADE JELL-O RECIPE:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups of healthy juice (I used this blueberry juice mixed with the red “to the power” juice from trader joe’s)
• 1 Tbsp unflavored beef gelatin
• 1 Tbsp honey or coconut sugar

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add 1/2 cup of your juice to a bowl and sprinkle with your gelatin powder.
2. Whisk your gelatin and juice and then let it sit for around 5 minutes. (Don’t be alarmed if it looks lumpy – this is completely normal)
3. Pour your remaining juice into a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until it almost boils.
4. Remove from heat and add in your sweetener if you decided to use it.
5. Add in your gelatin mixture and whisk to dissolve it.
6. Pour your finished product into any small baking dish or glass containers depending on how thick or thin you want your Jell-O.
7. Refrigerate for 4 hours, or until set (if you opted for a thinner Jell-O it will take less time.
8. Enjoy!