Embracing the cold

Submitted by Valerie howden, msC,rd

Tomorrow, I’m breaking out the snowshoes to embrace winter’s arrival in The Peg and get a great cardiovascular workout at the same time. For fluids, I’ve got my plastic water bottle ready … flashback to childhood memories of friends licking metal fence posts. No Thanks!
Recovery beverage of choice is chocolate milk of course. It’s the gold standard for fluids, electrolytes, protein, and carbohydrate in one convenient 500mL package. How can you beat that? Heat and pour into your favorite thermos for a touch of comfort and 2 of your recommended milk and alternatives servings.
Pass on the coconut water. Volume for volume, it lacks the necessary sodium, protein, and carbohydrates for proper recovery. Tastes better, too, consumed straight from the shell on a beach far away from snow drifts and wind chill values.