Here's a throwback post from Adam Martin on the best thing to consume after your workout. Would you have guessed chocolate milk? You’ve always heard that milk is good for strong bones – but did you know that chocolate milk is good for you too?! According to Fitness Director, Adam Martin, chocolate milk is the best choice for a post-workout snack! Here’s why:
There are three important things that must be properly replenished after a moderate to intense bout of exercise. The first, water, is essential to muscle contraction and overall performance. Make sure to consume 8 ounces of water before exercise, at least 8 ounces for every hour during exercise and another 8 ounces after exercise. Ideally, you should weigh almost the same post-exercise as you did prior to the start.
Secondly, carbohydrates are our body’s energy source. They provide the needed fuel for subsequent bouts of exercise and physical activity.
Finally, protein is used to rebuild and replenish damaged muscles fibers in the recovery phase post exercise. So, what is the best source of water, protein and carbohydrates? Fat Free Chocolate Milk! In a recent study - fat free chocolate milk out-performed numerous commercial sports drinks and post-exercise drinks that you would find at your local GNC. Those who drank chocolate milk post-workout showed increased skeletal muscle protein synthesis, a sign that muscles were better able to rebuild. Keep in mind if weight loss is your goal; be sure to pay particular attention to calories. Eight ounces of fat free milk chocolate milk can quickly add up to 150 calories or more.
Yum, well, one way to cut the calories is to make your own post workout chocolate milk with nonfat milk, unsweetened chocolate powder and stevia, which tastes great with chocolate, is totally calorie free and actually a healthful herb.
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