The holiday season is a time of celebration, but that doesn’t mean it has to derail your health and fitness goals. If you’re looking for low calorie drinks to enjoy at festive gatherings, don’t worry! There are plenty of delicious adult beverages that won’t sabotage your waistline. In the last post, we talked about how alcohol calories are burned before anything else in the body, so it’s smart to be mindful about what you are drinking. If you plan to indulge, read on to learn how to quench your thirst with some waist-friendly options.
Red or White?
Wine is always a go-to for celebrations and if you love wine, you can still enjoy a few glasses. When choosing wine, opt for lighter options such as Pinot Grigio, Champagne or Sauvignon Blanc. These white wines typically contain fewer calories than their red counterparts, so they’re a great way to keep the calorie count down and enjoy your favorite beverage. White wines contain around 110-125 calories per 5oz serving compared to 125-165 calories for a similar serving size of red wine.
If you’re looking for something bubbly, prosecco is an excellent option. Prosecco has fewer calories than champagne and is the perfect way to add some sparkle to your festivities. For prosecco, a brut, non-sweet option comes in at around 60-80 calories per 5oz pour, which is half the calories in a brut champagne. Champagne can have anywhere between 125 and 175 calories per 5oz, which varies based on the added sugar. When comparing the two, prosecco is the better choice. For a refreshing spin on this classic bubbly, try adding a few wedges of citrus or berries for a satisfying drink.
Cider is another festive drink that can be surprisingly low in calories when enjoyed in moderation. Choose ciders made from fresh-pressed apples rather than those made with concentrate for the lowest calorie content. To spike your cider, try adding a splash of hard seltzer or flavored vodka for an extra kick without the extra calories.
Beer
For beer drinkers, light varieties are the way to go. Most light beer has just around 100 calories per bottle. Craft beers can range from light to high in calorie content, so it’s important to choose wisely and read the label. Some craft beers can contain up to 200 calories per bottle, which can add up quickly. If you’re avoiding gluten, you can opt for a hard seltzer, which has around 100 calories per can. Even if you are not a fan of wine or beer, there are plenty of other drink options that won’t break your calorie budget.
Cocktails
If you prefer cocktails, mix up something refreshing with fresh squeezed juice, seltzers or herbal teas with a shot of vodka or gin and a lime. There are so many natural and low calorie mixers on the market these days that won’t cause your waistline to expand! Clear spirits such as vodka and gin have about 96 calories per 1.5 ounces, while darker spirits such as whiskey and rum have around 105 calories per 1.5 ounces. Try swapping a second cocktail for a glass of sparkling water to keep both the alcohol and calorie content down while keeping yourself hydrated.
When it comes to cocktails, there are some drinks that should be avoided if you’re trying to watch your calorie intake. Margaritas and daiquiris can contain up to 400 calories per drink. Long island iced teas are also a no-no – they typically have around 475 calories per drink and an insane amount of alcohol that nobody really needs, but no judging, promise!
Lastly, stay away from sugary drinks like White Russians and Pina Coladas as they can contain upwards of 500+ calories per drink. No matter what your beverage of choice is, moderation is key when it comes to drinking alcohol. Too much can have lasting negative effects on your health. So, when it comes to choosing low calorie alcoholic drinks during the holidays, remember to drink responsibly and enjoy your favorite beverages in moderation. With a few smart choices, you can still indulge without sabotaging your diet or compromising your health. Cheers!