Coach's Guide to Nutrition: Celebrate Chocolate Milk Day on Sept. 27

National Chocolate Milk Day, celebrated on September 27, is a great opportunity to highlight a favorite drink that can also play a role in an athlete’s recovery routine. 

Milk Means More logoFor high school athletes, chocolate milk can be a convenient choice after a hard practice, workout or game. 

It provides carbohydrates to help replace energy, protein to help repair and rebuild muscle, and fluids and electrolytes to support rehydration. 

The first 30-45 minutes after exercise is an important time to begin refueling, and chocolate milk provides key nutrients athletes need to help their bodies recover and prepare for what’s next. 

This National Chocolate Milk Day, raise a glass and refuel, rebuild and rehydrate for what’s next. 

Information above is excerpted from UDIM’s A Coach’s Guide to Nutrition.

Coaches Guide to Nutrition: Snack on a Smoothie

A smoothie is a perfect pre- or post-exercise snack.

Milk Means More logo

Making a smoothie can be an easy way to get a serving of dairy, fruit and vegetables. Add milk, yogurt, berries, bananas, avocado, spinach, and kale to the blender and let the magic happen.

Along with protein and carbohydrates, it will provide vitamins, minerals and fiber.    

Snacking can be detrimental when done out of boredom or in place of regular, balanced meals. But, for an athlete, healthy snacks can aid performance and recovery.

Having a snack in the hour or two before practice and in the “window of opportunity” following practice can help maintain energy levels and ensure proper recovery.

Snacks are important to maintain energy between meals, before exercise and after workouts. Snacks before and after exercise help performance as well as aid optimal recovery.

Information above is excerpted from UDIM’s A Coach’s Guide to Nutrition.