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David B.PRO
David B. Sendmail

Best Recovery Drink - Chocolate milk or Gatorade?

posted 10 months ago | Report

For the past several months I've been using G2 as a recovery drink after a sweaty run. I've been reading lately however, about chocolate milk as a recovery drink. Given a choice between the two, which way would you go? Why?

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  • Tony S.
    Tony S. Sendmail

    I drink 16 oz of 2% chocolate milk after every run. The ratio of carbs to protein (4:1) is just right for recovery. I carry a bottle of Gatorade during 10+ mile runs for quick replenishment, but for recovery, it's chocolate milk all the way.

    posted 10 months ago

  • Morey B.
    Morey B. Sendmail

    There was a study that compared the type of food after strenuous exercise and it's ability to help you recover. Water helped. Simple Carbs (like in Gatorade) helped more. but the best was a combination of about70% carbs and 30% protein (albeit, the protein had to be easy to digest). There are special recovery drinks designed for this purpose- and I'd have to say- they really work. Endurox makes a great product- but they're not the only one.

    you do need to eat/drink within 20 min of the exercise for it to take effect. And- I expect that the maximum benefit of recovery drinks is from workouts that really decimate your body. I doubt that what your drink after your average morning 5mi jog matters much. (don't really know).

    I personally hate cows milk- but many swear by chocolate milk (skim or lite) as a great recovery drink. If you like it- it's probably a good choice.

    posted 10 months ago

  • Erik K.
    Erik K. Sendmail

    I don't like Gatorade or milk after running. I'll consume a variety of food and/or drink after a longer run (seems to make a difference if I go over 6 miles, but that's changed over time). The key for me is to get mostly carbs with a little protein. I also do better with complex carbs over sugars like in Gatorade. But that's just me, try a few different thing and see what works best in your body.

    posted 10 months ago

  • Jonathan W.
    Jonathan W. Sendmail

    i go the chocolate milk route..seems to work well for me.

    posted 10 months ago

  • MichaelPRO
    Michael Sendmail

    Chocolate milk (or dark chocolate almond milk in my case). Here's a good link explaining why: http://blogs.webmd.com/healthy-recipe-doctor/2011/08/chocolate-milk-vs-recovery-drinks-which-one-comes-out-on-top.html

    posted 10 months ago

  • Michael D.
    Michael D. Sendmail

    Chocolate Milk...

    I was sold when I was given it after my first Marathon. Nothing tastes better after a long run!

    posted 10 months ago

  • Laura
    Laura Sendmail

    Some good responses here already. I agree that the carbohydrate/protein mixture you get from chocolate milk is much more effective for recovery purposes.

    One thing that hasn't been pointed out already is that G2 is very low in sugar (only about 7g/serving), so when you drink that after a run you're really only replacing fluid and electrolytes. For runs up to about an hour, that's probably fine, particularly if you'll be eating a meal or snack within a couple hours. But for anything longer, I would definitely opt for the chocolate milk or full strength Gatorade with a source of protein (ie. cheese, peanut butter, nuts, yogurt).

    posted 10 months ago

  • Vanessa M.
    Vanessa M. Sendmail

    I agree- Chocolate milk tastes great after a run!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    posted 10 months ago

  • David R.
    David R. Sendmail

    Considering I don't do dairy....and don't care for Gatorade that much either....I tend to use Vega's recovery drink. Has worked well. I consume that right after a run. Mix with some fruit or straight. Depending on the length of the run, will start working on extra food shortly after. I really don't get the chocolate milk thing (though have read the articles). The lactic acid in milk alone would deter me, considering its effects.

    posted 10 months ago

  • Cris M.
    Cris M. Sendmail

    Chocolate milk or coconut milk--protein/carb perfection--

    posted 10 months ago

  • Paul J.
    Paul J. Sendmail

    I like both...! I guess I'm greedy like that....lol

    http://runnerdude77.blogspot.com

    posted 10 months ago

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