We love our chocolate. We (not just women), but many athletes, antioxidant-seekers, caffeine-cravers - in the closet or out - we need our chocolate fix. Our numbers are beyond knowing, enough to create a world market for a whopping annual production of three million tons of cocoa. We're addicted and we're on to its virtues. So it's not surprising that cartons of chocolate milk are flying off the shelf for post-workout recovery calories and a certain 'hazelnut spread with skim milk and cocoa' is being slathered on our toast for a healthy, energizing breakfast. A legitimate embrace with the elixir of the gods, yes? Maybe not.
What grabbed my attention was a recent television ad for this deliciously smooth topping that's just so yummy in crepes, on waffles, by the spoonful, a dip for bananas, etc. A vibrant-looking mother is sharing the merits of this product, "roasted hazelnuts, skim milk, and a hint of delicious cocoa" that is full of goodness for her children. My taste buds were immediately desperate and I ran to the cupboard where I was sure there was a remnant jar in hiding. Anxious to believe that a product world soccer players identify with just had to be great for you, I had this niggling recollection of a previous look at the nutrition facts on the label.
There it was. The container holding about 3 spoonfuls. And there were the facts. First ingredient - sugar, second was modified (that's a scary word) palm oil, then the 3 magic 'goodness' ingredients, followed by 3 acceptable additions. At 100 calories for 1 tablespoon, the claim for 'no preservatives, no artificial colours, and source of vitamin E', just isn't enough to qualify for me, as a nutrient-rich snack. The trick word in the advertisement? Energy. Sugar is in there like a dirty, devious shirt. Did I eat it? I'm not telling.
But what about a chocolate milk drink for workout recovery ? Many fitness magazines and blog pages are singing its praises. There are 170 calories in a one-cup serving using 1% milk: ingredients in order are milk, sugar, cocoa, salt, carrageenan, modified milk. And may also contain modified corn starch, artificial flavour, colour, vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D3. Not too bad a choice when you've burned up your calories, you're not at home and a cooler stocked with frosty chocolate is in your face. I know - last summer after a very long hot ride I guzzled back over half a litre before I even got to the checkout counter. Too much, too fast, and on the final uphill 5kms to the campground, my stomach revolted - I haven't wanted chocolate milk since.
It's easy to make your own chocolate recovery drink - here's an option that tastes (somewhat) like thick chocolate milk but is much more nutritious. Put into blender: 3 tbsp. pumpkin seeds, 1 banana, 1 tbsp. cocoa powder, 1 tsp. agave OR 2 dates, 1/2 tsp. vanilla, enough water to cover the works plus a couple ice cubes for a real chiller. For a nuttier taste, add 2 tbsp. nut butter of choice. The pumpkin seeds provide lots of zinc/iron/protein/EFAs, the chocolate provides magnesium, the banana/dates provide carbs, and the optional nut butter also provides protein/EFAs. A glass of this waiting for you in the fridge should step-up your workout pace!!
Chocolate - gotta have it. Choose it wisely and it'll give you double the pleasure - immediate satisfaction and the kick for your next workout.

