You don’t have to stick to water
Let’s face it — water can, even at its best, taste boring. But proper post-workout hydration is crucial, especially if you want to recover properly and maintain endurance.
The good news is, water isn’t the only thing you can drink to replenish lost fluids. There’s more options than just your go-to sports drink or bottle of water. For optimal hydration, here are five drinks that hydrate just as well as water — some options may even surprise you.
A case for chocolate carbs
There’s some good news for chocolate fans. Chocolate milk has double the carbohydrates compared to its plain counterpart, making it a great choice for post-workout recovery. Consuming carbs after exercise replenishes the muscles by replacing the glycogen lost during a workout. Pair carbs with protein and you have the best recovery potential for tired muscles.Losing too many electrolytes through sweating can also cause an array of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle cramps, and mental confusion. Chocolate milk can help with that. Its high water content can hydrate and replenish essential electrolytes, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium.Studies have found chocolate milk to be very beneficial, particularly for cyclists, endurance athletes, and runners. One study from 2010 showed that chocolate milk improved recovery and subsequent performance in cyclists more effectively than an isocaloric carbohydrate drink. A 2011 study found milk more effective than water for combating exercise-induced dehydration in children.
Another reason to love coconuts