Sports Drinks: Gatorade, Powerade, Propel and…Chocolate Milk?

Yes, you read the title correctly. Chocolate milk is among the list of drinks becoming more and more popular among athletes to rehydrate and refuel after exercise. Why you ask? Simply look at its nutritional profile for the answer.

Chocolate milk provides carbohydrates, protein, calcium, and other trace minerals that all play an important role in refueling after exercise. Carbohydrates are vital in replenishing energy, especially right after a workout when your body needs an energy source to refuel its muscles. The protein helps in recovery providing amino acids which help build and repair damaged muscle due to vigorous exercise. Best of all, it tastes great and is a cheaper alternative to many of the engineered sports beverages available today.

Recent studies support the trend, with one study published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism using 2% chocolate milk and another study published in the British Journal of Nutrition using fat-free milk, both of which showed better results for the subjects who received the chocolate milk post-workout versus those who either received water or a commercially available sports drink.

WHAT DO YOU DRINK?

Got a favorite sports drink or other beverage you find effective for rehydrating and refueling after exercise? Tell us about it in the comment section.