Ask An Expert: Maria, Can You Give Me Options For Low Calorie Cocktails?
Q: This holiday season, I find there's a lot of different cocktails/drinks that are being served at the parties. Can you give me an idea of what the lowest calorie drinks may be so I can be health conscious this holiday season? Thanks, Kim
A: Hi Kim! That's a great question! With the holiday season, in addition to eating more calories, people tend to drink more calories as well.
Health Canada says 1-2 drinks per day or up to 9 drinks per week for women, and 2 drinks per day or up to 14 per week for men is the maximum, but even if you keep to this guideline, 9 Apple Martini's in 1 week would contribute over 2000 calories!
Your best bet is a beverage with a single ounce of liquor, with soda water or a splash of lime or cranberry. It will only provide 60-80 calories, as long as you don't add a high calorie mix, such as juice or pop. Watch out for creamy liquors, and sugary drinks, as they can have 200 calories or more in each beverage.
Here are some beverages that have approximately 130 calories or less:
• Rum & Diet Coke
• Vodka & Lime
• Gin & Soda
• Glass of red wine
• Manhattan Martini
• sleeve of beer
The key is really to just be mindful of how much you consume. Although 2 glasses of red wine has fewer calories than 2 pints of beer, it is still an extra 30 minutes on the treadmill!
Happy Holidays!
Yours in Health,
Maria
Nutrition Expert for The Last 10 Pounds Bootcamp
For more great nutrition tips, follow Maria on Twitter, and check her website at http://www.urbannutrition.com/
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