Year Twenty Nine

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Chocolate Milk: Post Workout Drink?

Marcia Piper

Someone mentioned to me the benefits of Chocolate Milk after a workout, and being one that likes to know the "why", I researched my tail off.  I'll admit I was skeptical at first, the last thing I want after a workout is...MILK, especially on a hot day. Give this girl a tall glass of wine ice water and I'm your best friend.  But low and behold, it works - calmed my slightly aching muscles and quenched my thirst just like a sports drink (my favorite is Vitamin Water Zero). The crisp, cold taste along with the nutritional benefits have me convinced. Add in the fact I'd much rather drink my calories with a glass of Chocolate Milk (really I'd prefer wine, but I digress) than a sports drink, and I have a new post workout drink to add to my fridge.


Fitness Magazine - says, "an optimal post-exercise recovery aid"
Compared to plain milk, water, or most sports drinks, it has double the carbohydrate and protein content, perfect for replenishing tired muscles. Its high water content replaces fluids lost as sweat, preventing dehydration. Plus it packs a nutritional bonus of calcium, and includes just a little sodium and sugar -- additives that help recovering athletes retain water and regain energy. 
Drinking plain water after exercise replaces sweat losses -- and that's it. "Chocolate milk provides carbohydrate replenishment to your muscles -- something they can metabolize.
 A drink like chocolate milk is most useful to a cyclist, swimmer, or long-distance runner. These sports stress high endurance levels and constant, sustained movement. Competing athletes need high levels of calories, carbs, and protein to sustain that level of performance.


Got Chocolate Milk - says, "liquid assets"
A natural source of high-quality PROTEIN to build lean muscle. The right CARB-TO-PROTEIN ratio scientifically shown to refuel and rebuild exhausted muscles.
VITAMIN A to support a healthy immune system and good vision. ELECTROLYTES including calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium to help replenish what’s lost in sweat.
B VITAMINS for energy. FLUIDS to rehydrate.
CALCIUM, VITAMIN D, PHOSPHORUS, PROTEIN AND POTASSIUM to build and maintain strong bones and reduce the risk for stress fractures.

Eating Well - says, "for post-workout" 
Chocolate milk: If your workout lasts an hour or more, have a glass of chocolate (or plain) milk. The carbohydrates in it will help replenish the energy stored in your muscles (called glycogen stores) and aid in muscle recovery—more so than a carb-only drink. Don't like milk? Substitute with a post-workout snack of banana and peanut butter.

So don't just stand there, get your milk mustache on...