Well folks, those wonderful childhood memories of downing a glass of chocolate milk are back!
Many people are unaware of the great benefits of milk, let alone chocolate milk. Not only is chocolate milk a great source of calcium to build strong bones, but it’s also a great post-workout recovery drink. That’s right, toss those expensive protein shake mixes out the window and reach for that chocolaty goodness.
One research study showed that over a 3 day high-interval workout session, those that drank chocolate milk were able to perform at the highest level in comparison to those that did not drink chocolate milk.
After a hard workout the body uses carbohydrates to replenish glycogen storage while using amino acids (broken down protein) to repair the muscle tissue. The combination of chocolate and milk provides a perfect mix of carbohydrates and protein needed to replenish the muscles. However, it’s not just any type of protein that will give those muscles the ideal recovery. Research has shown that cow’s milk contains 80% casein protein and 20% whey protein.
Why is this proportion of different proteins so important?
Whey protein affects muscles immediately in repairing muscles tissue while casein protein takes longer to digest, giving the muscles a steady flow of repair over a longer period of time.
Chocolate has been given an extremely bad rep for the high calorie and sugar consumption as well as weight gain. But those days are over.
Chocolate is a great source of carbohydrates, which are needed in those workout recoveries to restore glycogen storages and increase energy levels. So before you start hating on those sugars, listen up. Sugar in chocolate milk spikes insulin levels, which aids in drawing in glycogen to muscles tissue and preparing your body for your next workout session.
Be mindful though that there are many different chocolate milk brands out there that are loaded with more calories and sugar levels than needed in your post-workout drink. Safe guard yourself by making your own chocolate milk with Fat Free milk and Hersey’s Chocolate Milk.
Cheers to a great post-workout drink!
Question: What’s your favorite Post-Workout Drink?
{ 16 comments }
I’m soo excited to see this!! I have been craving chocolate milk the last few weeks and its good to know that I’m benefiting from drinking it, not ruining the workout i just did!!!
I love chocolate milk! After reading this I can feel good about drinking it
I also love to drink smoothies post-workout!
I absolutely love chocolate milk–and I love Nestle’s Banana or Strawberry milk as well
I have definitely read all about this in the past… gives people another option that they will love! I can’t do milk….
I’ve read about the chocolate milk as a recovery drink in the past…but can’t seem to get past the stigma of the chocolate part being “bad for you”. Maybe I should just make it homemade and then it wouldn’t have the ADDED sugar that I’m sure most companies put in it. I’m ok with the natural sugars, though. I might have to revisit the idea again!
I wish I could drink chocolate milk! It’s so delicious! My favorite post-workout recovery drink is a quick, green smoothie with tons of fresh and frozen berries and a bit of brown rice protein powder. Yum!
I’m with Kaz: I wish I could drink choc milk. My favorite post workout drink is a protein shake made with protein powder/almond milk/ice/banana. Or I’ll have plenty of water and a bowl of oatmeal/pb/banana
YUM! Love chocolate milk. However…its a little heavy on my tummy post workout. I like it as an afternoon snack though
Oh how I love chocolate milk…
i’ve read so many times that chocolate milk is the ultimate post workout drink. because i workout right before dinner, i usually just have a mini-protein shake before i start cooking.
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
Great post!! I do agree that chocolate milk is one of the best recovery drinks (if not THE best). I sometimes hate to see people spend their money on something like Muscle Milk when I know they can get the same benefits from a cheaper glass of chocolate milk. I will say, however, if you’re just doing a light workout you don’t really need something with a lot of sugar to recover. This is mainly for people who are doing a vigorous workout, or training for something. If it’s a light workout, a smaller glass would be much better.
I have read a lot of good studies on chocolate milk as a post workout drink.
It tastes delicious as well so you really can’t beat it!
i love chocolate soy milk. and if i heat it up it really ‘fills me up’. anytime i make chocolate milk hot i feel much fuller. protein and dopamine working in harmony <3
xoxo
Isn’t the chocolate in the chocolate milk full of calories?
Yum! I haven’t had chocolate milk in forever. I might have to workout just so I can have a glass.