Weighing up argument for letting kids bulk up

Nutrition experts are massively divided over what sports-mad children should take for a workout boost before and after their activities to ensure they keep their energy levels up throughout what can often be intensive training sessions.

While one side insists that proper diet, including lots of water for hydration, plus a good coach should be enough to take on the best in the country and win, the other sees nothing wrong with a child being given a carbohydrate-infused drink for energy and endurance, and an older child having their training diet supplemented with high-protein shakes.

While acknowledging the tough performance levels young athletes needed to reach, Godfrey said she would suggest a muscle mass booster shake made with milk, a raw egg and fruit and vegetables.

Hand said whether they were taking supplements or not, a high school athlete should be starting their day with a balanced diet.

He suggested oats or eggs and toast, a wholewheat sandwich with natural peanut butter or sliced chicken as a filling and biltong or nuts as a snack before sport. “Supper can be vegetables with a protein.

“The preparation is very important as well as the quantities,” he said.

Noakes, on the other hand, concluded by saying: “If parents want to spend good money on their children, then they should invest in a good coach.”