The Chocolate Milk Diet

I logged on to the computer this morning and Yahoo's main page greeted me with the most amazing headline story since OJ Simpson was found Not Guilty! There is a new diet called the Chocolate Milk Diet.

Doth mine eyes deceive me?? Did you just say there is a diet that is made up of Chocolate milk??

My first reaction was, NO WAY. There is no possible way that you can lose weight by drinking chocolate milk. That is just plain stupid. But then as I read the story, I was convinced.

Apparently there are four main incentives to drinking three glasses of chocolate milk per day (one in the morning, one before you work out and one directly after your workout). They are as follows:

1. Calcium: Drinking milk provides you with calcium in your diet. Calcium, as we all know, aids in the building of strong bones. But the most interesting part is that researchers have found a link with those who have a daily intake of 1000mg of calcium a day can lose up to 18 pounds of belly fat! Lets be honest; who couldn't stand to lose a few pounds around the middle. Also, having RA, I have to take large quantities of calcium with Vitamin D for my bone health. If I can get it in drinking milk rather than taking another pill, then I say HELL YES!! Win, win!

2. Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for the body to help you consume the calcium in your body. Without it, your body cannot properly distribute the calcium. Also, vitamin D is great for strengthening muscles and bones and counteracting depression. Many Americans are deficient in vitamin D as we naturally consume it through exposure to the sun. With the advancements in technology (we sitting on our computers throughout the days rather than working outside) and the rise in skin cancers (we lather ourselves with sunscreen to avoid exposure) we are no longer spending an adequate amount of time in the sunshine, and therefore are becoming Vitamin D deficient. Milk is a great source of Vitamin D. Again; win, win!

3. Endurance Boost: Drinking milk gives you a natural boost of energy. Milk has electrolytes that help aid in keeping you more hydrated AND it has a natural sweetness which helps push more energy into your muscles (see the link below). As an RA sufferer, finding the energy to get out of bed in the morning, let alone to exercise is sometimes non-existent. But, if I get up and drink a large cold glass of chocolate milk in the morning, perhaps it will help me to find the energy I need. This is something we should all remember and put down those sugary, energy drinks that are, let's face it, bad for you anyways! Win, Win - take three!

4. Protein: Milk is protein ridden and therefore highly important in the production of muscles. We all know that more muscle mass means more fat burning. What do we call this? Oh yeah, that's right...win, win AGAIN!!

So you see my little minions, drinking chocolate milk is not only good for you, but it is essential in weight loss and management. There can be no dispute!

Now, if only I can get someone to write an article on the link between eating fried foods and losing weight! :)

If you are interested in the article, please follow this link!

Wishing you all a healthy and happy day!

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/eatthis/54828/the-chocolate-milk-diet/