Chocolate milk

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Discussion

PhillT

Original Poster:

2,488 posts

232 months

Monday 27th September 2010
quotequote all
Recently I've been reading up on the concept of using chocolate milk to restore energy, essential wotnots etc after exercise - the theory being that the protein in the milk plus the sodium and glucose in the chocolate makes for good recovery post exercise.
I was initially incredulous but, to my uneducated mind at least, it makes sense and plenty of people seem to enthuse about it.
However, my other half, who has a nutrition A-level (might not be much, but it's more than me) reckons I'm just undoing my good work and piling on unnecessary calories. She reckons it's only for marathon runners and professional athletes and says why not just drink milk rather than sugary milk?
So, advice please. The exercise in question is two hours of fairly high intensity Muay Thai training (both strength and cardio) twice a week, plus one or two gym sessions. My long term fitness aims are strength improvements and fat loss, not necessarily bulk.

Whaddya think, PH experts?

Morba

621 posts

184 months

Monday 27th September 2010
quotequote all
If you can allow for the milk, as a post workout drink, in your normal weekly kcal allowance then no harm in it imo.
If it makes you go over your allowance, don't have it or do something better with post work out replishment.

PhillT

Original Poster:

2,488 posts

232 months

Tuesday 28th September 2010
quotequote all
Morba said:
If you can allow for the milk, as a post workout drink, in your normal weekly kcal allowance then no harm in it imo.
If it makes you go over your allowance, don't have it or do something better with post work out replishment.
I'll be honest, I don't have an allowance. I just try and eat fairly healthily and exercise hard three times a week (or more...).
Is it best avoided unless I'm calorie counting then?

LordGrover

33,693 posts

219 months

Tuesday 28th September 2010
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I believe it's important to consume protein and carbs asap after a workout to help your body rebuild and replace what's been used during the workout. There are plenty of protein shakes out there that are designed for this purpose so I'll stick with those post workout. I tend to use them if I know I'm not able to get real food within an hour of finishing though.


Morba

621 posts

184 months

Tuesday 28th September 2010
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Where as i prefer to buy ingredients in bulk and not pay the price that pre made ones cost tongue out

Bulk whey and bulk WMS for example, add flavoring and it's much cheaper than pre made tubs off the shelf smile

grumbledoak

31,841 posts

240 months

Tuesday 28th September 2010
quotequote all
No expert, but I'd reach for milk and a banana before I went for the chocolate. Two of the most fundamental nutrients you need (Calcium and Potassium) and they are easy to digest or make into a milkshake.

ShadownINja

77,472 posts

289 months

Tuesday 28th September 2010
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Doesn't it depend on whether you're training to lose weight, get fit (for what?) or build muscles?

I happily stuff my face if I know I'm going to be requiring a lot of energy for some kind of training.

Halb

53,012 posts

190 months

Wednesday 29th September 2010
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As Shadowninje says. Depends.
Colin Jackson would eat a big 200g bar of chocolate and sweeties night before a day of events, to give him that energy.

PhillT

Original Poster:

2,488 posts

232 months

Wednesday 29th September 2010
quotequote all
Halb said:
As Shadowninje says. Depends.
Colin Jackson would eat a big 200g bar of chocolate and sweeties night before a day of events, to give him that energy.
Hintrigling. Thanks guys.
I'm training to improve all round strength and lose fat. No bulking. Does that make a difference?

ShadownINja

77,472 posts

289 months

Wednesday 29th September 2010
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Is losing fat top priority right now? If so, then perhaps milk after is not what you want.

cheeky_chops

1,603 posts

258 months

Wednesday 29th September 2010
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guy who i used to work with, his 2 lads were county swimmers and mentioned they were now using choco mike as part of their recovery programme. Obviously they were swimming many km a day so not sure how appropriate it is for general activity/gym etc

pbirkett

18,514 posts

279 months

Wednesday 29th September 2010
quotequote all
I used to drink chocolate milk after a work out - I probably read the same thing as you.

I think its probably something to do with the combination of carbs and protein being an almost perfect ratio for recovery, and the fact it was relatively cheap, and readily available.

As said though be careful - I used to drink "Yazoo" - I think that was about 250 - 300 cals IIRC - but something like M&S Belgian Chocolate milk shake can be as much as 600 - 700 cals per bottle - and the problem with that is, it's so damn nice you WILL finish the bottle.

If it were me though, I'd just go for plain milk - it still has some carbs in, and the same protein, but signficantly less calories - especially if you go for skim - and it's cheaper.

ShadownINja

77,472 posts

289 months

Wednesday 29th September 2010
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So... after a work out, beer and pie? Close the thread.

LordGrover

33,693 posts

219 months

Wednesday 29th September 2010
quotequote all
You forgot the fags. I find Bensons are best.

Morba

621 posts

184 months

Wednesday 29th September 2010
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Bleh don't go for skimmed tongue out
Full fat is good for you biggrin

Halb

53,012 posts

190 months

Wednesday 29th September 2010
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LordGrover said:
You forgot the fags. I find Benson is best.
EFAbiggrin

T40ORA

5,177 posts

226 months

Thursday 30th September 2010
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OK, so what bovine dairy free options are there for post marathon (or post marathon training) recovery drinks.

We don't eat meat, and avoid products with loads of additives so until now I have avoided any protein drink stuff.

After the New Forest Marathon (our first) on Sunday we had a bag of chips and a couple of pints! Not very scientific but it seemed to work biggrin

But seriously, are there any suitable options for us non meat and non bovine dairy consulers?

ShadownINja

77,472 posts

289 months

Thursday 30th September 2010
quotequote all
Halb said:
LordGrover said:
You forgot the fags. I find Benson is best.
EFAbiggrin
Showing your age, mister.

Halb

53,012 posts

190 months

Thursday 30th September 2010
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Wanna see some puppies? Wanna sweetie sonny?biggrin

shouldbworking

4,773 posts

219 months

Thursday 30th September 2010
quotequote all
T40ORA said:
OK, so what bovine dairy free options are there for post marathon (or post marathon training) recovery drinks.

We don't eat meat, and avoid products with loads of additives so until now I have avoided any protein drink stuff.

After the New Forest Marathon (our first) on Sunday we had a bag of chips and a couple of pints! Not very scientific but it seemed to work biggrin

But seriously, are there any suitable options for us non meat and non bovine dairy consulers?
I dont suppose I need to tell you that a bag of chips and a couple of pints are in no way short of additives unless you are careful!

The vast majority of myproteins protein shakes and the like are vegan and ones like true whey dont have as much extra stuff added as the rest. Wouldnt want to stomach it without using milk as a mixer though, tried it a few times.. yuck!

Edited by shouldbworking on Thursday 30th September 11:43