10/11/12 - 0 Comments
Happy Hour with Fewer Calories
It’s no secret that one of the best parts of the day is between the hours of 5 and 7pm. This is when you get to blow off some steam with friends and coworkers by downing some discounted drinks. But what if you just started a diet and are worried about calories? Or you simply don’t want that beer belly from your college days to return? Here are five popular drinks that you can order while monitoring those calories!
Skinny Margarita: A classic margarita is only supposed to have tequila, lime juice and a little bit of agave. But most bars usually add the fake premade mixes, so make sure to avoid those. If your margarita only has lime juice and tequila it should be fewer than 150 calories. Be specific when ordering your drink and, if you see that the bar has Skinnygirl margarita mix, ask for that, since It has fewer calories than other tequila brands.
Cosmopolitan: This just might be one of the most popular happy hour drinks. But all the sugar packed in this little drink makes the calorie count really high. Ask for diet or unsweetened cranberry juice and fresh lime juice instead. You can also ask for a liquid artificial sweetener instead of just sugar. After substituting these ingredients, this drink should be about 190 calories.
Vodka Soda: This might be one of duller drinks that you can order at the bar, but it also has the fewer calories. The brand of vodka isn’t important for this beverage, just the type of soda. Keep away from ones that are high in sugar—diet Sierra Mist, diet 7-Up or Sprite Zero are good choices. This drink will keep you under 100 calories!
Mojito: Bartenders have been changing the classic mojito recipe for years and years, although sometimes increasing those pesky calories. If you still want a mojito without all the extra flavors, you can ask for a classic mojito. This should include rum, soda water, lime, mint and a little bit of sugar. If you stick to these ingredients, you’ll get a drink with fewer than 150 calories. If you’re still worried about the sugar, just ask for less to be put in your drink—simple as that!
Gin & Tonic: You probably never thought to order this, but a G&T will help you stay on your diet. No need to ask for specific ingredients for this drink—a simple gin and tonic is only about 100 calories with its two ingredients.
There are also beers that are lower in calories like Michelob Ultra and other light beers. Or, if you are in a classier mood, you can always order a glass of champagne, which is only around 80 calories. Now, onto enjoying that happy hour!
Photo credit: MarketStreetInnSalisbury, LivingFrugalTips
