NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Chocolate Milk Helps Student-Athletes Rebound On and Off the Court

Scientists have evaluated chocolate milk as a post-exercise drink and have identified several reasons why it may be an effective recovery aid: chocolate milk contains a combination of carbohydrates and protein to help replenish exhausted muscles after exercise, it provides fluids to assist with rehydration and it contains "electrolytes" such as potassium and other minerals like calcium that are lost in sweat.

In a study conducted at Indiana University, researchers found that endurance cyclists who drank chocolate milk after an intense period of cycling were able to work out longer and with more power during a second workout compared to when the same athletes drank a carbohydrate replacement beverage, and just as long as when they consumed a traditional fluid replacement beverage.(1)

"The athletes I work with understand the importance of refueling after a game or practice to help their muscles recover," said sports nutrition expert Mitzi Dulan, RD, who consults with the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. "Chocolate milk has been shown to be just as effective as commercial sports drinks in helping athletes recover and rehydrate and it has the bonus of additional nutrients not found in most traditional sports drinks. Plus, my athletes love the taste."

Milk contains nine essential nutrients including calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone strength and high-quality protein that helps build muscle when combined with exercise. The USDA recommends three 8-ounce glasses of lowfat or fat free milk each day, which provides about half of the protein teenagers need each day.

Body By Milk MVPs

As athletes who value the importance of good nutrition, NBA All-Star Dwight Howard, tennis pro Ana Ivanovic and soccer star Jozy Altidore are the latest celebs to join the Body By Milk(R) campaign, created to encourage teens to drink three glasses of lowfat or fat free milk everyday, be active and eat right to stay lean and healthy.

On and off the court, Howard is committed to being healthy and staying fit. As a leading NBA athlete, he undergoes intense workouts and has a rigorous schedule but still gets the unique mix of key nutrients he needs to refuel by drinking chocolate milk after practice.

"To reach your dreams as a pro athlete, I know what it takes -- good nutrition and excellent fitness," says Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard. "Being part of the Body By Milk(R) campaign helps me communicate to teens the importance of making the right choices, like drinking milk since it helps build muscle and has the unique mix of nutrients to refuel after exercise."

To encourage students to make chocolate milk part of their training regime, Howard is teaming up with the national Milk Mustache "got milk?" (R) campaign to launch a 25-city Refuel Your School tour to reward 25 high school athletic teams for choosing chocolate milk to refuel and rehydrate after that big game, practice or workout. To kick off the tour, Howard and got milk?(R) are hosting an honorary pep rally at Howard's alma mater, Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, to give students the first look at his new Milk Mustache ad.

Go Pro For A Day!

In conjunction with the Refuel Your School contest, the Body By Milk(R) campaign is offering up the VIP experience of a lifetime through the Go Pro For A Day sweepstakes. From September through November of this year, three teens will receive a trip for two for a once-in-a-lifetime sports experience where they can live a day in the life of sports superstars Dwight Howard, Jozy Altidore or Ana Ivanovic. Fifty second place winners will receive a $250 adidas(R) gift card. Log onto http://refuel.bodybymilk.com today for a chance to go pro.

Body By Milk(R) is part of the National Milk Mustache "got milk?(R)" Campaign, a multi-faceted education program focused on the health benefits of milk. The campaign is managed by the Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP) inWashington, D.C., which is funded by the nation's milk processors, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. The tagline "got milk?(R)" was created for the California Milk Processor Board by Goodby Silverstein & Partners and is licensed by the national milk processor and dairy producer groups.

(1) Karp JR, Johnston JD, Tecklenburg S, Mickleborough TD, Fly AD, Stager

JM. Chocolate milk as a post-exercise recovery aid. International

Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 2006;16:78-91

SOURCE Milk Processor Education Program