I'm on the Chocolate Milk Bandwagon

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I was spending an inordinate amount of money on protein powder to drink both before and after my bike rides, so I caved in to the hype, so to speak. Big Chocolate Milk has been advertising itself as “the perfect recovery drink” for years, but I finally got around to actually reading about its benefits. And there are lots of articles backing it that I found. It’s been known for years that it’s good practice right after a hard workout to drink or eat some sort of easily-digestible recovery substance that contains both carbs and protein. Your body craves this stuff after a workout, and getting it in as quickly as possible starts the recovery process faster. Your body kind of sucks it up, so to speak. According to an article on Welltech, chocolate milk contains what your body wants and needs after a long workout. A perfect 4:1 carb to protein ratio to restore both glycogen and repair muscle tissue. It’s also 90% water, so it helps with much-needed hydration, and it contains electrolytes that your body craves and needs restored (and you do want to restore them. I once ended up in the ER after riding 45 miles on a hot day. Dehydration due to electrolyte depletion.) And sugar. Your body craves some sugar after a workout. The key here is “long, hard workout.” According to the article, a 20-minute walk isn’t going to necessitate a glass of chocolate milk - it’s “overkill.” A long bike ride, or run, or weight-lifting session, etc, is more where your body needs such recovery (so if I just ride 10-15 miles, I don’t really bother.) It’s also not some “miracle cure.” You’ll still be a little sore the next day, for instance. For me, it’s also about more than cost-effectiveness. It’s also a matter of convenience. I don’t have to mix up a glass of chocolate milk at the end of a ride, like shaking up protein powder. Just pour it and slug it down. And honestly, usually about 25-miles into a ride, I start looking forward to slamming a glass of chocolate milk when I get home. You can look for and find many articles and You Tube videos that are pro-chocolate milk (there are a few arguing against it, as well.) As far as my own experience, so far I think it works just fine. And it tastes good! Link is to a short video from a sports dietician giving her view on the benefits of chocolate milk post-workout: