Let’s be honest – chocolate milk is like that charming, attractive friend that you bring with you to the party: they need no introduction! Its accessibility and great taste make it a no-brainer drink choice for adults and children alike and its benefits as a recovery and sports drink are well documented.
On this National Chocolate Milk Day, I am bringing you four fun, practical ways to incorporate chocolate milk into your diet:
- Smoothies – Throw in a banana, peanut butter (or PB powder), and frozen berries with your chocolate milk in a blender and the result is a delicious, protein-rich drink that you can indulge in for breakfast or after a demanding workout.
- Oatmeal – Instead of water, make your oatmeal with chocolate milk! All you need is a few minutes, rolled oats, and your favorite chocolate milk and you’ve got a filling breakfast option that will sustain you until your next meal.
- Popsicles – Blend avocado with chocolate milk and pour into popsicle molds and freeze until solid. Since chocolate milk is already sweet, you really don’t need to add much to achieve the tasty results you are after. Summer is winding down, but the frozen treats are here to stay!
- Energy balls – My personal favorite! Mix oats, ground flaxseed, nut butter, honey, and chocolate milk together and roll individually into ball shapes slightly smaller than a golf ball. These keep well in the refrigerator or frozen if you want to make a larger portion in advance.
Be sure to visit The Dairy Alliance for more healthy recipe ideas. Until next time, enjoy a tall frothy glass of chocolate milk!
Jackie S Womble, MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, EP is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian who specializes in performance nutrition, fitness, and corporate well-being strategy. She is also a certified Exercise Physiologist and Spinning Instructor. Jackie uses her expertise in exercise physiology and nutrition to help thousands of people from around the globe find a healthy balance in their daily routines. Jackie believes we should all enjoy nature’s pleasures with a positive, healthy, and active outlook.