14 year old son diet & exercise

[curvymumma79]

My DS 14 has always been sporty and active. He has a mini gym in the garage with treadmill and cross trainer.

This year I have got him a gym membership, and he's jumped headfirst into in, rides his bike there does an hour's workout and then rides home (approx 20 min ride each way)

He absolutely loves it! He's been making healthy lunch/ snacks for school and I'm really Impressed that he's taking it so seriously, being responsible and so passionate about it.

He has/ is trying to increase his protein intake through his diet, he's done loads of research and made a list of foods that he likes, and that is reasonably priced, also that we all eat.

So far so good.

He's now asking for protein powder, and from the brief research that I've done so far, I don't believe that this is the way forwards as excess protein (in the form of powder) can cause problems with the kidneys, and he is still only 14.

I've told him that I could get on board with a few protein bars in the week - maybe 2 or 3, but that's all.

Is there anyone here, who knows more about this than me? I'm really not happy with the powder - other than the bars, is there a way I can meet him in the middle?

Does he want to build muscle, else why the protein?
Is he wanting to sculpt his body, what does he think protein will do for him?

Yes, it's all about the muscles. He's very tall, almost 6ft and extremely lean/ slim.

I don't know more than you either, but I wondered about getting him a 1 off consultation with a suitably qualified personal trainer. Someone who knows/talks about nutrition too, and isn't you or NHS but someone who your teen will listen to because they have passion for fit body look, too, and will talk about gym strategy.

The PT would ideally be on board with body sculpting but would also be thinking like you, that 14 is not the age to overload kidneys. Would talk to your son about suitable strength training, long term fitness & healthy balance.

I have a 15 year old who plays football at quite an advanced level 5 times a week.

personally I would encourage him to up his protein through diet if possible… eggs, yoghurts meats etc and see if he goes for that?

DS16 swims 12 hours a week and does 2 hours of gym sessions. He is 6ft tall and extremely lean. Last summer he started to feel extremely weak and tired. After seeing the doctor and having various tests, we insisted he increased his food intake, so as well as extra protein, he increased his vegetables, fruit, sugar etc. He has also started drinking the protein shakes after every training session. He uses the SIS ones, but there are also ones specifically designed for younger teens. All of his squad drink them after training.