How to Keep Summertime Cocktails Off Your Waistline
We are in the heat of summer folks and sitting outside with a nice cold cocktail is often times tempting. In addition, there are more parties and reasons to drink alcohol during the lazy days of summer.
Many of you will begin with a glass or two of wine each evening and wonder why you can’t lose weight. Did you know that a bottle of wine has 27 grams of sugar? That’s more sugar then you should be eating in an entire day. And what about that Margarita? Well, if it’s on the rocks you’re looking at up to 50 grams of sugar in a large one and if it’s frozen it can be as much as 156 grams of sugar!
It’s not just the calories from sugar that will pack the pounds on us but what is actually happening to your metabolism when you drink alcohol. While your liver is busy breaking down the alcohol, the rest of the calories you consumed will be stored as fat. So yes, it’s a double whammy! Sugar from the drinks spike insulin causing fat storage and body stores calories as fat while the liver is busy metabolizing the alcohol. In addition, alcohol lowers our inhibitions and often times leads us to eat foods we regularly would not be eating. So I correct myself – it’s a triple whammy! No wonder it’s so hard to lose weight if you drink alcohol.
So, if you really want to keep your waistline looking slim and the fat off your thighs this summer you need to understand what it is you are putting in your body and make some better choices when it comes to cocktail hour.
To reduce sugar and calories coming from alcohol here are a few of my favorite recommendations.
Vodka with Club Soda and a Twist of Lime
Instead of a sweet syrup or fruit juice in your drink, try adding just a touch of stevia with lime or lemon. If you are gluten sensitive make sure you get a gluten free vodka like Tito’s or Ciroc.
Skinny Margarita
Try making a skinny margarita using the following recipe by combining all ingredients in a shaker bottle then serve with or without a salted glass. Agave Tequila is the lowest in carbs so try to stick with that type.
1 cup ice
2 oz. Agave Tequila
2 T fresh lime juice (from a lime)
1 T fresh orange juice (from an orange)
1/2 tsp stevia
Light beer
If you don’t have an issue with gluten a light beer isn’t a bad choice. Most of them come in low in carbohydrates (sugar) and calories. Check out Corona Premier or Amstel Light for a richer flavor.
Kombucha
Ideally, I recommend my clients limit alcohol to once or twice a week at most and plan for it in advance. Having a wine glass of Kombucha on the other nights is a great alternative to alcohol.
Kombucha is a fermented tea and has just a smidgen of alcohol to it. You can find some Kombucha with a little extra alcohol added and those are good too. This low sugar, gut friendly beverage will help you skip the happy hour drinks.
Learning how to manage your social time with lighter drinks will save you some major hours in the gym later.
Are you looking to transform your health? Mary works with clients all over the country developing personalized nutrition and exercise plans for weight loss and health. If you’re ready to get started on your journey to health and wellness contact her today!
Visit BodyDesigns Two Week Detox Plan or BodyDesignsbyMary for more information.
[…] Drinking alcohol everyday WILL create a weight issue. Alcohol adds to weight gain in many ways including excess caloric intake, promoting fat storage while the liver works to break it down and breaking down our inhibitions so we tend to eat more. Triple whammy! But what would summer be without that occasional cocktail on the deck or on vacation right? When you do indulge, drink smart to keep the calories and sugar down. If you like wine choose a Proseco or Rose for a lighter choice. If you prefer beer, try one of the super light varieties like Beck’s Premier Light for a rich taste without all the calories. For more light cocktail ideas, check out my post here – How To Keep Summertime Cocktails Off Your Waistline. […]
[…] choices and again be prepared in advance by bringing what you need to stay on track. Check out my How To Keep Summertime Cocktails off Your Waistline for some good […]