Recovery Drink?

Jamiebee24
Jamiebee24 Posts: 296 Member
edited September 21 in Food and Nutrition
So I'm looking for some sort of recovery/protein drink after my morning workout. I don't want a meal replacement.There are so many different options out there, that I have no clue on which kind would be the most beneficial for me. I want something thats not a ton of calories, healthy, tastes decent, and not too expensive.

Replies

  • tgh1914
    tgh1914 Posts: 1,036 Member
    So I'm looking for some sort of recovery/protein drink after my morning workout. I don't want a meal replacement.There are so many different options out there, that I have no clue on which kind would be the most beneficial for me. I want something thats not a ton of calories, healthy, tastes decent, and not too expensive.

    I think the simplest recovery drink out there is just lowfat chocolate milk. Google it if you don't believe me. Lots of athletes use it. It has the right ratio of proteins to carbs for a recovery drink and I'm sure you know what it tastes like. I think it works great and is definitely cheaper than a fancy-labeled sports drink. :drinker:
  • aippolito1
    aippolito1 Posts: 4,894 Member
    I use Pure Protein protein shakes. Last time I got the vanilla but unless customizing with fruit, alone it was horrible. This time, I got the 100% whey chocolate shake and it's FABULOUS. It's about 130 calories for 1 scoop, only 2g sugar and 25g protein. I just add it to 8 oz. of skim milk and maybe some fruit (tonight I'm doing peanut butter!!! just to add calories and 'cause it's effing delicious!). The other day I did raspberries and ice cream (extra cals, hehe!) and it was soo good. Just a heads up though, it's a pretty rich chocolate so if you're not a huge fan, you'd be better off with the vanilla or strawberry. You can get it for about $18 at Target in the weight loss aisle. Check out my diary for today to see exact nutrition facts.
  • asteppaway
    asteppaway Posts: 54 Member
    I was gonna suggest the lowfat chocolate milk...when they had the summer olympics a few years back they had a side story when they talked about the crazy expensive recovery drink the athletes were drinking...and they tested it and it was pretty much equal to lowfat chocolate milk!
  • aippolito1
    aippolito1 Posts: 4,894 Member
    I was gonna suggest the lowfat chocolate milk...when they had the summer olympics a few years back they had a side story when they talked about the crazy expensive recovery drink the athletes were drinking...and they tested it and it was pretty much equal to lowfat chocolate milk!

    I don't see how that registers at all. Chocolate is just going to add to my sugar intake for the day ... not to mention the calories. Plus, lowfat milk is really not that high in protein so I really don't get that.
  • asteppaway
    asteppaway Posts: 54 Member
    :laugh: Don't ask me... I'm not the scientist's who said it...far from it, I can't usually get myself to drink anything that has calories :embarassed: Either that or the recovery drink people are lying on their labels...or the scientists are lying to get on the news lol
  • Muscle Milk light is only 100 calories and 15 grams of protein.
  • unknownndoll
    unknownndoll Posts: 161 Member
    I was gonna suggest the lowfat chocolate milk...when they had the summer olympics a few years back they had a side story when they talked about the crazy expensive recovery drink the athletes were drinking...and they tested it and it was pretty much equal to lowfat chocolate milk!

    I don't see how that registers at all. Chocolate is just going to add to my sugar intake for the day ... not to mention the calories. Plus, lowfat milk is really not that high in protein so I really don't get that.

    carbs are actually supposed to be in recovery drinks!! p90x recommends 4 to 1 ratio of carbs/protein... also google it and most runners need carbs the most after workouts- easier for the body tor use since its easier to process than protein. They say the carbs consumed right after a workout will not be stored as fat since you need it to repair/recover.
  • tgh1914
    tgh1914 Posts: 1,036 Member
    I was gonna suggest the lowfat chocolate milk...when they had the summer olympics a few years back they had a side story when they talked about the crazy expensive recovery drink the athletes were drinking...and they tested it and it was pretty much equal to lowfat chocolate milk!

    I don't see how that registers at all. Chocolate is just going to add to my sugar intake for the day ... not to mention the calories. Plus, lowfat milk is really not that high in protein so I really don't get that.

    I'm no scientist either, but it has something to do with the ratio of carbs to proteins your body needs in recovery within the first 30-60 minutes after a workout. Just google chocolate milk recovery drink and you'll get a host of findings on it. Here's one good example:

    http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/24/health/webmd/main1342839.shtml
  • blbeane
    blbeane Posts: 11 Member
    I too say chocolate milk. Chocolate milk has an optimal ratio of carbohydrates to protein to help refuel tired muscles. You can buy lite chocolate syrup or sugar free chocolate syrup and use skim milk!!!!!!
  • unknownndoll
    unknownndoll Posts: 161 Member
    I was gonna suggest the lowfat chocolate milk...when they had the summer olympics a few years back they had a side story when they talked about the crazy expensive recovery drink the athletes were drinking...and they tested it and it was pretty much equal to lowfat chocolate milk!

    I don't see how that registers at all. Chocolate is just going to add to my sugar intake for the day ... not to mention the calories. Plus, lowfat milk is really not that high in protein so I really don't get that.

    I'm no scientist either, but it has something to do with the ratio of carbs to proteins your body needs in recovery within the first 30-60 minutes after a workout. Just google chocolate milk recovery drink and you'll get a host of findings on it. Here's one good example:

    http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/24/health/webmd/main1342839.shtml

    Yep... chocolate milk is the perfect carb/protein ratio !!
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    treat yourself to Over The Moon chocolate milk. It's fat free, high in protein, and delicious!
  • MsElphaba
    MsElphaba Posts: 432 Member
    I use Pure Protein protein shakes. Last time I got the vanilla but unless customizing with fruit, alone it was horrible. This time, I got the 100% whey chocolate shake and it's FABULOUS. It's about 130 calories for 1 scoop, only 2g sugar and 25g protein. I just add it to 8 oz. of skim milk and maybe some fruit (tonight I'm doing peanut butter!!! just to add calories and 'cause it's effing delicious!). The other day I did raspberries and ice cream (extra cals, hehe!) and it was soo good. Just a heads up though, it's a pretty rich chocolate so if you're not a huge fan, you'd be better off with the vanilla or strawberry. You can get it for about $18 at Target in the weight loss aisle. Check out my diary for today to see exact nutrition facts.

    If I put chocolate milk in my fridge I would never see a sip of it! I use the Vanilla Pure Protein with 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 8 oz green tea and about a cup of fruit. Love it!

    L
  • HIzara
    HIzara Posts: 187
    I use EAS Myoplex Lite (55% less fat than regular) after my evening workouts (and replacing dinner). I've always woken up the next day with very little or no soreness...I've been working out 8x a week (for the past 3 weeks) and I really put all my energy and effort into my workouts. I use it after my 6 mile jogs or 60 minute group aerobic classes at the gym. Sometimes, after a long 6+ mile trail jogs also.

    Expensive, but it's got tons of nutrients and 20g of protein. Comes in Chocolate fudge, Vanilla, Strawberry. Walmart & Sam's Club are the cheapest place I've seen so far. You can buy it "ready to drink" or in powder and mix with milk.
  • diet45
    diet45 Posts: 392 Member
    Low-fat chocolate milk....Good option. My three teenage sons always drink this after they work-out along w/PB&J sandwich. They even have a program at our High School that they got from Fresno State.
  • HIzara
    HIzara Posts: 187
    Low-fat chocolate milk....Good option. My three teenage sons always drink this after they work-out along w/PB&J sandwich. They even have a program at our High School that they got from Fresno State.

    As adults trying to lose weight, I don't recommend PB&J sandwiches in your diet, period. They are 600 cal per sandwich. That's just not worth the benefits or taste. There should be other alternatives with less calories and more benefits that taste just as good.
  • lculian
    lculian Posts: 313 Member
    I use Jay Rob's Whey protein shakes, they are 110 calories but have only 1 carb 0 fat 25g of protein and 390 potassium. I like the chocolate, and the vanilla and strawberry are good too! I mix with water but you can mix with milk if you want. I just don't want to add the calories.

    I haven't had any of these in three weeks and I have noticed a difference in my muscle tone especially in my mid section. You just reminded me I need to add them to the shopping list. I buy mine at a Nutrition Store.
  • aproc
    aproc Posts: 1,033 Member

    As adults trying to lose weight, I don't recommend PB&J sandwiches in your diet, period. They are 600 cal per sandwich. That's just not worth the benefits or taste. There should be other alternatives with less calories and more benefits that taste just as good.

    They are very high in calories. Lately though I've been having them for lunch pretty regularly. I use the low cal whole grain bread and sugar free preserves. The sandwich only comes in at 290 calories and tastes just as good.
  • 4KidFather
    4KidFather Posts: 134
    Recovery Drinks are essential. Remember it's Excercise AND Nutrition. So get your 3:1 (or 5:1) Carb:Protein From nonfat chocolate milk or BeachBody RD -but just get it. Otherwise you will not reap the full benefit of your workout. I was guilty of this for years. Read the Peer reviewed literature in Sports Medicine regarding recovery drinks and nutrient timing (good article link by the way)
    The recovery drink works physiologically for everyone regardless of body composition. After a 1hr workout you NEED to replace your muscle glycogen (energy from carbs) for tomorrows workout. You also need to some protein (amino acids) to repair damaged / growing muscles. if you are lean and fit you could skimp on protein but most MFP'ers are frequently underfit and overfat (even me!). The carb replenishment is critical for you to perform well in the next work out.
    Regarding PBandJ. Even when I am leaning out I rely on this economical wonderfood. Peanuts contain healthy, good fats, are full of fibre with not insignificant protein. The also makes them low-glycemic and keeps you fuller longer especially n whole wheat bread. This feature is key to resisting late in the day cravings for suger that our starving (sic!) bodies scream for. Focus on getting healthy and the rest will fall into place - yes even the scale.
    "A PB and J keeps the ice cream away":happy:
  • imagymrat
    imagymrat Posts: 862 Member
    So I'm looking for some sort of recovery/protein drink after my morning workout. I don't want a meal replacement.There are so many different options out there, that I have no clue on which kind would be the most beneficial for me. I want something thats not a ton of calories, healthy, tastes decent, and not too expensive.

    I think the simplest recovery drink out there is just lowfat chocolate milk. Google it if you don't believe me. Lots of athletes use it. It has the right ratio of proteins to carbs for a recovery drink and I'm sure you know what it tastes like. I think it works great and is definitely cheaper than a fancy-labeled sports drink. :drinker:

    I AGREE COMPLETELY..don't waste your money on all those protein shakes...good old chocolate milk..my favourite, I drink it after every workout..and mine last on average of 3 hours....not no 30 minute shred thing! lol
  • JJRunning
    JJRunning Posts: 146
    By far chocolate milk... google it... there are some good articles out there. It boosts your metabolism too.:flowerforyou:
  • chrisdavey
    chrisdavey Posts: 9,834 Member
    Post workout drink
    .approx 2g/lb BW protein (high gi)
    approx .25-.4g/lb BW carbs (high gi)
    no fat

    I have tbspn whey, tspn dextrose, banana, tbspn weight watchers drinking chocolate, 250ml milk, 250ml water. pour into 2 cups. sip on one during workout and have other when finished.
  • dumb_blondes_rock
    dumb_blondes_rock Posts: 1,568 Member
    I have been trying to stray away from milk products, so would chocolate soy or almond be jsut as good?
  • chrisdavey
    chrisdavey Posts: 9,834 Member
    almond: not as good because of fat (slower to digest)
    soy: no idea sorry. never looked into it.
  • imagymrat
    imagymrat Posts: 862 Member
    I have been trying to stray away from milk products, so would chocolate soy or almond be jsut as good?

    Yup it would, but read your labels some are high in fat and in calories. My daughter is vegetarian and she drinks chocolate flavoured almond milk...loves it, I find it revolting:sick: :laugh:
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