LANSING — CrossFit champion Rich Froning, Jr. recently joined the Milk Means More campaign, where he will serve as an athlete ambassador promoting the benefits of dairy as part of a healthy diet. The four-time worldwide CrossFit Games winner, member of Team CrossFit Mayhem Freedom, and owner of CrossFit Mayhem, joins several other Milk Means More professional athletes, including Detroit Pistons All-Star Andre Drummond, gold medalist swimmer Allison Schmitt, gold medalist soccer player Lindsay Tarpley, and U.S. champion runner Leah O’Conner.
“A lot of people are afraid of carbs, especially CrossFit athletes,” said Froning of his decision to join Milk Means More. “I also know quite a few athletes who avoid dairy and especially chocolate milk, and I never understood the negative connotation. Dairy is a great source of protein, and the ratio of protein and carbs is perfect for recovery.”
“I encourage the athletes to consume dairy daily and to use it as part of their recovery,” he added. “In fact, at my last CrossFit facility, I had a five-gallon milk dispenser on the wall.”
“There are so many ways athletes can increase their dairy consumption to support their performance,” said Sharon Toth, RD, CEO of the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. “The nine essential nutrients in dairy are an important part of a healthy diet and can be of benefit before and after training sessions.”
“I make my protein shakes with milk, which helps me get an extra boost compared to water,” Froning said when asked about an example of how he works dairy in to his diet. “Plus, it just tastes better, and the fat in milk is perfect for giving me the energy I need for back-to-back daily workouts.”
Rich has ties to Michigan’s dairy industry through cousins who own a dairy farm in Sunfield, Mich.
As a Milk Means More ambassador, Froning will promote dairy as part of an athletic diet on social media and through special appearances.
Offering advice to other athletes who want to emulate his success, Froning said, “Have fun. Don’t get too caught up in the competition. Play as many sports as you can; the more things you try, the better off you’ll be in life because every new experience teaches you something you didn’t know before.”
About United Dairy Industry of Michigan
The United Dairy Industry of Michigan is the umbrella organization for the Dairy Council of Michigan and the American Dairy Association of Michigan. On behalf of Michigan’s dairy farm families, these non-profit organizations provide science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier society, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media. For more information, visit MilkMeansMore.org.
— United Dairy Industry of Michigan
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