1. You’ll replenish your electrolytes
When you hear the word ‘electrolytes’ you most likely think of Gatorade and bananas. We know that this popular sports drink replenishes water levels throughout the body, staving off dehydration, and we know that bananas are a great source of potassium. Potassium reduces muscle pain and fatigue. But chocolate milk actually contains more potassium than bananas, and has a much higher level of total electrolytes than Gatorade. Instead of consuming that sugary lime green stuff, drink a banana-chocolate milkshake after a nice, long workout. Your body will thank you, and so will your taste buds.
2. You’ll get a protein hit
Specialists recommend consuming about 13-25 grams of protein after a workout and the protein content in one cup of chocolate milk ranges from around 8-11 grams. Live out your childhood dreams and pour that extra glass for yourself. Your body will thank you immediately, as well as during the day after your workout, because protein helps to repair muscle damage that can occur during workouts. Chocolate milk contains two types of protein; one is fast-acting, and one is released more slowly throughout the next day. Drinking chocolate milk after a workout quickens recovery time, and also helps to build up stamina and endurance.
3. You’ll boost your energy
Chocolate milk contains anywhere from 20-30 grams of total carbohydrates per serving, which is comparable to the amount of carbs in a Gatorade Endurance drink. Consuming carbohydrates after a workout replenishes energy levels. So, drinking chocolate milk after working out will help your body to avoid burning out. Furthermore, the carbohydrates within the chocolate replenishes your muscles, while you also reap the benefits of the protein in the milk.
4. You’ll get a Vitamin D boost
One cup of chocolate milk contains an astounding one-third of your daily recommended Vitamin D intake. Vitamin D has been proven to strengthen your bones and teeth, and lends a helping hand in staving off a variety of diseases. A healthy increase in a person’s Vitamin D intake can lead to a lower risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, especially in children. Furthermore, daily doses of Vitamin D reduce your risk of developing Type I Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, and certain types of cancer. The long-term benefits of maintaining a healthy intake of Vitamin D cannot be ignored- and you can’t argue with getting your daily dose of it from a few cups of chocolate milk.
5. You’ll replenish your calcium levels
Along with Vitamin D, chocolate milk also contains about a third of your recommended calcium intake. While anyone who paid attention in the 90s knows that milk “does a body good” due to its calcium content, it’s worth reiterating how beneficial calcium is to the bones of a growing body, as well as an athlete who constantly pushes their body it to its limits. Increasing your calcium intake can have a positive effect on your blood pressure, which has many short- and long-term benefits. Calcium also induces a “power stroke” which allows muscles to work at an optimal level. Now that I’ve gotten all the science out of the way, I’m going to go mix up some Quik! Featured photo credit: Flickrr via farm3.staticflickr.com
