Protein is a vital component of your diet. It's used for building and repairing tissue, and also producing enzymes and chemicals. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, protein isn't stored in the body. Because it plays an important role in repairing muscles that have been damaged during a workout, many people try to gorge on as much protein-rich foods as possible in the hope that they'll develop bigger muscles.

It's not quite as simple as this. There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding protein, and this confusion causes people to overindulge. It's important to remember that some forms of protein are healthier than others. While foods such as steak, for example, are packed with protein, they can also be high in saturated fats. Try to keep things as natural and as lean as possible - avoid heavily processed items where you can. Choose food and drink that provides all of the vital nutrients that you need without subjecting you to an unnecessarily high number of calories. Here's a simple recipe for a natural protein shake - enjoy!

Recipe:

Coco Cool Down                            

Combine...

• ¾ cup of coconut milk

• 1/3 cup of Greek yogurt

• 1/2 heaped cup of spinach

• 1/2 an avocado

• 1 tablespoon of almond butter

• 1 tablespoon of hemp powder

• 1 tablespoon agave

Put it all in a blender and then process until smooth.

This rich concoction is packed full of hearty proteins and healthy fats to build muscle. It will also make you feel fuller for longer this is where many nutrition plans fall short .

The ½ heaped cup of spinach provides a healthy dose of antioxidants, while the avocado contains 25% of your recommended Vitamin K intake to strengthen bones and retain calcium.