After a long, intense workout, the first instinct an athlete deals with is thirst and hunger. It is at this point that the athlete must make a sensible choice of food to complement their workout goals. Now, when faced with this decision, most know to avoid junk foods like chocolates to stay healthy. However, chocolate milk is an amazing drink after workouts but it typically gets a bad wrap for simply having chocolate in its name.

Chocolate isn’t considered a healthy snack for all the right reasons. It usually has extremely high amounts of added sugar and loads of fat, which in turn mean lots of calories. Calories aren’t necessarily a bad thing, but when coupled with excessive carbs and fats, which have proven to increase weight and chances of cardiovascular disease, it becomes obvious that chocolate shouldn’t be a daily snack for anyone.

On the other hand, chocolate milk, classified as a chocolate snack, doesn’t share many of the same qualities as a Hershey bar. Chocolate milk reduces the amount of sugar and fat while providing a larger food content to consume thanks to the milk. Additionally, chocolate milk contains just the right amount of nutrition, enough that many researchers say is useful for muscle recovery and growth.

If the beneficial nutritional value of chocolate milk doesn’t seem enticing, its delicious taste should. Milk, an already beloved drink, combined with the rich flavors of cocoa produces a luxurious beverage. The thickness of the milk calms some of the intense, sweet flavors of chocolate. Typically served icy cold, the refreshing drink may almost feel like a cheat to the workout.

Although typically dismissed because of its name, chocolate milk is a wonderful source of nutrition and tastes amazing. Unlike chocolate, it doesn’t promote a completely sugary and unhealthy lifestyle, it instead aids the body. Next time you are looking for a refreshing beverage, seek out some chocolatey goodness!