I have never been a big fan of sports drinks. Generally, water is my preferred refreshment after an intensive workout. However, after reading a recent study, I may have to branch out and try something a little different.
You may doubt what you are reading, but hang with me-there is a scientific study to back this one up. The study was printed in the February 2006 edition of International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. The findings indicate that, following an intense workout, chocolate milk may actually be more beneficial to drink than sports drinks.
I know. Most of you are probably thinking along these lines: surprising, strange, gross. Gross was my first thought. However, the evidence does support the theory that chocolate milk might be an effective way to replenish lost nutrients after an exhaustive workout.
Strenuous exercise depletes the amount of stored glucose in a person’s muscles. This glucose is necessary to provide the energy needed for exercise. Carbohydrates have long been known to replenish lost glucose. Therefore, the American Dietetic Association and the American College of Sports Medicine say carbs should be consumed within 30 minutes of a workout.
This is where sports drinks come in. Drinks like Gatorade refresh an athlete’s supply of carbs and electrolytes. They do not, however, provide much protein. And newer studies suggest protein may speed up muscle recovery.
In the chocolate milk study, nine male cyclists biked to the point of exhaustion, rested for four hours, then biked again for as long as they could. During the rest period, some of the cyclists were given Gatorade to drink, some were given a protein-rich drink, Endurox R4, and others were given low-fat chocolate milk. In the second ride, the bikers who drank low-fat chocolate milk lasted 50 percent longer than those who drank Endurox R4, and about the same amount of time as those who drank Gatorade.
Another study with chocolate milk was done at Indiana University. During the summer of 2004, physiologist and coach Joel Sager had the IU swim team switch to drinking chocolate milk between workouts. Sager said a noticeable positive difference in the athletes’ stamina occurred once they began drinking chocolate milk.
Researchers state the ratio of carbs to protein in chocolate milk is four to one. This is why chocolate milk can replenish energy so effectively.
Athletes, what do you think? Would you consider drinking chocolate milk after your workouts? Sounds like it could be worth it. You are not losing any ground if you switch from Gatorade to chocolate milk; in fact, you might gain some. Also, there are other benefits that we are all familiar with. Milk, of course, is an excellent source of calcium, which we all need. It provides protein and vitamins.
One of the most attractive aspects of this idea is it’s chocolate milk that does a body good. I still enjoy a glass of cold chocolate milk every now and then; to me, it is as good as any dessert. I guess I might need to indulge in that more frequently.
So go to the Sanderson. Play hard. Work out. Use those muscles and that energy. Then come home and enjoy a nice cold glass of chocolate milk. I know-it still sounds kind of weird. But the idea is growing on me. It kind of reminds me of being a kid: playing hard outside, coming in tired and thirsty and finding the chocolate milk in the fridge. Yes, I like this idea.