Ever wonder why your child’s coach encourages them to have chocolate milk after hard training? Although it may sound strange, studies have shown that low-fat chocolate milk can help young athletes get their nutrition.
We’re celebrating this time-honored favorite drink by sharing some fun facts on chocolate milk.
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Facts About Chocolate Milk
- According to the USDA, low-fat chocolate milk contains 191 calories, 4.8g of total fat, and 7g of protein. Regular full-fat milk contains 209 calories per cup and 8 grams of total fat (8 grams) and 8 grams of protein (8 grams).
- A cup of TruMoo’s low-fat chocolate milk has 140 calories, 2.5 grams of total fat, and 8 grams of protein. Fairlife makes a 2% low-fat milk with 140 calories and 4.5 grams of total fat. It also has 13 grams of protein.
- The concoction was created by Sir Hans Sloane, a doctor, and collector. Other reports claim that Jamaicans brewed the hot beverage from freshly harvested cacao shavings, boiling with milk and cinnamon back in 1494.
- You can make chocolate milk by adding chocolate syrup to plain milk or by adding cocoa powder and sugar to the milk.
- It isn’t highly caffeinated. It contains a similar amount of caffeine to decaffeinated beverages. An 8-ounce cup contains between 2 and 7 mg of caffeine.
- Numerous studies have shown that chocolate milk is a good post-workout recovery beverage.
What is recovery nutrition?
Recovery is the time your athlete takes to recover from a hard workout or other activity. After a hard workout, most high school athletes will drink a glass of chocolate low-fat milk.
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Recovery with chocolate low-fat milk: 10 Benefits
- Hydration fluids and electrolytes
- Protein source for muscle recovery
- Carbohydrate source for energy replenishment in the next practice
- The carbohydrate supply to your liver and muscles is increased by chocolate in milk
- Refilling at a low cost is an option
- Many times, these items are available in the school cafeteria
- Portable and quick
- Some athletes may find it easier to drink a beverage than eat right after a workout.
- Vitamins that are needed
- It tastes delicious, and children love chocolate milk.
Your athlete’s vitamin D and calcium intake will be increased by using milk as a fuel source. It may surprise you to learn that vitamin D deficiencies are becoming more common in children. Vitamin D deficiency may have serious consequences for bone growth and strength later in life.
Are fancy recovery powders and drinks better than milk?
Not necessarily. They are often more expensive than milk, but some products have more nutrients than you thought. You should always read all labels before giving your athlete any supplement beverages.
Alternatives to cow’s milk
You can also find other milk for your child if they are milk allergic or intolerant. These include almond or fortified soy milk. To match the cow’s milk, you will need additional protein. A few nuts can provide this protein, as well.
Consider bringing your athlete a small amount of low-fat chocolate milk, 8-12 ounces, next time you pick them up after a long practice. It will be a great gift for their muscles.
