What about Youngsters?

sophidog

have a 9 year old granddaughter who loves exercise and is currently turning in county-level swims in competitions and tried a couple of junior triathlons last year with promising results. None of this with much proper coaching although she has now joined a swimming club and had has started with a triathlon club. My view is that a protein drink after her training/events would help as she is trying to develop her athletic performance in addition to the usual growing that a girl her age has to do. Met with a disapproving frown from parents.
Thoughts please, as she did recently drop weight and i put that down to trying to do too much on a run-of-the-mill diet. Don't want her messing up her growing development let alone her athletic one.....

hypster

Mmmm, difficult one this. It sounds like there are issues there because you mention "run of the mill diet" and the parents don't exactly sound enthusiastic so difficult to advise really. All youngsters need a well balanced diet especially active ones and if she is not even getting that then giving her a protein drink after training sessions against the parents' wishes is a recipe for disaster I think.

I would suggest asking around at the swimming and triathlon clubs and see if there are any coaches there who could help and maybe advise. The parents may find advice coming from an independent source more palatable. Also, try to get one or both of them more involved in their daughter's athletic activities if they are not already.

imposter2.0

Just let her do her thing without any training intervention or special diet/protein stuff - it really isn't necessary at that age. The more she does, the more she will improve, but forget about any specific performance coaching at that age.

DeVlaeminck

If it met with disapproving looks from the parents then drop it would be my advice. They may be right or they may be wrong but unless they are doing something which constitutes neglect or abuse then it's really their call and you can only lose by getting involved.

I doubt a protein drink is actually going to make any difference either way, a 9 year old shouldn't be training hard enough they she needs recovery drinks and if she is that would be my concern not what she is drinking. Her parents may be wary of a young girl being encouraged to think too closely about her diet - if that is the case I can't say I blame them.

phreak

This book might be handy. It's written specifically for active youngsters, but has some cracking recipes for those of us rather more long in the tooth too.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Faster-Food-Kid ... 0957416822

sophidog

thanks for all the replies folks, we'll see how she progresses.

nweststeyn

Everyone can drink milk, or chocolate milk, without it being frowned upon (generally, before you start mentioned dairy intolerance ). I'd argue that there is no need for worrying about protein supplements at such a young age. Just let it be fun!

cougie

Yep - milk shake is a great drink. I love it after long sessions. I dont go in for the protein drinks as such. Milk must be cheaper.