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Fuel Your Body

Is Chocolate Milk the New Sports Drink?

Looking for a great post-dance refreshment? Try an old favourite: chocolate milk. After a long rehearsal or intensive class, your body needs to start recovering quickly. Not only do you need to rehydrate after sweating from working hard, you also need amino acids to repair muscle tissue and carbohydrates to restore glycogen, which is a source of readily available energy for your muscles. Research shows that athletes who consumer chocolate milk after physical activity perform just as well as athletes who drink other sports beverages.

Chocolate milk is available in 2%, 1%, and skim milk varities, but you can also make your own just how you like it. Unfortunately, milk may interfere with the benefits of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate, so save that for a special treat.

Milk packs a protein punch. It provides amino acids right to the muscles, then continues to supply a steady stream for some time after. This means that your muscles can effectively recover from a hard workout while you enjoy the rest of your day.

Believe it or not, the sugar in chocolate milk is actually a good thing. Carbohydrates promote a rise in insulin levels which allows your muscles to take up glucose from your blood, making them ready for another great dance session. As if it couldn't get any better, milk also has 16 essential nutrients to keep you in top form. Calcium, which we all know is important for strong bones, also plays a big part in your power and dynamism. Amazing leaps and jumps start with calcium ions deep in your muscles. Another great benefit is the B-group of vitamins. Milk contains seven B-vitamins that are responsible for maintaining healthy skin and muscle tone, promoting cell growth and improving the function of both the immune and nervous systems. Let's not forget that milk is mainly water, about 85% in fact, so it's also a great thirst quencher.

So, you don't need a fancy sports drink or smoothie after a challenging dance class or workout. Grab a glass of chocolate milk and enjoy something simple and delicious - that's really good for you too!