$4.50 Woolworths product loved by Aussie sports stars: 'Perfect snack

While it may not be a secret, the truth is, when you speak to any health buff, expert, or athlete - one of the first things they will tell you is how important diet and nutrition are to your overall health and fitness. One ingredient that is integral to this is undoubtedly protein - found in foods such as meat and poultry, dairy and nuts and seeds.

Greer Calabro - diet and fitness app equ's lead recipe developer and nutritionist - explained to Yahoo Lifestyle just how critical protein is to a person’s health, emphasising the benefits of ensuring your intake is sufficient.

“Ensuring you are consuming adequate protein has a huge range of benefits for your overall health, including, muscle building, recovery post exercise and weight management,” she told Yahoo.

“If you are looking to maintain overall health it is important to ensure you are consuming adequate protein.”

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Of course, with Aussies leading such busy lives, it can be hard to find the time to prepare enough protein-rich food for every single meal. That's why products like protein yoghurts are so in demand right now.

The surge in interest and popularity has led Australia’s number one family yoghurt brand Yoplait to launch a brand-new Protein Yoghurt range available at Woolworths - and shoppers are loving it.

Available in strawberry and vanilla (yum), each serve packs a mighty 13g of protein and 25 per cent less sugar, so it’s a simple way to boost your protein intake during the workday and stay fuller for longer.

The yoghurt has not just won the favour of everyday Aussies, but sports stars too, such as Collingwood FC player Patrick Lipinski who says it's the "perfect on-the-go snack for during the day."

Protein keeps you feeling full and is critical for muscle gain

Calabro said that protein is a powerhouse at keeping you feeling full.

“Consuming protein in your meals slows down the absorption of sugar, helping to maintain energy and reduce blood sugar spikes,” she says.

“It is slower to digest than fats or carbohydrates, which helps keep you fuller for longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating and reaching for sugar-filled snacks.”

Additionally, Calabro said that protein can also play a part in weight loss and muscle gain - in combination with regular exercise and a balanced diet, of course.

“The RDI (recommended daily intake) of protein is approximately 0.8g per kilogram of body weight, however, for active individuals and those looking to lose weight and/or gain muscle the need for protein increases substantially,” she said.

From protein balls to shakes, the addition of protein into our favourite go-to snacks has been a way to "up" the nutritional benefits of protein without having to eat like a carnivore or without sacrificing on taste.

Delicious recipes using Yoplait Protein Yoghurt

Even though Yoplait's Protein Yoghurt is a great grab and go snack, it's also perfect for using as a base for other tasty recipes like smoothie or acai bowls or even parfaits!

If you've got kids, try adding some fresh fruit and popping the yoghurt into ice-block moulds for a healthy, yummy treat.

Yoghurt can even be used in cakes and cookies so it's all about getting creative!

Check out TikTok user Georgina's delicious recipe below for some inspo!

Protein diets aren't just a fad, expert says

Unlike other health and nutrition trends though (a la the carnivore and wheat belly diet), Calabro said that protein isn’t just a fad either.

“Protein intake recommendations are based on well-documented nutrition science and including this macronutrient in recommended amounts has proven benefits for overall health,” Calabro told Yahoo Lifestyle.

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“The thing to remember is that all macronutrients - protein, carbohydrates and fats are equally important and the combination of these is what ultimately contributes to ensuring optimal functioning of our bodily function and reaching our health goals.”

And importantly, Calabro said: “Be sure to take your nutrition advice from health professionals, not the latest trends on social media from people with little to no education in science-based nutrition.”

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