Cocktails and swimsuits make for a great combination during the summer months. Unfortunately, many of those delicious beverages we so love to enjoy by the pool can set back all that hard work you did dieting, sweating, and putting hours in at the gym to look your very best in your favorite summer gear.
If only there was that perfect blend, a healthy “calorie conscious cocktail,” that would allow you to stay in that awesome figure you worked so hard for, while satisfying your craving for a delicious, relaxing beach-side beverage?
Well if this is what you are looking for then we have a treat for you!
SI’s Lauren Van Pelt spoke with nutrition expert Jackie Klein about what she recommends for enjoying a cocktail without the high calorie count. Klein also shared some of her own refreshing and healthy drink recipes that are sure to be a hit this summer!
Read through the interview and Jackie’s recipes:
Swim Daily: What are some healthier ways to enjoy cocktails this summer?
Jackie Klein: The best thing to do to save calories is cut the juices and syrups. You’re best off if you can control what you can put in them. Try flavored vodka, such as citrus vodka with a lemon or lime. A lot of places carry gluten-free beers, which are better for you and always a great option for beer drinkers.
SD: How can one cut calories and sugar intake while still enjoying a great drink?
JK: If you’re home, you can control what you put in your drink the same way you can control your food. Don’t use juices, syrups or drink mixes. Instead, try making your own juice or sweeten your drink with agave or stevia, which are all-natural sweeteners and are better for your glycemic index.
SD: Which drinks are the worst culprits when it comes to sugar and calories?
JK: Frozen drinks are killer, such as margaritas and daiquiris because of the syrups.
SD: What other tips do you have about drinking healthier when out and about this summer?
JK: Drink sparingly. For people who work out, they think they can have a drink, but even if you have a drink that doesn’t have many calories, any alcohol that goes into the liver reduces your body’s fat burning capabilities.
Jackie’s Healthy Summer Drink Recipes:
Southern Peach Tea
- 8 cups boiling water
- 7 peach flavored green tea bags
- 4 tbsp. agave
- 8 oz. Ciroc Peach vodka
- Peach slices for garnish
- Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Approximately 100 calories
- 8 grams of carbohydrates
- 8 grams of sugar
Benefits:
Gluten free
Green tea is high in antioxidants and protects heart health
*To prepare tea, in a glass pitcher steep 7 bags for 10 minutes in hot water. Remove tea bags and add 4 tbsp. agave and stir. Let cool, then chill for one hour. Once chilled, add vodka to pitcher. Serve in an ice-filled glass and garnish with fresh peach slices.
Frozen Berry Tart
- 2 cups frozen berries
- 2 oz. Raspberry vodka
- 2 oz. Peach vodka
- 2 oz. water
- 3 Stevia packets
- Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Approximately 125 calories
- 10 grams of carbohydrates
*To prepare, add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
Malibu Banana Berry
- 1 cup frozen berries
- 1/2 banana
- 2 oz. Malibu rum
- 1 tsp. agave
- 2 oz. water
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Approximately 150 calories
Approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates
*To prepare, add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
To read the last 2 recipes go to Sports Illustrated Swim Daily website.
To find out more about healthy substitutes and better nutrition, visit jackiekleinnutrition.com
Feature photo credit: www.portferdinand.com
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