Sugar-Free Apple Pie Gut-Healing Gummies (Paleo / Keto)

Now that the holidays are over, I think it’s time to show our guts some extra love – don’t ya think? These cute little gummies are my most recent addiction for about a million reasons, including their gut-healing properties. Not only are they incredibly simple to pull together, but they’re so delicious and have a ton of health benefits, too!

We all know I’m a huge fan of Vital Proteins, and people always ask me what to do with Vital Proteins Gelatin! There are so many different things you can do with gelatin, but one of the simplest is to make your own gummies. Nothing makes you feel more like a kid again than snacking on some gummy bears, right?!

All you need to make these are gelatin, a few simple ingredients, and a candy mold. I made some in plain square candy molds and others in my gummy-bear candy molds — any shape works! I just really like the idea of Paleo gummy bears. You can also make this in a greased baking dish and cut it into squares like jello.

Why gelatin? Gelatin contains collagen, which has a ton of incredible health benefits. I’ve written all about those benefits in depth here. I actually started taking gelatin before I turned to collagen peptides, really just because I didn’t fully understand the difference at first. Collagen peptides dissolve into whatever liquid you put them in, but you need gelatin if you want it to “gel up” into something like gummies, for example.

Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin comes from pasture-raised, grass-finished bovine hide, and that’s the only ingredient. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, and Whole 30 approved. Collagen is incredible for skin, hair, and nail health, and it also supports your muscles and joints. The reason I really love it, though, is for the gut health benefits.

If you have digestive issues, I highly recommend incorporating this into your diet. Gelatin helps to heal the lining of the gut, which is extremely important for anyone struggling with leaky gut. When your gut lining becomes too permeable, particles meant to stay inside the digestive system “leak” out into the bloodstream, causing inflammation. That inflammation can affect us in a variety of ways.

Gelatin contains glycine, which supports a healthy mucosal lining in the gut and helps our stomachs produce enough enzymes and stomach acid to properly digest the food we eat. When our stomachs don’t produce enough stomach acid or digestive enzymes, or when our mucosal lining is damaged in any way, this can lead to symptoms like bloating, indigestion, heartburn, and nutrient deficiencies.

Since we all know I’m obsessed with gut health, this is a staple item in my kitchen for all of the above reasons. Besides the amazing gut-health benefits from the gelatin, these yummy apple pie gummies have another secret ingredient that will support your digestion – apple cider vinegar!

Apple cider vinegar is one of the best ways to naturally support stomach acid, which is critical for breaking down the food you eat in order to be able to absorb its nutrients. Apple cider vinegar helps to balance out the pH in your stomach, creating an optimal state to digest food. I incorporate apple cider vinegar into my diet in as many ways as I can, but sometimes I get tired of drinking it and putting it in my salad dressings. These gummies are the perfect way to get more ACV into my system without even realizing it! The ACV provides the “apple” flavor without any actual apples!

The other main ingredient is cinnamon, which I love for oh-so-many reasons, but especially for its effects on blood sugar balance and digestion. It has a ton of antioxidants, too, which is always a bonus. I have always struggled with insulin resistance, and incorporating a lot of cinnamon into my diet has helped a ton with lowering my blood sugar levels to keep things balanced out. Cinnamon has been shown to reduce the amount of glucose that hits the bloodstream after a meal high in carbohydrates or sugar. It’s also really helpful for anyone struggling with Candida because of its powerful anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Lastly, I adore cinnamon because it’s one of my favorite ways to sweeten things without using any sugar! These gummies are truly one of my favorite creations. They taste like little apple pie bites without any sugar or fruit, and they have a ton of gut-healing benefits. Told you being healthy could taste good! I love to keep these in the fridge for whenever I want a quick bite of something sweet, or just when I want to amp up my gut health game! These are paleo, keto, sugar-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free! Just a few simple ingredients and you’re on your way! Don’t be surprised if you get addicted to these…

Sugar-Free Apple Pie Gut-Healing Gummies (Paleo / Keto)

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup organic apple cider vinegar
• 2/3 cup filtered water
• 2.5 tsp cinnamon
• 3 tbsp Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin (You can probably get away with 2 tbsp if you’re not using a candy mold!)

Instructions:

1. Pour the apple cider vinegar, water, and cinnamon into a small saucepan. Whisk until combined.
2. Turn on medium heat and heat the liquid until it’s very warm, but not boiling. Before the liquid boils, turn off the heat.
3. Sprinkle a tablespoon of the gelatin evenly over the liquid. Use a whisk to stir quickly until the gelatin is well incorporated. Repeat with the next tablespoon of gelatin, and then the next.
4. After all of the gelatin is mixed in, pour the mixture into a candy mold, or you can use a glass baking dish that’s been greased with coconut oil.
5. Refrigerate the gummies for at least 2 hours before removing them to eat! Store extras in the fridge for about a week.