10 Benefits of Drinking Chocolate Milk for Nutritional Recovery

10 Benefits of Drinking Chocolate Milk for Nutritional Recovery

Have you ever wondered why coaches tell young athletes to drink chocolate milk after a tough workout? It may sound a little strange, but chocolate low-fat milk has been proven to help young athletes get the nutrition they need. We met with Amanda McCarthy, a registered dietitian in our Sports Medicine Center at the Orthopedic Institute, to learn more about chocolate milk.

What is recovery nutrition?

Recovery is the time after an intense workout or activity when your athlete can replenish his energy very quickly. The recovery window is especially important for athletes who have more than one competition or practice in 24 hours. If your child participates in daily rigorous exercise—two or more hours for a high school sport or a highly competitive club team—they may benefit from drinking low-fat chocolate milk after practice.

10 Benefits of Chocolate Low-Fat Milk for Recovery

• Fluids and Electrolytes for Hydration 

• Protein source for muscle repair

• Replenish energy stores for the next workout with carbohydrates and brain fuel for homework

• Supplies essential vitamins 

• Helps cool the body 

• Low-cost refill option 

• Often available in school cafeterias

• Fast and compact 

• Some athletes tolerate having a drink with a meal immediately after a workout.

• It is very tasty and children usually like to drink chocolate milk.

Bone Formation

Using milk as recovery fuel will increase your athlete's calcium and vitamin D intake. You will be surprised to know that Vitamin D deficiency is becoming common in our children. Vitamin D deficiency can seriously affect bone growth and bone strength in later life.

Why is protein important?

The types of proteins found in milk, casein and whey are particularly beneficial for muscle recovery by providing an amino acid called leucine. Leucine is a building block for protein and is essential to speed up our recovery. It is found in high amounts in milk, eggs, meat and soy.

Are Fancy Recovery Powders and Drinks Better Than Milk?

Unnecessary. Although they are always more expensive than milk, several research studies have shown that most supplements on the market are mislabeled: some contain more ingredients than listed on the label, some contain nothing at all, and It may happen in others also. Contaminated with banned substances.

Cow milk substitute

If your child has a milk allergy or intolerance, other milk is available, such as fortified soy or pea protein milk.

Walnut and Oak Milk

If you choose nut or oat-based milk, keep in mind that cow's milk requires additional protein. For example, it can be served with a handful of dry fruits.

Don't stress about sugar

Also, remember that unsweetened nut milk does not contain enough carbohydrates for a young athlete's recovery. Your child should also eat high-carbohydrate foods, such as bananas or granola bars, to meet recovery needs.

If your child isn't a fan of chocolate, try a different flavour!

With carbohydrates, plenty of protein and lots of vitamins and minerals, strawberry or banana-flavoured milk is comparable to chocolate milk.

Conclusion

The next time you go to pick up your athlete after a long workout and dinner is more than an hour away, pack 8 to 12 ounces of chilled chocolate low-fat milk to take home. Their muscles will appreciate it.