New research is flooding fitness and health magazines.  This research claims that chocolate milk is a great recovery drink for sparing muscle and replenishing muscle glycogen. So what do you think most fitness enthusiasts are doing?  They are estatic that they can drink a sugar-filled drink after their workouts and feel justified that science has deemed it “healthy” and helpful in building muscle.

However, when you read the details of the study, it is clear that there are some major flaws in extrapolating the information from the study and using it to build a strong, healthy body. First, the study only looked at 8 subjects.  Conclusive research would require many more participants.  Second, the exercise they did was running (not bodybuilding or weight lifting).  Third, the control group drank a carbohydrate-only (C) beverage. 

Previous research has already shown that a liquid meal composed of carbohydrates AND protein (C+P) is best for sparing muscle and replenishing muscle glycogen.  Comparing a C+P beverage to a C-only beverage is NOT a fair comparison.  For example, could a fruit smoothie with hemp protein product a comparable result without the health consequences of consuming processed dairy products and refined sugars?

While it would be great to get results and build a healthy body consuming junk food, if you take an honest look at physiology and the body’s needs, it just isn’t possible.  I wonder how much of that research is funded by the dairy council.

Before you blindly adopt conclusions from research, make sure you take a look at the methodology of the experiment and make sure that is sound.   Drink your chocolate milk if you want to have a treat, but don’t consume it thinking that it is the best option for your health or building a strong physique. 

To your ULTIMATE HEALTH!