Why Every Athlete Should Drink Hot Chocolate

It is January. It is cold.

You rode outside anyway,

Now you can't feel your toes.

The best reward on such a winter's day?

A cup of Hot Chocolatey goodness. Hip Hip Horray!

Seriously, hot chocolate is a food of the gods. So you deserve it! As your third grade teacher probably told you, Aztec leader Moctezuma served this sacred drink in a golden goblet. We're sure that tastes just dandy, but if you must use a paper cup, that's fine, too.

"But I can't eat chocolate, I'm training!"

Ok, silly person. Hot chocolate can be served in many ways. And if you're afraid your 8 oz paper cup full of seratonin-releasing pleasure will go straight to your thighs, there's diet and sugar-free types out there, too. (You wuss.)

So grab your favorite hot chocolate (Ghirardelli individual packets highly recommended), and enjoy. Here's why:

• it's cold outside. Hot chocolate is hot. Cold outside + hot chocolate inside = 1 warm you.


• if you mix the mix with skim milk, you get a nice helping of protein and calcium for the day. Calcium + serotonin release = 1 happy you.


• it's hard to get up when it's cold and dark. But it's much easier if you get a reward afterward! Early morning wake up call + hot chocolate incentive = 1 intense, quality workout.


• and, of course, it tastes delicious. Hot chocolate + taste buds = a very happy you and your tummy -> a very productive you at work -> more money to buy triathlon gear.

So there you have it. A cup of hot chocolate can make you happier, healthier, fitter, and richer. So what are you waiting for?