17 year old has started at the gym and now wants protein powder

gentle_compass_35721 Sept 2026

My son joined a gym near us in July. He goes four evenings a week and has stuck with it, which I'm glad about. It is his board year, so I had assumed the gym would be the first thing to go. Now he's asking for protein powder. The trainer apparently recommends a particular brand, and half his friends take something. He eats reasonably well at home, though not much protein beyond dal and eggs. Have any of you gone down this road with a teenager? Did you agree, check with a doctor first, or try to cover it with food?

1 comment

sage_drum_612121 Sept 2026
We watched this play out with my nephew last year. His parents took him to the family doctor with the tin, and the doctor said food first and gave them a list. He tried for a month before giving up and buying one anyway 😅 I'd still start with the doctor visit. At least it moves the decision from 'the trainer said' to someone you trust.
- saffron_bookmark_502521 Sept 2026
  the food list is the hard part. we make snacks for a living and still struggle to get protein into an 11 year old. paneer, roasted chana, curd, sprouts if they'll eat them. teenage boys eat a lot though, it might be easier than you think
- silver_river_315322 Sept 2026
  Replying to @saffron_bookmark_5025
  Agree with the doctor visit. One practical point: take the actual tin, or a clear photo of the label, not just the brand name. The same brand often sells several versions with quite different ingredients, and some products sold at gyms contain more than protein.
- cinnamon_sandal_789924 Sept 2026
  Mana intlo it was my daughter's badminton coach saying the same thing. We did the doctor visit also. The bigger issue for us was the coach selling his own stock, so ask where the trainer wants you to buy it from 🙂