Many people argue that protein is important for adults, but it can be even more critical for teen athletes. If you take a look at the diets of professional athletes, you’ll see that they are constantly eating this important food in massive amounts to stay in shape. It’s just common sense that they have to keep their muscles in tiptop shape in order to perform at their maximum potential. Of course, most teen athletes don’t have the resources to follow a strenuous diet like their adult counterparts. However, they can still follow a healthy protein diet in order to reap the protein benefits and get the muscle-building results they need.
The first thing you need to understand about protein for teens is that it can help you if you’re an athlete.1 Obviously, it helps to build strong and healthy bones so that your body can last through your teen years. However, it can also benefit your endurance and help you perform at your maximum in games. And, of course, it contributes to the strength of your muscles.
Another reason why protein is so important of a food for teen athletes is because it provides plenty of energy. This is especially critical during games because it’s not always easy to run out of playing time. That’s why nutrition professionals suggest that young athletes eat five to six small meals a day instead of two large ones. By eating protein and carbohydrates throughout the day, they are able to have a consistent amount of fuel they can rely on.2
Finding the Right Protein Bars For Teen Athletes
The protein content of teen protein bars can vary greatly, which means that you are not getting the protein that your body needs on a daily basis, which can lead to serious damage to the muscles and the bones. Many teen protein bars are high in sugar as well, which can make your teen feel hungry all of the time. As a result, they will eat more, and if they do not exercise or eat a balanced diet, this can only lead to weight gain over time.3
There are many different types of protein bars for teen athletes available, including protein shakes and bars. You should do your research before making a choice so that you get the protein your teen needs. Even though many of the protein bars for teen athletes are very tasty, you do want to remember that the key to a good protein diet is plenty of protein. With protein bars for teen athletes, make sure to choose one that your teen will enjoy. If they are not a fan of the taste then they are not going to be able to eat them frequently. Also, make sure that the protein bars for teen athletes are a good fit for their eating plan if your teen is following one.4
Getting the Benefits of Protein For Teen Athletes
If you’re one of the many parents who have to balance a long work week with a tight family, you’ll appreciate the benefits of protein for teen athletes. Many teen athletes are used to having to follow a strict dietary regimen that restricts all fats and calories. Even when their high school and college athletes receive nutritional supplements, many still find that the restrictions can be difficult to meet. Fortunately, there are plenty of protein options available to teens these days, many of which are more effective than the traditional protein powders and bars that have been so popular in the past.5
One of the best options for adding protein to a teen’s diet is whey protein. In fact, one of the best benefits of protein for teen athletes is that it’s easy to digest and makes for a great post-workout meal.6 Because protein helps build muscle, many nutrition experts recommend protein supplements after a hard day of playing sports. When it comes to choosing protein supplements, it’s important to look for those that are made with whey because this is the easiest to digest.
As parents, it’s also important to remember that your child needs extra protein after strenuous sports training. In fact, research shows that the benefits of protein for teen athletes may actually be the most important to their success on the field. Protein shakes are often recommended for these kids by their trainers. If you don’t have a protein shake in your refrigerator, your teenager should be able to get his or her required amount from a wide range of natural foods like cheese, eggs, chicken, and yogurt. If you’re going to go to the store to get protein, make sure you choose a brand that is actually good for them to consume.
Choosing the Right Protein Supplement
When choosing protein supplements, you have to make sure that you choose the ones that provide the right amounts of protein without harmful ingredients. Some protein supplements can be very expensive and may even be hard to digest if the athlete doesn’t follow the directions on the label. Protein is essential to the growth and repair of muscles, but too much can lead to nutritional deficiencies or even damage to the kidneys. As a parent, it’s important to learn all about the benefits of protein for teen athletes and choose the protein supplements that will provide the right benefits without harmful side effects.
Teen athletes need to eat more meals than most people because their diets tend to be very high in protein. To get the benefits of protein for teen athletes, they should eat at least six small meals per day, because this is the most effective way to replace protein in the body and keep it energized. Protein is also great to help supplement the diet, especially after strenuous exercise. If your teen has enough protein in his or her diet, it can help prevent the onset of calcium deficiency and osteoporosis. Remember to talk to your teen’s doctor to find out what kinds of protein supplements are best for him or her.
What’s the Best Time for a Teen Athlete to Eat a Protein Bar?
Many of us have been brought up to believe that the best time for a teen to eat a protein-based bar is after a workout. If you were to ask 10 different sports enthusiasts what the best time for a teen athlete to eat a protein-based bar or after a workout, most would tell you that the best time for a teen to eat a protein bar is after a workout.7
Well, the best time for a teen athlete to eat a protein-based bar or after a workout depends on many factors. First, if the teen athlete is a true power eater, the teen might be better served by eating something shortly after their workout to help fill the hunger pangs. However, it’s important for the teen athlete to understand that the body needs some nutrition after a workout for the teen athlete to repair the muscle tissue that was torn during the workout. So, while the after-workout nutrition may be the best time for a teen athlete to consume a protein bar or after a workout for the general health and well-being of the teen athlete, it should be eaten after the workout for the best possible nutrition.8 Again, the teen athlete should stay away from the after-workout nutrition just to “make up” for not consuming a protein-based bar immediately following the workout.
For many, the best time for a teen athlete to consume a protein bar is right after the workout. For others, it really doesn’t matter as long as the teen is getting the right nutrients that he or she needs for the teen’s health.
Image Credits
The Independent / May 10, 2016
Off-Season Athlete / May 25, 2021
Your Teen Mag / 2021
Walmart / 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 12 Aug. 2021.
2 “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 12 Aug. 2021.
3 “Take Charge of Your Health: A Guide for Teenagers | NIDDK.” https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/take-charge-health-guide-teenagers Accessed 12 Aug. 2021.
4 “Healthy eating for teens – AboutKidsHealth.” 23 Mar. 2020, https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=638&language=English Accessed 12 Aug. 2021.
5 “How Much Protein do Teens Need? – Healthy Families BC.” 28 Feb. 2017, https://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/home/blog/how-much-protein-do-teens-need Accessed 12 Aug. 2021.
6 “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 12 Aug. 2021.
7 “Post-Workout Nutrition: What to Eat After a Workout – Healthline.” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/eat-after-workout Accessed 12 Aug. 2021.
8 “What Are the Benefits of Protein Shakes After a Workout? | PGX®.” 24 Oct. 2014, https://pgx.com/benefits-protein-shakes-workout-2/ Accessed 12 Aug. 2021.
