Sports Nutrition: Dairy’s Role in Muscle Recovery and Growth

Whether you’re a professional athlete, high school athlete or weekend athlete – sports nutrition should be top of mind so you can perform at your best. What you fuel your body with before and during your workout is always important, but refueling during your recovery is especially critical. Dairy beverages such as chocolate milk and whey play an important role in your body’s recovery and muscle growth.

Chocolate Milk for Recovery

 is the ideal sports recovery beverage because it contains the golden ratio of carbs to protein – about 3-4 grams of carbs for every 1 gram of protein. This ratio helps rehydrate your body, repair your muscles, and replenish your energy after exercise.

Find out more about the science that supports chocolate milk after exercise.

Check out new ways to use chocolate milk in the kitchen.

Whey Protein for Recovery

Consuming whey protein before or after workout is beneficial as it is an easy-to-digest form of protein, making it ideal for building lean muscle.

Our Sports Nutrition Experts

Proper nutrition allows athletes to achieve optimal performance in their sport. Dairy plays an integral role in the diet to help ensure that athlete’s not only reach, but exceed their goals.

American Dairy Association North East has many resources created by key nutrition and fitness professionals who share their unique expertise and perspectives regarding the consumption of dairy products – including milk, yogurt and cheese -among athletes of all levels.