3. The best natural post-workout recovery drinks
There are many ready-made recovery drinks available on the market committed for consumption after training. You must know that such “ready-made products”, apart from the necessary substances, very often contain many artificial additives, such as: colorings, preservatives, and sweeteners. For this reason, I would like to represent natural ways to replace lost carbohydrates and electrolytes and make recovery faster and more effective. Some of them may even surprise you.
a) Chocolate milk
This seemingly unremarkable drink, the taste of which we enjoyed in childhood, is not only a sweet snack. It turns out that chocolate milk contains: simple carbohydrates (replenishing glycogen stores), protein (along with 8 essential amino acids), water, minerals (including calcium, magnesium), vitamins (including D3), and other bioactive substances (including polyphenols, caffeine, theobromine). Thanks to that, it can fulfill the criteria of an ideal recovery drink [1,4].
Cocoa contained in the drink is a valuable source of polyphenols (mainly flavonoids). These compounds exhibit an antioxidant effect, have a positive influence on the cardiovascular system, reduce inflammation, reduce insulin resistance, and lower blood pressure [2].
Magnesium in cocoa is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, as well as for nerve conduction and proper muscle contraction [3].
Chocolate milk, thanks to the caffeine and theobromine content, also directly stimulates the central nervous system, which is another great advantage.
You can easily prepare chocolate milk at home:
- 300 ml of low-fat milk
- 5 cubes of dark chocolate or 15 g of dark cocoa
- 10 g of honey
- optionally cinnamon or cardamom
- Heat the milk and crumble the chocolate.
- Add chocolate pieces, honey, and spices to the warm milk.
b) Tart cherry juice
Beneficial use in post-workout recovery is also found in tart cherry juice (special species – Montmorency).
This kind of cherries are extremely rich in ingredients like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (vitamins, minerals, and other compounds such as quercetin and anthocyanins). The fruits of this plant are used, among others, in accelerating recovery after intense physical workouts.
The beneficial properties of Montmorency cherries in sport have already been proven over 10 years ago at the University of Vermont and the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma. It’s been evidenced that Montmorency cherries accelerated tissue regeneration and reduced their soreness compared to placebo.
Other reports showed the positive effects of cherry consumption on inflammation, oxidative stress, muscle soreness, and the fact that after consumption of tart cherry juice, muscle function continues to improve over the next few days after intense exercise [5]. Today, Montmorency Cherries are standardly used to boost recovery by athletes of various disciplines.
You can buy a ready-made 100% tart cherry juice concentrate or make it yourself:
- The tart cherries together with the pits are first boiled in water to soften and release juice and flavor.
- Then the liquid is drained (and kept) and sugar (or low carb sweetener) is added.
- The hot juice is poured into warm and clean bottles and they are closed with lids. The bottles filled with cherry juice are boiled in a canning pot with a rack on the bottom for 10 minutes.
- Keep in a cool and dry place for up to 1 year. Once a bottle is opened, store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
c) Watermelon
This holiday fruit is not only a refreshment on a hot, summer day. It turns out to be a great post-workout drink. Thanks to the content of simple carbohydrates (1 one glass contains about 22 grams), we can supplement already used reserves of muscle glycogen.
Drinking watermelon juice also provides electrolytes such as magnesium and potassium, which are lost through sweat.
To complete your drink and replenish sodium, I recommend adding a pinch of salt to a glass of watermelon juice.
In addition, watermelon is a source of a unique blend of amino acids, including L-citrulline, known for its regenerative accelerating properties. Athletes of various disciplines supplement the citrulline also to reduce the effect of muscle sores [6]. Just one cup of watermelon juice contains approximately 600 mg of this unique amino acid.
d) Coconut water
Natural coconut water is commonly regarded as an isotonic drink. This means that when it comes to electrolyte content, it is similar to body fluids. It contains a high concentration of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which makes it a natural alternative to commercial post-workout drinks. These minerals are essential for the proper function of our nerves and muscles, for the maintenance of normal blood pressure and bone health.
The big advantage of coconut water is the fact that compared to ready-made isotonic drinks, it contains much less sugar (only the naturally occurring one). Industrial drinks are often sweetened with glucose or, worse, with glucose-fructose syrup [7].
Coconut water by itself is not ideal for a high-intensity workout. It is because of the low content of sodium to keeps your body hydrated.
However, do not remove her from the list of recovery drinks. If you are planning a long-term training, add a pinch of salt to it – it will effectively replenish the sodium deficiency.
e) Coffee
Some studies report that consumption of coffee (espresso) after training can also have profitable effects, especially in terms of muscle recovery.
One study shows that consuming caffeine along with carbohydrates after training resulted in a 66% greater increase in muscle glycogen in athletes after four hours of intense training sessions. This can mean a reduction in the likelihood of delayed muscle soreness (DOMS), which most of you probably experience after intense training [8].
Is not fully known how this combination works – more research is required. Athletes who want to include such a method of regeneration should also observe their bodies and select the dose of caffeine individually.
To learn about other beneficial properties of coffee, please refer to the article: Cycling Coffee.