Real Nutrition for Real Recovery Explained | WIRED Brand Lab

[Narrator] There's a long history of eating

and drinking fads surrounding exercise in America,

electrocharged water, powders, and gels.

But there's an almost cult-like following of athletes

who have been drinking low-fat chocolate milk

after their workouts for decades.

Why?

Chocolate milk's ideal three to one carb to protein ratio,

scientifically shown to refuel muscles quickly

after strenuous exercise.

During intense exercise, the body calls on its stores

of glycogen to power the muscles.

Glycogen is sugar that the body

has processed and stored from the foods we eat.

Intense exercise can also lead to microscopic muscle tears,

giving the body an opportunity

to rebuild the muscles stronger.

This is where chocolate milk comes in to kickstart recovery.

The sugar in chocolate milk provides carbohydrates

to refuel depleted glycogen stores,

and its protein helps repair and rebuild muscle.

During exercise, we also sweat to stay cool,

losing fluids and electrolytes.

Chocolate milk replenishes fluids and electrolytes lost

in sweat, naturally providing the same electrolytes

that are added to commercial recovery drinks.

In fact, some research suggests milk

can help you stay hydrated after exercise

more so than commercial recovery drinks or water.

More than 20 studies support the benefits

of recovering with the nutrients found

in low-fat chocolate milk.

And while many commercial drinks

enhance their protein content,

chocolate milk's protein is naturally occurring.

It's no wonder that elite athletes

of all kinds trust it for their recovery.

[racket slams against tennis ball]

So next time you're thinking about jumping

on the latest exercise supplement bandwagon,

consider checking your local grocery instead

for a delicious chocolate milk.