RECOVER QUICKER WITH CHOCOLATE
It’s the ideal recovery drink, but not all chocolate milks are created equal
THE COMBINATION of fluid, electrolytes, protein and carbs in chocolate milk is just what your body needs to refuel postrun, while calcium and vitamin D support bone health. A recent study1 examined the performance of runners who refuelled with chocolate milk or a carb-only drink in two endurance tests separated by three hours. Both drinks replenished muscle glycogen, but those who drank chocolate milk lasted significantly longer in the second trial.
BEST FOR POST- LONG RUN For Goodness Shakes Recovery £1.75 for 475ml, ocado.com
The 3:1 ratio of carbs to protein (50g carbs, 16g protein) makes this ideal for restoring energy (it packs 299 kcals) and supporting muscle recovery after long runs.
BEST FOR PORTABILITY BAM Chocolate milk £1.50 for 330ml, sainsburys.co.uk
The carton can be kept at room temperature until opened so it’s great for speedy refuelling. Made with whole milk and sweetened with honey, it provides 35g carbs and 11g protein.
BEST FOR PRE- RUN Rebel Kitchen Chocolate Mylk £1.25 for 250ml, goodnessdirect.co.uk
This is made with just four ingredients – water, coconut milk, date syrup and cacao. Providing 130 kcals and 21g carbs, it’s low in protein, so it works best as a prerun hit.
BEST FOR WEIGHT WATCHERS Daioni Chocolate Flavoured Milk £2.15 (3 x 200ml packs, abelandcole.co.uk
Daioni’s organic semiskimmed milk drink has less than 140 kcals. It’s low in fat and added sugar, but a carton still provides 9.3g of protein to help you feel full.