Alcoholic Beverages:
Best & Worst Choices

I don’t know about you, but this is my problem area. I am a social drinker and the holidays are a social time, so I usually drink too much. Being a realistic person and nutritionist, I know I am not going to give up alcohol but I will at least choose healthier types of beverages and consume wisely.
How Does Alcohol Make You Fat:
The Bottom Line

You are welcome to read a bigger overview about how your body metabolizes alcohol, but here’s the bottom line: It’s important to stick to a drink with the lowest sugar content and the fewest ingredients, just like your food choices. Most hard liquors (1.5 oz serving) are a cleaner lower calorie drink than beer (12 oz serving) and wine (5 oz serving). Beer and wine have higher sugar content, therefore store more fat. Be careful with mixers that are high in sugar, artificially sweetened or contain caffeine. These toxic ingredients will heighten hangovers and damage your metabolism. Club soda is my favorite mixer and adding fresh squeezed fruit is a great way to add natural flavor. Last but not least, drink lots of water to prevent dehydration and hangover symptoms. And if you would like to cleanse your body from all the holiday toxins, make sure to check out my successful 9 Day Detox Program (checkout huge discount on the left side).
Best & Worst Alcohol Choices

Worst 3 Holiday Cocktails:
Egg Nog with Rum or Brandy (1 cup) = Approximately 450 calories, 10 grams saturated fat, 60 grams carbohydrates, 50 grams sugar
Rum and Coke (12 oz) = Approximately 370 calories, 26 grams of carbohydrates, 26 grams of sugar
Hot Toddy with Apple Cider and Whiskey or Rum (1 cup) = Approximately 200 calories, 25 grams of carbohydrates, 23 grams of sugar
Best Alcoholic Drinks
(Lowest in sugar and clean ingredients):
Vodka and Club: If this is too boring for you, jazz it up with a splash of juice and lots of fresh squeezed lime.
Skinny Margarita: You can’t even compare a store bought mix with this clean recipe. I posted it below.
Red Wine: Like I said, wine and beer have a little more natural sugar than hard liquor so drink in moderation. Due to it’s antioxidant content, I choose red wine first, then white wine, and then beer.
My 2 Favorite Cocktail Recipes

The Betsy Special: light and refreshing
1.5 oz premium vodka
1 cup club soda, raspberry flavor (not artificially sweetened)
Splash of cranberry juice
2 fresh squeezed limes wedges

Skinny Margarita: clean and simple
2oz premium Tequila
1 cup club soda or mineral water
4+ fresh squeezed lime wedges
Hope you are inspired to make healthy decisions this holiday season, including your alcohol choices. I want to take this opportunity to thank all my clients and readers for your continued support. I am very grateful to have you enriching my life. Happy Healthy Holidays to all!!!!!!

Sincerely ,

Betsy Markle
Sunshine Wellness

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