The older I get the harder it is for my body to recover after a workout. Way, way back in the day I used to be able to run as much as I wanted and then stay out all night. Well, now if I go on a run that’s longer than 4 miles, I’m nodding off during 6 pm dinner.
I’ve tried everything. My favorite was a fizzy drink that had electrolytes and vitamins. Perfect for recovery and also because I often forget to take vitamins. It turned out to be not so perfect. I was getting terrible stomach aches and couldn’t figure out why. My husband, who is always supportive, said “Hmmm, let’s try to figure this out. You’ve had a stomach a cheat the same time every day after doing the same thing…What could that be?”
But it’s vitamins! Once I stopped taking the drink, the stomach aches stopped. So much for that kind of recovery. I tried a few more new drink mixes and sports drinks, but I’m always so hungry after a run. I end up taking in so many “recovery” calories that I was starting to ask myself, What is the point of burning 600 calories when I’m taking in 250 the first 5 minutes after I burn them?
Now, I’ve turned to protein. And not the sports drinks that have protein in them. I’m a Positivity Ambassador for the California Milk Processor’s Board and last week we talked on Twitter about, among other things, the benefits of milk. One of my tips was to drink chocolate milk after a run. I do that occasionally, but I’ve started replacing my sports drinks with chocolate milk.Sound crazy? It’s not! Sports enthusiasts have been saying this for years. For example, Runners World Magazine says that chocolate milk has just the right amount of protein and carbohydrates to aid in recovery. And it has calcium and vitamin D. It also recommends buying single serving containers so you don’t overdo it. Really good advice because I can drink a lot of chocolate milk.
What’s great about chocolate milk after doing endurance sports such as running, cycling, and swimming is that it can also curb hunger. Milk is food not just a drink and having protein along with carbs will help so I’m not as hungry. I have issues with eating too much after long runs. To break it down; milk makes me full and sugary chocolate makes me happy.
For more information about the benefits of milk visit the Master of the Glass Half Full on Facebook orTwitter.
Disclosure:This is post is part of a sponsored campaign with the California Milk Processor’s Board and Latina Mom Bloggers.
I have never really thought about doing this but it really makes total sense. I am going to try it tomorrow after my 8 miler.