Following workouts it’s critical to replenish the body with fluids, carbs, protein and other vital nutrients so it can recover and be ready to go at it again later in the day or the next day. There are many commercial “recovery drinks” on the market today. Most of them are good at getting the job done. They are often quick, convenient, and just what your body needs. I am a fan of the good ones for this reason. However, when possible, I prefer my own recovery drinks that usually taste better and are just as good for recovering as the manufactured commercial products.
We have all read the articles in the last couple years stating chocolate milk as the ideal “non-manufactured” recovery drink. I happen to be a big fan. Ten years ago I remember my coach, Arnie Baker, telling me that milk was an ideal source of carbs, protein and vitamins for recovery. After that I was frequently seen drinking my quart of milk at the end of long rides while my riding buddies watched in amazement. Adding chocolate to the mix simply increases the carb content and gets the surgars into your system at a higher speed. Tasty too!
In addition to the chocolate milk, over the years I have come to enjoy other similar drinks to aid in recovery. The latte has become a personal favorite. Hot or iced depending on the day and weather. Straight up or sometimes adding vanilla syrup for the extra sugars a la chocolate milk. What endurance athlete doesn’t enjoy a good latte after a workout? Okay some don’t, but I do for sure! I’m a little obsessed at times. We just got a re-supply of our favorite coffee in fact the other day. Camp 4 Coffee from Crested Butte. Kathy and I love this stuff. Best coffee we’ve found. We buy it by the 7 lbs. bag for economics. It lasts us about 3 months! Highly recommend it! Great in the morning before workouts too!
A more recent favorite for recovery is the Matcha Latte. Instead of coffee beans, Matcha is a pure form of green tea. Ground into a powder, steep in a small amount of hot water, blend with soymilk, honey (or agave nectar) and ice and you have a killer recovery drink. Good protein, sugars, and green tea antioxidants! When in need of less calories and more of a fluid replacement recovery drink, I steep some quality loose leaf green or white teas, mix with a little honey and enjoy hot or iced. A great way to get the “clear stream” going again after a sweaty, dehydrating run.
Another preferred method of re-hydration is carbonated water. My coaching partner, Cary K-W turned me onto this a couple seasons ago. Sparkling mineral water as a refreshing replacement to straight up water. Over the last year or two I found that mixing half n half, club soda and cranberry juice is a great way to get my drink on and get hydrated. It tastes better than plain water and the bubbles feel good in the belly. Similar to having a Coke after a long hot ride or run, the burps are so liberating!
There you have it. An editorial on my favorite post-workout beverages. Go get yourself some!
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i personally prefer Fluid… or an IPA in a frosty mug!
you should be ashamed of yourself…. the only thing that should go in that Yeit pint glass is good beer!
you’re fired!