DRINKS DRINKS DRINKS!

Woot Woot! It’s still SUMMER!!!!  That fact alone is enough to make my day! Being a warm weather girl myself, I cling to every last second of pool worthy weather, summertime parties, bbqs, weddings and everything sunny and outdoors. But, with that, you’re most likely enjoying a few more laughs…oh yea, and more cocktails, beers, or glasses of wine as well (is anyone opting for more water?!). 

Even though you may not understand how alcohol affects your overall health, here are a few facts, BUT NEVER FEAR, (I'm also a realist) I'm gonna give you some healthy and healthy.. um.."er" options!

Did you know that your body processes alcohol first, before fat, protein, or carbs? Therefore, drinking slows down the burning of fat. 

Sugar, also known as an empty calorie, has 4 calories per gram, providing no nutrition. Alcohol, also another empty calorie, is almost double the calories per gram (7 calories)…yes, double. So if you’re drinking a rum and Coke, you’re drinking all the sugar, all the empty calories, and no nutrition. No nutrition? Yes, that is correct because alcohol lacks proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals needed to maintain healthy body functions.

Alcohol itself can lead to weight gain from the calories it provides, but it also causes many people to eat more calories after drinking (late night munchies anyone?) – a double whammy weight gain effect! It is even possible to drink as many calories as you eat!  Alcohol will significantly interfere with your weight loss goal. 

alcohol inhibits the absorption of several nutrients: vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and folic acid. As the liver decreases its supply of these nutrients, the blood stream is called upon to replenish the supply. As a result, body cells are deprived of critical nutrients and normal body functions suffer. (Meaning, you can't work-out as hard)

And then BLAH BLAH BLAH.... More stuff, But now down to what you really want to know!   What to drink when everyone else is drinking a cocktail? (or if ya just want a really yummy drink)  Well, I'VE GOT YOUR BACK.  Below are 2 great nonalcoholic options, and 2 alcoholic options (if you must!)

Nonalcoholic

Chia Fizz Drink

I started with some fresh mint and lime that I got from the Farmer's Market this past weekend

I muddled the lime and mint using the back of a spoon, since I didn't have a muddler

Some Blue Agave Sweetener sweetened my drink, but you can use stevia as well.

Then, there were the chia seeds, of course! (get them at costco or the healthfood store)

Add some Pellegrino or any type of mineral water or carbonated water

Let drink chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes.

Add ice cubes and enjoy! Dee-licious and so refreshing! I love the way those little chia seeds soak whatever liquids you introduce them to and get all gelatinous! They remind me ever-so-slightly of the bubbles in bubble tea (a fave drink of mine).

watermelon FIZZ

 It includes 6 cups of watermelon, 

1 ½ cups of cold seltzer water 

1 cup of chopped fresh mint OR CILANTRO. 

Muddle watermelon with cilantro leaves. Add ice, and seltzer water. Shake vigorously and pour all contents into a rocks glass. Garnish with a piece of watermelon in a bamboo spike

OH-SO REFRESHING!

Alcoholic

Volito

85 Calories

1.5 oz Voli Lyte
1/2 of a Fresh Lime
8 Mint Leaves
1 Packet Sweetener
Club Soda
Glass: Highball
Garnish: Mint Sprig

Muddle Lime, Mint and Sweetener. Add Voli, shake lightly and pour all ingredients in a glass. Top with club soda.

Skinnygirl White Cranberry Cosmo

100 Calories

Bethenny Frankel started the trend with her signature Skinnygirl marg and has since expanded the line to include several other flavors, the newest being the White Cranberry Cosmo—which she describes as “a sassy take on a classic [drink], 

And because it’s pre-mixed with actual white cranberries and premium vodka, you can enjoy a cosmo with less calories!