Ive known a lot of people that have said to me that once they turned 21 they gained a bunch of weight. A lot of that weight gain comes from the more frequent visits to the bars.
Now I’m not a doctor or any type of health guru, but I love to go out whether it's chill drinking with my boyfriend, or going out for a Friday night banger with my girls. I try my hardest to find the drinks that don’t kill my wallet, and keep me from gaining any unwanted weight due to all the calories and sugars in alcoholic beverages.
Here is a list of four drinks that I have come up with that 1) don’t totally break the bank 2) taste pretty good and 3) are “healthier” options for anyone wanting to cut some calories and or their sugar intake!
1. Pinot Nior.
Most people have heard that drinking one glass of red wine a day keeps your risk for certain diseases lowered and is good for your heart. That information is true, but a lot of people forget to add Pinot Noir to that list. Although Pinot Noir is also a red wine it has shown to be very high up on the list of “healthier” red wines. Pinot Noir is moderately low in calories - a 5-ounce portion contains only 121 calories, which isn't bad at all.
It also contains a beneficial phytonutrient called resveratrol. Resveratrol is commonly found in different nuts and is in the skin of red grapes. They’re thought to act as an antioxidant that protects your body against damage and lowers your risk for certain diseases. Pinot Noir also contains large amounts of Tannins, anthocyanin, and procyanidin which can raise the “good" type of cholesterol, and lower the "bad" type of cholesterol. So when you go to order your “glass of red wine a day” grab a Pinot Noir and maybe you’ll find a new favorite!
2. Tequila And Seltzer With Lime.
Tequila itself is actually very good for you… IF you drink the top shelf stuff that is made with 100% Agave. Tequila has been proven to help you lose weight, it aids digestion, it's a probiotic and a prebiotic, and it can help reduce the risk of certain diseases. Those reasons alone make me want to stick to Tequila. The reason this drink tastes good even though it sounds like it would be awful is because of the Agave within the tequila.
Agave makes the liquor naturally sweet without any added sugars, which is a plus on all types of health levels. Adding a lemon or lime to the mix adds fruit and an extra punch of flavor again without adding fake sugars. If you are into tequila at all, try a Tequila with Seltzer or go for my favorite version - Tequila Shot! All the benefits of the top shelf agave tequila and no extra calories or sugars, all natural baby!
3. Vodka On The Rocks With Any Hot Sauce.
Although this drink sounds like Satan’s revenge, it really is a good tasting drink. The taste mimics something similar to a Bloody Mary, but is lower in calories and has more of a kick so you won't drink it fast. The vodka itself is pretty low in calorie count and isn’t adding to any extra weight gain you’ve noticed.
What does add on the calories to your favorite Vodka mixed drink is the sugars in them such as Cranberry juice and Orange juice. Cutting out the sugary mixers not only cuts your calorie intake but also is a huge contributor to why you end the night crouched over the toilet. Sugar is the enemy when it comes to mixed drinks. For some extra fun- add a few olives to it contribute to your Little Apple chicness.
4. Guinness, For The Beer Lovers.
I know you're thinking, "Why is beer on this list we all know beer is like the most calorie and carb filled alcoholic beverage there is." But if you are anything like me, I love a good beer. That's why I had to give some sort of beer option so I wasn’t sent to a deserted island somewhere when you, the readers, revolted against me! Your best choice when it comes to a beneficial beer is a nice original Guinness.
Now I know that that option seems like the worst of all the beers I could have picked, but there are really great health contributors within a Guinness that go into why he made it on the list. We all know that a Guinness is as carbacious and calorific as other beers, but what you didn’t know is that Guinness has a higher nutritional value than the rest! It boasts soluble fiber, vitamin b12 and has antioxidants, just like wine! So if you’re at the bar and really have to get a beer, try a Guinness!
