First, the sugar/carbohydrates from the chocolate will help generate a large insulin response. Insulin is a powerful anabolic hormone. In this scenario, we are using the insulin spike for its anti-catabolic properties. It has been shown to inhibit muscle protein breakdown (MPB), thus improving net protein balance. [3] However, two studies show that without amino acid availability, carbohydrates alone did not result in a positive net protein balance. (Hence, we add leucine). [2] In another interesting study by Tipton et al., they found that “the response of net muscle protein synthesis to consumption of an (EAC) essential amino acid carbohydrate supplement solution immediately before resistance exercise is greater than that when the solution is consumed after exercise, primarily because of an increase in muscle protein synthesis as a result of increased delivery of amino acids”. [3] Interesting, right? (More on this in the post-workout section). In a study, Chocolate was also shown to increase nitric oxide serum levels. So maybe you don’t need to throw your money in the garbage to buy 1MR anymore. [1] Besides, chocolate is a natural stimulant with energy enhancing compounds that also happens to taste damn good and gives you a nice pump.