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One of the biggest questions concerning teen athletes and protein is how much is enough? Athletes need much more than kids their same age because they have much more to lose when it comes to overall body fat and muscle. Because of this, the importance of protein in teen athletes and weightlifters needs to be addressed very carefully. Too many teen athletes are failing to realize the importance of protein in their diet or how critical it is to their health.1
While most teen athletes realize the importance of eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep, they don’t always realize the importance of protein. It’s often post-game nutrition that gets overlooked, but it’s vital to teen athletes and weightlifters.2 Just as important, it’s vital to the teen athlete’s lifestyle. If they’re not eating properly, they will become injured or unable to perform at their best. Getting the proper nutrition, from the beginning of the high school year, all the way through college can be crucial to the success of teen athletes and weightlifters.3
Eating correctly for teen athletes doesn’t mean you have to go on a liquid diet. It means you have to eat the right types of foods in order for your body to be able to gain the needed protein. If teen athletes and weightlifters don’t pay attention to the importance of protein early in their lives, it could cost them later in life. Teenagers and weightlifters who don’t pay attention to the importance of protein will face numerous health issues throughout their teen years and into adulthood.
Whey Protein For Teen Athletes
With most teen athletes becoming concerned with nutrition, including adding extra protein to their diets, there has been an increased focus on Whey Protein as a supplement. While it is safe for adults, most teen athletes shy away from such extreme measures due to possible detrimental side effects in their growing bodies. When considering Whey protein, one must take into account the possible side effects as well as how effective it is at building muscle mass.4
Whey protein is often mixed with water to create a milkshake-like drink that can be enjoyed by teen athletes. However, this is not recommended as a post-workout meal as it is too heavy for a teen’s already growing body. If trying to add whey protein to a teen’s diet, it is best to seek the advice of a nutritionist who will be able to recommend the best type of protein for teen athletes that will match their needs. Whey protein shakes are available for different sports and can also be mixed with milk or water to make a delicious shake that is perfect any time.5
Greatest Benefits Of Whey Protein For Athletes
While many parents may be too excited to give their kids the benefits of whey protein for athletes, they should realize that this is one of the best forms of post-workout nutrition on the market. In fact, it may even be better for their health. The key is to balance everything else in their lives so they can maintain a healthy lifestyle when they’re out of the game.7
Just because these benefits of whey protein for athletes are great does not mean they should overdo it. They should be viewed as a supplement and not a replacement for another nutrient or food.8 Teenagers need their daily dose of this valuable amino acid but they don’t need it every day. Instead, they should take it as they would a vitamin every other day.
Of course, many teen athletes get their daily dose of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and carbohydrates through the school foods available to them. If your child is missing out on the proper nutrition by getting the necessary nutrients from the school food alone, then the benefits of whey protein for athletes might be able to help. If he or she eats a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products, then the benefits of whey protein for athletes could be what the teen needs. Of course, if the teen is constantly skipping meals, missing breakfast, and even staying up late, the benefits of whey protein for athletes can only be beneficial. It’s like an extra pair of eyes watching their progress.9
As teens go through puberty and transition into high school and college years, the benefits of whey protein for athletes are especially important. This supplement is packed with great amino acids that can help improve the strength of the teen’s muscles. It is also rich in calcium and phosphorus that can help the muscles to grow and repair themselves.10 The phosphorus can also help the teen maintain proper bone density, which is important if the teen is heading off into his or her adult life.
Many teen athletes will wonder about the benefits of whey protein for athletes. There is plenty of information available on this product. They should look at the ingredients and make sure they are getting the right thing. If the teen is doing an athletic program already, the teen can use the whey protein for athletes later on in the teen years. The benefits of whey protein for athletes are great and the teen athlete can use the benefits of whey protein for athletes in their adult years as well.
How To Choose The Best Brand Of Whey Protein For Teens
If you’re looking for the best brand of whey protein for teens, then there are a few things that you need to look at. Protein is very important for building muscle and strength, especially among younger men, but many companies will try to sell you just about any kind of protein under the sun these days. This means that you need to really look into the ingredients list on each and every bottle of protein so that you can choose the best one. The key is to find a product that provides the right amount of protein, as well as an ingredient list that is healthy and natural.
One of the best brands of whey protein for teens that really stands out is Optimum Nutrition.11 Not only do they offer high-quality whey protein shakes, but they also have energy and nutrition bars that your teen can eat as well. The diet bars really help your teen stay on track with their dietary needs, since the diet bars work as a meal replacement all day long, and the protein in the powder helps them burn calories even when they’re not eating. Best of all, the diet bars are very easy to digest, making them an excellent choice for your teen’s diet.
Of course, if your teen is someone who works out at the gym, then it’s important to get a protein supplement that contains more complete nutrients. Many athletes today require a certain level of protein intake, and even those who aren’t as active may benefit from taking extra whey protein supplements. Whether you’re an athlete or just someone who likes to work out, there is a protein product out there that will be perfect for your teen, no matter what his or her personal fitness goals are.
Health Ambition / 2021
Teens Nutrition / 2021
Protein Walls / 2021
1 “Teens and Protein: How Much Do You Need? — Publications.” https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/food-nutrition/teens-and-protein-how-much-do-you-need Accessed 11 Aug. 2021.
2 “Protein for the Teen Athlete – HealthyChildren.org.” 1 Dec. 2011, https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/nutrition/Pages/Protein-for-the-Teen-Athlete.aspx Accessed 11 Aug. 2021.
3 “Can a Teenage Boy Eat Too Much Protein? | INTEGRIS Health.” 21 Mar. 2017, https://integrisok.com/resources/on-your-health/2017/march/can-a-teenage-boy-eat-too-much-protein Accessed 11 Aug. 2021.
4 “10 Health Benefits Of Whey Protein For Teenagers – MomJunction.” 8 Jun. 2021, https://www.momjunction.com/articles/benefits-of-whey-protein-for-teenagers_00123066/ Accessed 11 Aug. 2021.
5 “Benefits of Whey Protein for Teenagers | Performance Inspired ….” 7 Aug. 2017, https://pi-nutrition.com/benefits-of-whey-protein-for-teenagers/ Accessed 11 Aug. 2021.
6 “Teen Nutrition for Fall Sports – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.” 7 Sep. 2018, https://www.eatright.org/fitness/sports-and-performance/fueling-your-workout/teen-nutrition-for-fall-sports Accessed 11 Aug. 2021.
7 “How Teen Athletes Can Build Muscle with Protein.” 21 Jul. 2020, https://www.eatright.org/fitness/sports-and-performance/fueling-your-workout/how-teen-athletes-can-build-muscles-with-protein Accessed 11 Aug. 2021.
8 “Do Teenage Athletes Benefit From Protein Whey Supplements?.” 14 Mar. 2018, https://www.sportsmomsurvivalguide.com/teenage-athletes-benefit-protein-whey-supplementation/ Accessed 11 Aug. 2021.
9 “Protein Powder and Teenage Athletes » Off-Season Athlete.” 25 May. 2021, https://offseasonathlete.com/protein-powder-and-teenage-athletes/ Accessed 11 Aug. 2021.
10 “Benefits of Whey Protein for Teenagers | Performance Inspired ….” 7 Aug. 2017, https://pi-nutrition.com/benefits-of-whey-protein-for-teenagers/ Accessed 11 Aug. 2021.
11 “Optimum Nutrition | Homepage.” https://www.optimumnutrition.com/en-us Accessed 11 Aug. 2021.