Drinks to Your Health

How's that resolution to loose weight going? Okay, it's only the second day so it's probably too early to ask. However, for those who are holding out and trying to figure out what is best to drink while on a diet there are a few tips and a few cocktails to help out on your journey.

• 80 proof base spirits (gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, and vodka) all have approximately the same nutritional values of 69 calories and 0g (or mg) of fats, carbohydrates, cholesterol, sugars and sodium per 1 oz serving. Brandy is an exception with an additional 2g each of sugars and carbohydrates.
• The higher the proof of those base spirits, the more calories it contains. For example the average 90 proof liquor has 73 calories and the average 100 proof liquor contains 82 calories.
• Martini lovers can revel in the fact that vermouths are low in calories- Martini & Rossi Extra Dry contains 32 calories, 0g sugar and .2g carbs while their Sweet has 40 calories, 0g sugar and 4g carbs.
• It is in the sweeter drinks that the calories, carbs and sugars begin to add up, especially when some of the more syrupy liqueurs are involved. Here's a sampling of some of the more common liqueurs...
  • Amaretto- 110 calories, 3g sugar, 17g carbs
  • Absinthe- 100 calories, 10g sugar, 11g carbs
  • Benedictine- 90 calories, 0g sugar, 5g carbs
  • Kahlua- 53 calories, 11g sugar, 11g carbs
  • Triple Sec- 103 calories, 10.9g sugar, 11g carbs
• Several studies say that irregular, binge drinking may contribute to the "beer belly" than regular, moderate drinking. A blurb on the NY Times site recently attempted to track down the abdominal issue, but it's still up in the air.
• Fresh squeezed juices are better and will not contain the additives some of the bottled varieties do.
• Replace your sugar syrup with agave nectar, which has fewer calories and requires a smaller amount for the same sweetness effect (typically 25% less).
• Healthy mixers are readily available on the market and the majority like PURPLE will not let you miss their health benefits, plus they make for some interesting cocktails like the Purple Martini. You can also get some nutritious vitamins, minerals, antioxidants in a few of the new designer liqueurs like TY KU.

And a few cocktails...

• Look Better Naked Margarita
• Coriandrum
• Organic Sensation

This information is only a reference and is not a recommendation for weight loss or personal health. Consult a nutritionist or visit one of the many diet websites like Calorie-Count for more information.

Look Better Naked Margarita Photo Credit: © Bob Moysan, RSM Images