When most people think of happy hour or after dinner cocktails, the last thing they think is that an alcoholic beverage could possibly be consumed as part of any diet. Seriously, who isn’t trying to eat healthier, or stick to some kind of diet these days? Granted, alcohol has never actually been considered “healthy” per se. However, you don’t have to give up this relaxing indulgence. Alcoholic beverages can be consumed in moderation, and by choosing diet friendly cocktails to indulge in.
There are many alcoholic drinks that can be made in a “light” version. When you order cocktails at a restaurant or bar, or decide to create your own cocktails at home, a great tip is to keep your drink very simple and light. When you create your own drink, it is under your discretion how much of each ingredient to add. If you are out at a restaurant or bar, you can mention to the bartender to add more ice, and to not include too much of any sugary ingredients, like syrups and juice mixers.
When you create or order a lighter version of a cocktail, you may be sacrificing the sugary sweetness of a Whiskey Sour or Malibu Bay Breeze. But you can still enjoy a relaxing and great tasting cocktail. Below are 5 diet friendly cocktail suggestions to help keep your diet on track.
- Vodka and Seltzer
This one is a very popular, and light mixed drink that can be enjoyed on any diet. When you start with a good amount of ice, go more on the seltzer, which comes in many flavors, like lemon, lime, raspberry, and coconut, and add a splash of vodka, it’s the perfect combination of flavor and calories.
- Light Beer
If you would prefer a beer over a cocktail, there are many great beers to drink ice cold while still keeping loyal to your diet. Michelob, Coors and Bud, among others, all come in light versions with less calories than their standard counter parts.
- Red Wine
We have all heard the stories and read the ads on how red wine is good for you, in moderation of course. Not to say you should ever over-indulge, but a simple glass of the red wine of your choosing, perhaps a pinot noir or merlot, will not only compliment your meal, but also offer antioxidants, which are in fact healthy for your body.
- Jack and Coke
This mixed drink is another popular favorite of many, and one most would think could never be diet friendly. In actuality, diet coke poured over ice, with a hint of Jack Daniels Whiskey, can create quite the low calorie and diet friendly mixed drink.
- Bloody Mary
A Bloody Mary is made with Vegetable Juice, versus sweet and sugary fruit juices. Worcestershire and hot sauce, complimented with a splash of vodka or tequila, and sprinkled with a little salt and pepper, creates another flavorful mixed drink that will be kind to your diet.
As a whole, consuming alcohol every now and again in moderation should not compromise your diet plan. However, over-indulging can be self-sabotaging. Whether it be to maintain a healthier eating lifestyle, or that you are dieting to lose weight, always keep an eye on the big picture and stay focused on the ultimate goal.
