Whether you’re gathering around the tree singing “Silver Bells” or ringing in the New Year, chances are many of us will be celebrating with a drink in hand. This time of year marks many celebratory festivities. ’Tis the season of office parties, holiday open houses, Happy Hours, etc.
Many of us receive numerous invitations this time of year that call for a raising a glass of cheer. For many of us, it is not just the cookies and holiday desserts, but the “liquid” festivities.
Those extra calories can really add up this time of year. So while you may have the willpower to bypass the festive hors d'oeuvres and decadent desserts, liquid calories could put a snag in our efforts.
The types of alcohol you consume can also play a role in the number of extra calories. According to Forbes.com, one of the biggest offenders is a Long Island Iced Tea. This concoction of vodka, tequila,rum, gin, triple sec, sweet and sour mix, and cola is a whopping 780 calories.
A favorite liquid treat of the holidays is eggnog. This creamy drinkable dessert consists of milk, egg yolks, sugar, cinnamon, rum, vanilla and spices is 406 calories according to Fitday.com. A creamy “White Russian” cousin of the nog weighs in at 425 calories. This thick drink is laden with heavy cream, vodka, and coffee liqueur.
Who doesn’t like to start the party with a margarita? This limey delight is a favorite especially here in the Southwest. According to Forbes.com, just one of these party in a glass is a 740 calories.
Most of the time Margaritas are made with margarita mix, tequila and triple sec. Different variations of flavors are added to it such as strawberry, mango, etc.
Who doesn’t like a Pina Colada even caught in the snow and not the rain? Forbes.com reports numbers of 644 calories complete with rum, coconut milk and crushed pineapples.
At nearly six months pregnant, there will be no cocktails for me this holiday season. So, I will accommodate both my designated driver friends and myself with mocktails.
Here are some of my favorite delicious mocktails you can make to entertain your guests and your taste buds.
Fake Sangria
½ cup of pineapple juice, 2 bottles of Perrier, ¼ cup of strawberries, ¼ cup of raspberries, 1 orange (sliced) , 3 limes, 3 lemons, 1 apple (sliced), 1 pink grapefruit,4 tbsp. of stevia powder
Pour pineapple juice and Perrier into a pitcher with all fruit except lemons and limes. Squeeze juice from lemons and limes, then slice remainder of fruit and add to mixture. Add in stevia powder and stir. Let sit overnight.
Decadent Daiquiri
1/2 cup pineapple juice, 10 frozen strawberries, 1/2 frozen banana, 1 cup coconut water
Place all ingredients in blender with one cup of ice and puree until smooth. (Serves 6)
Almond Nog
½ gallon of unsweetened vanilla almond milk, ¼ cup of ice, 1 tsp. of vanilla extract, 1 tbsp. of agave nectar
Mix milk, vanilla agave and ice in blender, pour into glasses and sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. (Serves 8)
Online Resources:
“The Most Fattening Cocktails – Forbes.com.” Forbes Magazine. Web 6 Dec. 2011.
http://www.forbes.com/2005/08/09/cx_sy_0810featslide.html?thisSpeed=35000
“Nutrition Information for Eggnog – Fitday.com.” FITDAY. Web 6 Dec. 2011.
http://www.fitday.com/webfit/nutrition/all_foods/beverages/eggnog_alcoholic.html
Joanne Sgro-Killworth is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training.
Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her husband, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.
Reviewed December 6, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith