Chocolate Milk or Protein Powder: Which is Better for Post-Workout?
Chocolate milk could provide what you need
Have you decided to get back in shape this year and still following the New Year Resolution of staying fit? If so, you might want to reconsider your post-workout drink. Contrary to the popular marketing propaganda that you need to have protein powder as a post-workout drink, chocolate milk is coming up as a reliable drink option after a hardcore workout. Which is better? Let’s find out.
Why Do You Need Protein?
It doesn’t matter what exercise you do. Whether you do 100 push-ups a day or you run for an hour, you need protein to ensure that amino acids help get rid of micro-tears that happen inside the muscles when you exercise and build muscle mass.
Why is Protein Powder Overrated?
Some people think that chocolate milk and usual meals are enough to provide protein and protein powders are overrated. According to research, they are not altogether wrong as an adult man only needs 65 grams of protein in a day, and an adult woman needs only 55 grams. A single serving of protein powder has 25 grams, which is an overkill for most people.
Why is Chocolate Milk Popular?
Chocolate milk is a popular post-workout option because it’s tasty, healthy, cheap and loaded with carbohydrates that help replenish the glycogen in your body. It also helps with cell repair and maintenance. Chocolate milk also has minerals like calcium, potassium, and sodium that help balance the pH levels of your body and keep you hydrated.
Chocolate milk has shown in a recent study that it helps weightlifters grow stronger. Another study shows that it also helps increase muscle hypertrophy and boost lean muscle mass as compared to drinking a sports rehydration beverage. It has about 9-gram protein in a cup.
Who Should Stick to Protein Powder?
Vegans who don’t have milk on principle can stick to plant-based protein powders instead of trying chocolate milk. Similarly, people who want to cut sugar from their diet should also skip chocolate milk.
The Best Option
The best option, in our opinion, is to drink low-fat chocolate milk after a workout and even after lunch as a snack to stay energised throughout the day.
The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional regarding any inquiries you may have about medical concerns.
