Summer Cocktails - Tips to Enjoy with Less Guilt!

Summertime brings on social events and cocktails! Want to enjoy a cocktail without sabotaging your waistline!

Here are some tips!

First of all. DO NOT drink on an empty stomach. It is a recipe for disaster for obvious reasons.

Eating beforehand will also help fill you up!

Drink water between each alcoholic drink.

Limit yourself.

Drink wisely.

Keep it simple! Choose drinks with fewer ingredients; it will mean fewer calories.

If you like liquor (vodka, tequila, rum, whiskey, gin, etc. ), try having it on the rocks or neat.

Most spirits contain approx 96 calories per 1.5 ounces; once you start adding mixes or turning it into an "umbrella drink" look out!

Stick to zero-calorie mixes such as club soda, seltzers, sparkling water and diet soda I'm not a fan of diet sodas but once in a while in mixed drinks is better than the sugar bomb sodas. Tonic, a favourite of many is not a great option. 12 ounces contains 32 grams of sugar!!!

If you are looking for a sweet mix, pure fruit juice is better than a sugar laden mix.

Drink wine. It's low in calories. A 5-ounce serving contains about 100 calories. White wine, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, Pino Grigio or Prosecco is a great option. You can increase your hydration and cut calories even more by making them into a spritzer by adding club soda.

Light beer is a better option than a pale ale.

Add flavour with fresh citrus slices, not syrups.

Stay away from the fancy drinks!! A Pina Colada usually starts at 300 calories! YIKES! One of my personal favourites is a Mojito. I always ask for it to be lightly sweet (the muddling of sugar or adding simple syrup can really add the calories) I request extra mint and lime for flavour instead of sugar. Mojitos are also mostly soda water and ice, so they fill you up quickly and keep you hydrated.

Here are two recipes to try.

Watermelon Mojito 100 Calories Using a big spoon or muddler, gently crush watermelon cubes and fresh mint leaves. Add rum or vodka and sparkling water. This will cut the calories in half, and you're not consuming extra sugar.

Margarita Made Simple 170 Calories Margaritas seem to go hand in hand with the beach and summer. You can still enjoy one by keeping it simple The frozen ones that come out of machines are calorie and sugar bombs! Try this instead. 1 shot of tequila and lime juice to taste with a splash of triple sec. Shake with ice. You'll get all the flavour and less of the guilt. I shouldn't have to say this, but I will…. Please drink responsibly, limit yourself and always have a safe way home. Never drink and drive. Even one drink can slow your reaction time on any vehicle (car, boat, motorcycle jet ski)