Timing is everything, especially when it comes to what
athletes eat after engaging in strength and conditioning
training. Eating a combination of carbohydrates and protein
within 30mins post-workout helps maximize muscle
synthesis, muscle function and decreases muscle breakdown.
This occurs because this is the time that muscles experience
a heightened sensitivity to insulin (4,7). Additionally,
consuming the right combination of carbohydrates to
protein, in a 4:1 ratio, is associated with faster glycogen
replenishment in the muscles, better muscle protein synthesis,
reduced muscle soreness and improved muscle
strength and body composition (2,4). Thus, the recipe for
optimal post-exercise recovery is taking advantage of the
30-min recovery window and choosing foods that portray
the 4:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein. Chocolate milk
is a quick and easy post-recovery drink that naturally contains
carbohydrates and proteins in the correct ratio. See
Table 1 for other post-exercise snack options.