Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD

When most people think of dairy foods, they think of building strong bones. However, there are many nutrients in dairy foods that help support exercise recovery, such as protein for muscle repair and rebuilding, carbohydrates (in the form of lactose) for replenishment of glycogen stores, and fluids and electrolytes for restoring hydration. Plus, current research suggests that dairy foods and dairy protein ingredients (like casein and whey) can help improve body composition, strength, aerobic fitness and exercise performance.