There is a growing body of research that suggests that chocolate milk may be an ideal post-workout recovery beverage, especially when consumed within 30 minutes of intense physical activity.¹

During a workout, your muscles use stored carbohydrates (glycogen) as energy. As the glycogen gets used up, it becomes harder to continue exercising at a high intensity. After intense physical activity, it’s a good idea to consume foods and beverages that contain carbohydrates and protein.

Chocolate milk provides a unique carbohydrate-protein combination that aids in the quick recovery of muscle tissue and replenishes electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, lost through sweating.¹ It’s also low in fat and about 85% water.

Studies suggest that a beverage containing protein and carbohydrates – such as chocolate milk – may be as or more effective as a post-workout recovery beverage than a sports drink that contains only carbohydrates.^1-3 Studies also indicate that drinking milk following resistance activity may encourage muscle gain and fat-loss.^4-5

So the next time you finish a high-intensity workout, reach for chocolate milk. It could be the key to getting the most out of your next day’s workout!

To get the facts and learn more about chocolate milk as a post-workout recovery beverage, visit rechargewithmilk.ca

1. Karp JR, et al. Chocolate milk as a post-exercise recovery aid. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2006;16(1):78-91.

2. Williams MB, et al. Effects of recovery beverages on glycogen restoration and endurance exercise performance. J Strength Cond Res 2003;17(1):12-19.

3. Niles ES, et al. Carbohydrate-protein drink improves time to exhaustion after recovery from endurance exercise. Journal of Exercise Physiology Online 2001;4(1):45-52.

4. Hartman JW, et al. Consumption of fat-free fluid milk after resistance exercise promotes greater lean mass accretion than does consumption of soy or carbohydrate in young, novice, male weightlifters. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86:373-381.

5. Wilkinson SB, et al. Consumption of fluid skim milk promotes greater muscle protein accretion after resistance exercise than does consumption of an isonitrogenous and isoenergetic soy-protein beverage. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;85:1031-1040.