Chocolate Milk Better Than Gatorade!

I'm sure a lot of y'all have heard that the LA school districts are doing a trial ban of flavored milk in the school cafeterias, because they find it unhealthy. (Most of my friends and family are already aware that I find that completely ridiculous.) BUT, the University of Texas has recently released the results of a research study regarding chocolate milk and the timing couldn't have been more perfect. 


Jon Ivy of the University of Texas conducted two studies through the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education where participants were put through an intense 3-hour workout. They were given either low-fat chocolate milk, water, or a sports drink immediately after the workout and then again 2 hours after. Then, they were put through a cycling trial to see the results of each drink. 


So who came out on top? Milk- the super food. It has proved itself the perfect health food once again.

Ivy: “Participants performed much better when they received chocolate milk versus receiving a carbohydrate supplement or if they didn’t receive any supplement at all. They were able to finish the time trial much faster. Chocolate milk has a great carbohydrate to protein ratio, and so we thought that would be a food we could use for recovery rather than having to use a lot of the supplements that have been developed for that purpose." 


Another study was done by physiologist Joel Steger, director of human performance at Indiana University for the International Journal of Sport Nutritional and Exercise Metabolism. His study concluded the same results- chocolate milk was the most beneficial post-workout beverage. He referred to it as the "catch-all workout recovery drink. It's water, plus a whole lot more." 


A whole lot more, meaning what? Well, chocolate milk has the perfect carb/protein ratio, perfect for rebuilding tired muscles. The high water content of milk rehydrates the body, the calcium strengthens bones, and the sodium and sugar in the chocolate aid the body is retaining water and regaining energy. 


Keith Ayoob, EdD registered dietitician and associate professor of pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine: "Milk is a sports drink plus. It will supply you with things you need whether or not you're working out."


Jason Kamp, MS who was also involved in the study said "Drinking plain water after exercise replaces sweat losses- and that's it. Chocolate milk provides carbohydrate replenishment to your muscles- something they can metabolize. There's nothing to metabolize in water." 


So, I personally am excited because right when I got worried that chocolate milk might be on it's way out- it makes and awesome comeback. A lot of people are pushing for kids to exercise more in school, which is great. But now they are faced with the decision- should we ban the best beverage for those kids to be drinking once gym class is over?