Could you advise me on fasting during Ramadan and football practice?

I am not sure if this is correct, but I think the fast is no food from sun up to sun down. If you can, try a sports drink to rehydrate, especially since it is probably hot. Hopefully, the others comment as well.

Hi Tracy,

He should be getting 1 gram of protein per pound of his body weight but the challenge will be getting this amount of protein (along with his required calorie intake from other foods) into him in the restricted time period you have.

You may have to purchase foods that you know he likes (perhaps "junk" foods) and sacrifice quality nutrition so as to get enough calories into him so he doesn't "run out of gas" during the day or during sports.

As far as the Spiru-tein, it contains lower quality proteins (so you need more of it to get the same effect as with a whey protein or egg protein). Also, it contains soy and you don't want to give a boy who is going through puberty soy protein. It has been shown to alter testosterone levels and in very young boys and possibly have estrogenic effects. There have been cases of "feminization" (although this is fairly rare), so I would avoid soy and recommend whey protein, which is not only much better for supporting growth and repair of muscle but also healthier (especially for boys).

I wouldn't wake him up for a shake because sleep is very important at his age.

There's nothing magical about coconut water. Any drink (except alcohol obviously, which I don't think is an issue for him) will have a virtually identical effect on hydrating him (including caffeinated drinks - caffeine is a very mild diuretic. Opt for milk or juice as these will help you hit his calorie needs.

Thanks for the reply. I didn't realize the Spirutein had soy in it. I'll have to read the label again. I've read how bad soy is.

Tim, you are correct the fast is from sunrise to sunset and it is no food or drink. I bought him some pedialyte to drink to rehydrate him and replace electrolytes.