You don’t need to forget about your summer health and fitness goals while enjoying the summer and relaxing in the sun with friends and family.
You’ve probably heard it before that vodka soda is the best choice or some of the premixed low cal coolers… We want to share some additional options that you can enjoy responsibly, and in moderation. Always alternate between one alcoholic beverage to one to two glasses of water.
Top 5 Low-Calorie Drink Recipes
Tequila & Grapefruit
This refreshing low-calorie (94 kcal per serving) substitute to a tequila sour is easy peasy to make: Pour 1 ounce of white tequila over ice with 2 ounces of fresh grapefruit juice and top with soda water.
Nutrition Bonus: Fresh grapefruit juice may boost weight loss when consumed as part of a weight reduction diet!
Brut Prosecco
Brut prosecco, which is the lowest sugar type of prosecco, comes in at 77 kcal/4 ounce glass. Try adding some flavor and colour by placing fresh sliced strawberries in your glass before pouring.
Skinny Mojito
Just as many coffee shops have adopted ‘skinny lattes,’ many bars and restaurants now offer this version of the rum-based classic, omitting the sugar and using soda in place of tonic. Just as refreshing, but cutting calories from 242 kcal to 96 kcal (per 1.5 oz of rum) and sugar from 25 grams to 0 grams!
Light Beer
The ‘light beer’ has bumped up its game in the last few years, with more consumers demanding waist friendlier options. Light beer tends to be lower in alcohol, which reduces calories. Most light options run from 50-95 kcal per bottle.
Citrus Mock Mimosa
Cutting out alcohol altogether is a great way to keep on top of your health and fitness goals, but ordering plain water can be a bummer when it comes to meeting up with friends. Try this low-cal (32 kcal), refreshing option instead. No one will even know!
- 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, orange juice, and grapefruit juice
- 4 oz soda water
- fresh sliced orange for garnish
Pour the fresh juices over ice, top with soda and garnish with the orange slice.
“It Is The Dose That Makes The Poison”
Remember, “it is the dose that makes the poison”. Though these low-calorie drinks are better choices than others, they still have calories, which can add up!
Moderate alcohol intake can have some health benefits, including lowered risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but too much can contribute to increased risk of obesity and cancer. General recommendations for getting the health benefits of alcohol consumption while avoiding the negative consequences is to limit to 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men.
Don’t lose sight of your nutrition goals! Have a healthy meal before heading to the patio to avoid tempting (often fried and processed) high-cal foods while enjoying tasty summer drinks.
Need coaching to help navigate your nutrition needs for your fitness and health goals this summer?
Learn more about how we can help by talking to one of our registered dietitians: https://nutriprocan.ca/learn-more/
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