Is chocolate milk the best post-workout recovery drink?

If your New Year’s resolution is to exercise more, it’s important to keep your body fueled up for performance and recovery.

Surprisingly, one of the best post-workout recovery drinks is chocolate milk, says Lyndi Buckingham-Schutt, assistant professor of food science and human nutrition at Iowa State University.

Research shows that chocolate milk offers a better balance of muscle-building protein and carbohydrates for workout recovery than sports drinks, Buckingham-Schutt says.

“It has all the essential amino acids, and it has a ‘sweet spot’ of carbohydrates. Between those, it’s one of the best post-workout beverages you can have,” Buckingham-Schutt says.

To help repair muscles, you should consume protein within 1 hour after a workout, she explains.

Animal-based proteins, like real meat and dairy, are considered complete proteins because they contain all the essential amino acids our bodies’ needs, experts say.

Learn more about author Teresa Bjork here.