It's Shape Up Thursday and we're looking at post workout snack, chocolate milk!

Is chocolate milk really a good post workout snack? Webber Naturals investigates...

You may have heard somewhere before that chocolate milk is a good snack to have after your workout and probably thought, "That can't be right! Chocolate milk?!" Chocolate milk lovers: start exercising because it looks like your drink of choice makes for an excellent post workout beverage!

The best part about this snack is that you will not get fat from having it as a replenishing drink after a workout. Of course, let me say that you should probably not over indulge and drink chocolate milk within moderation to obtain the most benefits. I also suggest getting a chocolate milk that is made with dark chocolate and natural ingredients rather than the processed, sugar-loaded ones, you'll get even more out of your glass.

So how does chocolate milk help you recharge your batteries? Unlike regular sports drinks, chocolate milk has the ideal combination of carbohydrates and protein that help your muscles replenish energy stores and repair much faster. Most sports drinks alone do not have enough protein to be beneficial. Another extra bonus of chocolate milk is the level of antioxidants, which are excellent for helping your body deal with the oxidative stress associated with exercise.

Get more details from nutritional consultant, Mike Russell, PhD, at Shape.com to learn more about how chocolate milk can help you recover and maximize your workout.

Want to see how other drinks level up to chocolate milk? Visit Recharge With Milk for an interactive visual comparison! 

Enjoy your post workout chocolate milk!

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Image source: Shape.com

Got chocolate on the brain – all the time? Here’s how to curb those cravings.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I'm a huge (HUGE) chocolate fan. So, I can definitely sympathize with those of you who experience those constant sugar cravings and, like you, I’m wondering how to beat them!

Luckily, The Province recently explained How to beat cravings for sweets!

Of course, treating yourself to sweets such as dark chocolate every once in a while can be beneficial for your health – in moderation. However, as The Province advises, try postponing your craving for a while and see if you really want that (whole) chocolate bar! You'll most likely end up eating less than you originally craved.

For more help with cravings try webber naturals' PGX®.

Image source: http://collegecandy.com/2011/02/17/the-know-kick-those-chocolate-cravings-to-the-curb/

Hooray! More reasons to love chocolate…

Ever since I was little, I’ve loved chocolate (and I mean loved it). As a child, I was always the kid who would gravitate towards the chocolate bar over the bag of 5 cent candy, and Halloween was truly my favourite holiday of the year. So you can only imagine how happy my adult self is whenever I’m informed of the health benefits, such as antioxidants, that come along with eating chocolate that contains higher cocoa content - as in dark chocolate (my fav!).

Which is why I am super excited to share some EXCELLENT news with all you chocolate fiends out there (a group in which I happily include myself): There are four new reasons to love cocoa. Yippee!

1. Cocoa is heart friendly – so go ahead and indulge in a piece of dark chocolate or try to incorporate some cocoa powder into some of your meals – it’s Heart Health Month, after all!
2. It helps curb your cravings!
3. Cocoa can make your skin glow! You won’t be eating the cocoa for this one, but making a cocoa mask and putting it directly on your skin can help repair skin cells.
4. It will make you smile :) Cocoa contains compounds that boost your endorphin and serotonin levels, helping you feel happier in no time!

So, indulge away…within reason, of course! I know I will.

Image source: http://www.dailyperricone.com/2011/08/beauty-secrets-a-sweet-treat-for-the-skin/