Here we are, another heat wave! summer is here, vacations are planned, family get together's and warm weekends sitting by the pool. Along with all the barbeques and gatherings are the adult beverages. I don't particularly like beer but I've been told a cold beer on a hot summer day is refreshing. However, many times we underestimate the calories we consume. My general rule is, always opt for the "lesser of the evils". and choose lower calorie foods and beverages. If going for a beer, go for the light version. In general, I recommend adult beverages such as vodka with diet soda or low calorie cranberry or cranberry juice.
Some alcoholic drinks can set you back as much as 600 calories for one drink. Of
course, as you may have guessed, many people often drink more than one beverage
in a sitting. While it’s always best to enjoy alcoholic beverages in
moderation—if at all—the good news is that there are many ways to slash calories
while still enjoying the classic beverages many of us associate with summertime
getaways.
Check out these lightened-up beverages that will save you some serious calories
and keep you feeling confident in your swimsuit when you hit the beach.
PIÑA COOLATA
An 8-ounce piña colada can set you back 650 calories, thanks to the
calorie-loaded rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice. Just two ounces of rum
has 130 calories while 2 ounces of coconut cream has a whopping 190 calories and
20 grams of fat.
A couple of these and you may have blown your entire caloric intake for the day!
To Make it Beach-body Friendly
The slim-down secret for this drink is to ditch the coconut cream and get the
coconut flavor elsewhere. Here’s a delish, slimmed down version that comes in at
140 calories, giving you a 510-calorie savings from the traditional recipe!
Ingredients
•1½ ounces coconut-flavored rum
•2 ounces pineapple juice
•2 ounces sparkling water
•2 ounces coconut water
Directions: Pour ingredients over ice and stir.
STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI
Your typical frozen daiquiri made with strawberry schnapps, rum, sugar, lime and
strawberries will set you back more than 220 calories. And if you use a pre-made
mix or fruit juice, the calories can skyrocket even more. This variation will
save you tons of calories but still provide the taste! It’s got 140
calories—and 2 grams of fiber thanks to the strawberries!
To Make it Beach-body Friendly
The secret to keeping this light is to avoid pre-made mixes and to use
sugar-free strawberry drink mix instead of juice—the mix is ultra-low in
calories and adds a lot of sweetness without all the sugar included in the
traditional daiquiri. Also, thawing the strawberries before blending sweetens
it, too.
Ingredients
•1 teaspoon sugar-free strawberry powdered drink mix
•1½ ounces rum
•½ cup frozen strawberries, slightly thawed
•1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
•1 tablespoon fat-free whipped topping, optional
•1 cup crushed ice
Directions: Add powdered drink mix into 4 ounces of cold water and stir until
completely dissolved. Pour all ingredients in blender and blend until slushy.
MARGARITA
Margaritas rank amongst the worst high-calorie drink offenders, setting you back
as much as 850 calories. Yet it remains one of the favourites among many of my
clients/friends. But you can start the calorie-saving celebration because this
120-calorie frozen, festive slushy will save you 630 calories!
To Make it Beach-body Friendly
Avoid the calorie- and sugar-loaded margarita mix. Choose sugar-free mixers or
diet tonic.
Ingredients
•1 ounce frozen diet lemonade or orangeade concentrate
•1½ ounces tequila
•2 tablespoons diet lemon-lime or orange soda
•½ cup crushed ice cubes, more if needed
•Squeeze of lime
•Lime slices and salt for glass rim
Directions: Combine first three ingredients and blend in blender. Then add ice
cubes and blend until slushy. Rub lime slices on rim of glass and dip rim in
kosher salt. Olé!
MAI TAI
A Mai Tai typically contains between 275 and 450 calories. Here is a 165-calorie
option!
To Make it Beach-body Friendly
Use diet or light juices and substitute almond extract for the crème d’amande.
Ingredients
•Ice cubes
•2 ounces diet or light orange juice
•1½ ounces white rum
•1 ounces diet or light pineapple juice
•1 ounces light plum juice
•½ ounce triple sec
•¼ teaspoon almond extract
Directions: Fill a glass with ice and pour in all ingredients. Enjoy!
So there you have it, a new lighter spin on your favourite summer drinks. As
always, please drink responsibly and keep an eye on those calories which may add
up very quickly. When we consume alcohol, we tend to also consume additional
food we may have otherwise not chosen to eat!