Chocolate milk?

[Gabrielle_AnimalLuver]

I've read that it's one of the major drinks to blame for childhood obesity. I've also read it's just as effective as a protein shake for after workouts. Everything in moderation right? I've been making my own chocolate milk with organic cane sugar and organic unsweetened cocoa powder. Sooo tasty, and as an after workout drink, it works as a nice reward/motivator. When I had a gym trial I remember going just for their fresh smoothies cause they had a smoothie/snack bar in the middle of the gym. Gaahh, if only I could afford a real membership.

My nutrition teacher said chocolate milk is a great drink to have immediately after a workout. It has your minerals and protein and is just as good if not better than a protein shake. Everything in moderation right?

What do you guys think?  

[Lainauriel]

I never researched any info, but I would maybe use only milk - without chocolate. Chocolate in any form simply doesnt go with diet for me. I have no control. Id drink my week portion in one day biggrin Just thinking about it makes me want it so much!  

[Gabrielle_AnimalLuver]

Lainauriel

I never researched any info, but I would maybe use only milk - without chocolate. Chocolate in any form simply doesnt go with diet for me. I have no control. Id drink my week portion in one day biggrin Just thinking about it makes me want it so much!

I know what you mean. I have no control when it comes to french fries, or anything related to potatoes. Chips, home fries etc. I find it helps to only make or order a small amount and never leave it to myself to stop. Like I ask for half fried half salad instead of one or the other. Or bake just a small amount, out the rest back in the freezer. Same for the milk. I just make a glass at a time. Instead of buying those artificially sweetened unfresh crap in the store and wanting to drink the whole jug. Thankfully I have lots of control when it comes to chocolate. Probably cause I like dark and it's so rich one is usually enough. I think the chocolate does have health benefits beyond the milk. For one the dark has antioxydants.

It also has caffein, which is a metabolism booster and hunger suppressant.

Phenylethylamine: a slight antidepressant

Serotonine
Cocoa and chocolate can increase the level of serotonine in the brain. (This is a feel good hormone)

Essential minerals
Cocoa beans are rich in a number of essential minerals, including magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium and manganese.

Vitamins
A, B1, B2, B3, C, E and pantothenic acid.

I don't mean to be a chocolate advocate, but I do think in moderation (if you're able to moderate) it is really good stuff.  

[RoseAintMean]

from what i have heard... sugar is good after a workout. and so is protein. so chocolate milk sounds like a good thing to have after a workout.  

[Munkers]

Personally, I would use Splenda in my chocolate milk, but that's because I try to limit my refined sugar as much as possible. Even cane sugar is a refined product and a high glycemic food.

Milk is definitely an awesome protein source. Even better would be a yogurt smoothie which you can make higher protein by using Greek yogurt. Mix it with some naturally sweet fruits (mango and strawberry, anyone?) and you've got natural sweetness and even more vitamins.  

[Gabrielle_AnimalLuver]

Munkers

Personally, I would use Splenda in my chocolate milk, but that's because I try to limit my refined sugar as much as possible. Even cane sugar is a refined product and a high glycemic food.

Milk is definitely an awesome protein source. Even better would be a yogurt smoothie which you can make higher protein by using Greek yogurt. Mix it with some naturally sweet fruits (mango and strawberry, anyone?) and you've got natural sweetness and even more vitamins.

I thought about throwing a banana in and making it a smoothie. A lil plain yogurt could go too. I'm not terribly worried about the sugar. I never drink soft drinks. I rarely have chocolate and when I do it's always dark/semi-sweet. And I only have one glass of chocolate milk once a day on the days I workout.  

[freelance lover]

My roommate told me recently that a small glass of chocolate milk is good to drink after a work out. I think if you made a healthy one, it could be. You feel like it's a "reward" but milk is good for you.  

[A Touch of Evil]

Gabrielle_AnimalLuver

I don't mean to be a chocolate advocate, but I do think in moderation (if you're able to moderate) it is really good stuff.

I completely agree with you. I always heard that dark chocolate with 70% or more cocoa is super healthy for you. I love dark chocolate so much.  

[pinkcatminht]

the mix of simple sugars(for energy) and protein(for muscle repair) makes chocolate milk a really good after-workout drink. just have one of those single serving boxes of it, or make it yourself smile

 

[Yur-Yur Yuri]

Chocolate milk ruins me, never lasts long if I have it.
I have, however, found that bottled nes-quick choco milk has a lot of good things in it like potassium, something I'm always in need of. MMmm vitamins.
Never tried it after a work out, though. When I was going to join the army, whenever we had practice training they gave us gator-aid. Which I think is nasty tasting.  

[Testicular Diabeetus]

I'm lactose intolerant.
So milk is a huge no for me.

But I love almond milk, the dark chocolate kind is amazing and low in calories.
I also drink it after workouts or when I wake up. ^^  

[Testicular Diabeetus]

XD
I was drinking my Dark Chocolate Almond Milk in a tall glass with a crazy straw and it was the best glass of milk that I have ever had.
XD  

[A Touch of Evil]

I've never tried chocolate milk after a work out, I've definitely got to try that. I used to love chocolate milk when I was young but in the last few years, I haven't had any milk what so ever. Does it matter if it's non fat milk, 1%, or 2%?  

[Majnooni]

I prefer chocolate or vanilla soy milk to recharge, but I can see how regular chocolate milk would be good after a workout. It's just not a good thing to drink all the time.  

[Gabrielle_AnimalLuver]

A Touch of Evil

I've never tried chocolate milk after a work out, I've definitely got to try that. I used to love chocolate milk when I was young but in the last few years, I haven't had any milk what so ever. Does it matter if it's non fat milk, 1%, or 2%?

um, I don't think so. I'd have to compare the protein content on them but I don't think it affects it.