Healthier Cocktails on Vacation

Chances are if you’re already reading this, I’m sure you’re planning on drinking on your Spring Break vacation. You’re probably a cross between, “I want to be healthy... but I want to YOLO.” Rightfully so!

Now there are ways you can be healthy and ways you can have fun. The healthiest choice would be to not drink at all because you’re adding toxins to your body, but we all know that’s not always realistic. However, there are healthier drink options that can provide you a balance that feels good and guilt-free.

Spring Break "Healthier" Drinking Tips:

Go ahead, celebrate and pop those bottles of Champagne!

There’s a reason why everyone drinks champagne in LA. One glass of Brut (extra dry) averages between 85-90 calories, compared to a 6 oz glass of wine that has anywhere between 140-220 calories. The calorie count in wine is mostly determined by the Alcohol by Volume percentage (ABV). One gram of alcohol is 7 calories, while one gram of sugar (carbs) is 4 calories.

A perfect balance: Mimosas

I love fresh squeezed orange juice or pineapple juice with my champagne. Fresh fruit has vitamin C to help your immune system while alcohol hinders it. Mimosas provide a healthy balance all in one glass. Drink up!

Just a splash!

If you’re going for that cranberry vodka, choose a vodka soda with lime, and only a splash of cranberry or orange.

Fun fact: You are less likely to have a hangover from rum, vodka, gin, and other clear liquors; compared to brandy, tequila, wine, whiskey and other dark liquors metabolized by the body that cause “congeners” (aka hangover symptoms). (RD. Natalie Muth).

The fresher, the better

No, fake friends. We like the real deal. Order your drinks the same way. The fresher the ingredients the better! Don’t be afraid to ask the bartender or server if a drink is fresh squeezed fruit, puree, or syrup. If you’re consuming and paying for it, then ask for fresh squeezed if possible. Second best choice is puree if fresh squeezed is not available.

Go Skinny in a Bikini

Order the skinny margaritas. Save the calories. The lighter the drink, the lighter you feel and you can still strut down the beach in that bikini with no worries. If the option is there, order it skinny!

Choose light beer!

Choosing light beer is an easy way to save calories. For instance, Coors light or Bud light are 100 calories, and save about 50 calories per 12 oz compared to regular Coors or Budweiser. 3 light beers = 300 calories... compared to 3 regular beers = 450 calories.

The Low down…..

What to Avoid:

Mixing a lot within the hour

I recommend not mixing wine, liquor, champagne, and beer within the hour. If you’re going to mix your drinks, make sure you drink water in between and eat quality food....You’re on vacation, treat yourself to quality tasteful meals.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, especially if you’re out in the sun all day!

Straight, No Chaser

I understand... shots are fun. Depending on the type of alcohol, you might think that you are saving calories compared to mix drinks, which is valid (depending on the type of liquor). However, mixers are important to help the body metabolize and digest alcohol more sufficiently. Mixers help prevent sickness and hangovers, which you don't want on vacation. If you want to enjoy your day on the beach next day, add club soda or fresh juice to your shot. Enjoy your drink!

PBR…. need I say more?

Sugar on Sugar

Sugar hangovers are a real thing, and you will want to avoid the extra syrups and sour mixes. Sugar piles on calories as well and can cause sickness. If you want to be healthier, the less the better.

Avoid Eating Fried Foods

Go for bread over fried foods. Fried foods will only hurt your stomach and dehydrate you more while drinking. Additionally, they are high unwanted calories that your body does not need.