College Publisher Test Site

Issue date: 4/8/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Andrew Berry (photo)

Chocolate milk works as good as Gatorade or water for post-exercise re-hydration according to a study published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.

The idea surfaced four years ago when top American swimmer Michael Phelps was seen between races gulping down Carnation Instant Breakfast. Until the study done in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism was published in February, nobody really thought much about it.

Phelps was on to something.

Research showed that cyclists consuming chocolate milk versus Gatorade after riding on their bikes, resting, and then riding again works at the same level that Gatorade does to replenish your body after exercising.

The cyclists in the research rode until they were depleted of their energy. They rested for four hours. At that time some were given chocolate milk and the others drank Gatorade. When the cyclists returned to riding after the long wait, it was shown that the riders who drank chocolate milk rode just as long as the individuals who were given the Gatorade.

The research suggests chocolate milk has an optimal ratio of carbohydrates to protein so it's going to help refuel tired muscles. Chocolate milk also has the essential vitamins A and D that our body needs to maintain a healthy diet.

Senior basketball player Dwight Holmes says he would be open to the idea of drinking chocolate milk after he works out. "I would try it. I'm open to it because it's chocolate milk and it is not going to hurt me," Holmes said

Sophomore Lonnie McQueen has actually drunk chocolate after working out. "I feel good after I work out drinking chocolate milk," McQueen said. "It works the same as Gatorade or water."

Sophomore Larry Wylie feels drinking chocolate milk after working out or exercising can help people bulk up if they are trying to gain a couple of pounds. "It's a good protein build-up."

Whether you prefer traditional sports drinks, water, or chocolate milk, be sure to replenish your body with something after a long, strenuous work out.

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