Cut the sugar and save on calories with healthier holiday drinks
We all know the holidays are a time of overindulgence, but we may not always think about the calories we are consuming in our drinks this time of year. Sugar-sweetened drinks, like soda, juice, and special holiday coffees and cocktails, are the largest source of added sugar in our diets, and can lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. But you don't have to cut out the flavor! Making one small change in your drinks can make a big impact for your health. Try these ideas for incorporating healthy drinks into your holiday parties this season.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Drinking plenty of water is the first step in cutting calories from drinks, and helps the heart more easily pump blood through the blood vessels to the muscles. Drinking water can help you to feel more full, so drinking a glass before hitting up a party could help you from overeating. If you regularly drink sugary beverages, try cutting down slowly and replacing one or two drinks a day with water or fruit-infused water.
Healthier holiday parties
Whether you're hosting a gathering at your home, or attending a holiday function, there are ways you can enjoy healthier drinks.
• For kid parties, offer small water bottles or 100-percent juice. Try dressing up the water bottles like snowmen or Santa Clauses to make it fun!
• Offer low-calorie mixers for cocktails, like club soda, fresh limes and reduced sugar cranberry juice. Try this American Heart Association Fresh Cranberry Fizz recipe at news.heart.org. Red wine is also a healthier option to enjoy, or to bring with you as a hostess gift.
• Mix up pitchers of fruit-infused water. They look festive and taste great too!
Enjoy your favorites using these healthy swaps
It wouldn't be Christmas without eggnog, right? You don't have to go without - but you can make it healthier by diluting it with fat-free milk, and adding extra cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix up a mug of our Heart-Healthy Hot Chocolate with the recipe at news.heart.org to curl up with for your next holiday movie. It includes healthier ingredients such as unsweetened cocoa powder and fat-free milk to cut sugar and calories.
Share your healthy drink recipes!
The American Heart Association wants to see how you're making healthier drink choices this season! Take a photo of your healthy drink swap and use #OneSmallChange, or share it on the American Heart Association's Chicago Facebook page facebook.com/AHAChicago or Twitter feed @HeartChicago.
Reducing the amount of sugar you're consuming from drinks can save hundreds of calories, and keep you healthier this holiday season. For more ideas on cutting down on sugary drinks, visit www.heart.org/onesmallchange.