TRICK OF THE TREAT
Chocolate milk athletes
October 21, 2009
Susan Salisbury
THE PALM BEACH POST
Long considered a treat, chocolate milk is gaining popularity as a post-workout recovery drink.
Research shows that chocolate milk, loaded with carbohydrates and protein, refuels muscles, reduces muscle breakdown and rehydrates the body.
Studies, including at Indiana University and Virginia's George Mason University, suggest drinking low-fat chocolate milk after exercise is just as effective in helping muscles recover as a high-carbohydrate sports drink.
At about 25 cents for an eight-ounce serving, it's a bargain, too.
Cheryl Zonkowski, director of sports nutrition at the University of Florida, said reduced-fat chocolate milk is offered to about 530 student-athletes – as well as Gatorade nutrition and protein recovery shakes and cherry juice – following exercise.
"It contains 170 total calories, with 29 grams of carbohydrates and 8 grams of protein, a 3.6-to-1 ratio. Optimal recovery ratio for carbs to protein is between 3-to-1 and 4-to-1," Zonkowski said. Milk also contains vitamins A, D, B-6 and B-12; plus niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.
Each week, athletes from among the University of Florida's 12 Gator teams drink 12 cases of 50, eight-ounce containers of 1 per cent chocolate milk available in weight rooms and training facilities. Whatever their choice, timing is important since optimal recovery takes place immediately to about 30 minutes following exercise, Zonkowski said.
And some athletes say tart cherry juice, rich in antioxidants, eases muscle pain and soreness.
Other everyday foods are also being touted as fitness fuel. University of Texas researchers found that a bowl of whole-grain cereal, such as corn flakes or bran flakes, and milk are also great for post-exercise recovery.
Florida's dairy industry is pleased with the trend.
"It's a completely new way of looking at refuelling, but it's one that makes a lot of sense. It's definitely gaining lots of traction,'' said Scott Wallin, spokesman for Dairy Farmers Inc.
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