Chocolate Milk has become a trendy drink being touted as a "recovery drink" after working out. This is on the basis of studies showing benefit in cyclists after training (Medicine & Science in Sport and Exercise, 2010).Is there any scientific benefit to this? Here are the stats.
1 cup (250 ml) of low fat chocolate milk has around 170 calories, 8 grams of protein, and a good source of Calcium, Vitamin D. It has around 2.5 grams of fat, and unfortunately 24 grams of sugar.
In comparison, 1 cup of Coca-cola has only 100 calories, 0 g protein, zero calcium, vitamin D. On the flip side, it also has NO fat, and a comparable 27 grams of sugar.
Alternatively, 1 cup of Orange Juice has 110 calories and an equal 27 grams of sugar.
Finally, 1 cup of Gatorade Recover Drink has 100 calories, 20 grams of sugar and some electrolytes.
Hmmmm. So, in terms of calories, chocolate milk actually has more, a similar amount of sugar relative to a can of coke or a cup of O.J. It does have significantly more protein, although not likely enough to matter if you're eating a well balanced diet.
What to do?
Unless you're training hard, (and by this I mean more than 1 hour sessions at high intensity), water is still your best choice. If you are calorie deficient, and trying to bulk up, chocolate milk might be reasonable. Just be aware of all the facts.
What do you drink after working out?
Let me know what you think!
