QUESTION:
Hi Gary, I am so glad that you provide valuable info for parents to support young swimmers.
I have ordered your Nutrition ebook and Swimming for Parents, which is on the way to Toronto, Canada.
I was recommended to give protein powder every day to my son, 12 years old swimmer. I am not sure if it’s right for kids to do so. Young swimmer should have a good food balance rather than supplements to grow muscle.
Thank you very much. Susan
ANSWER:
Hi Susan, This question was asked on Saturday to get a response from one of the top sports nutritionists from the Australian Institute of Sport.
Her response is similar to mine, that young children should focus on eating a balanced diet including food items that provide the body with protein. Protein is well known for its role in muscle development and recovery. This role in development is especially important for the adolescent athlete who is still growing and maturing. Protein is found in meats, meat alternatives and dairy products. Good sources of protein include beef, lamb, goat, pork, duck, turkey, fish, tofu, egg, nuts, seeds, legumes (beans, lentils), soy products, milk, yoghurt, cheese and ice cream.
Protein shakes or powders should not be necessary for young children. The same was said for supplements as a balanced diet should provide all the vitamins and minerals that the body needs.
If anyone else has suggestions, please leave a note on your thoughts below.
Regards
Gary
The Swimming Expert
I totally agree that children should be encouraged to eat right but that fact is that there are so many kids that won’t eat a balanced diet and swim training is the most taxing of all sports and with a lot of kids without supplements would be physically amd mentally run down . A Protein supplement for kids that are training hard (above the average non athlete) but don’t eat enough of the right kinds of foods is very important I believe.
I agree supplementing with a quality whey protein powder is essential, the training volumes undertaken by young swimmers when on talent programmes, competing in Regional, National & international competitions is high, with Land based trsaining also expected. When this is coupled with school work, homework etc the time for meals is reduced, let alone the often pickiness of young adolescents in their food choices!! Supplementing with protein powder, quality Multi-vits, Omega oils is a massive help in aiding recovery. Getting the “Right Balanced” diet is almost impossible anyway in theswe modern times… so If you have difficulty getting well balanced meals with HIGH quality proteins in before, after or pre training a great way to overcome this and help your youngster recover is a great quality Protein shake!!