If you enjoy sipping on cocktails but also want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you might wonder how you can burn off those extra calories.
Luckily, there are several calorie-burning strategies you can use to indulge in your favorite drinks without compromising your health goals. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your cocktails while keeping your calorie count in check:.
1. Choose lower-calorie mixes
One way to minimize the calorie content of your cocktails is to select lower-calorie mixers. For instance, you can mix your liquor with diet soda instead of regular soda or fruit juice to save calories.
Similarly, you can use sugar-free syrups, tonic waters, and bitters to enhance the flavor of your drinks without adding extra calories.
2. Stick to one type of liquor
While it may be tempting to mix different types of liquor, it can also add a significant amount of calories to your cocktail. Instead, try to stick to one type of liquor such as vodka, gin, or tequila, and mix it with low-calorie ingredients.
This can help you keep your calorie intake under control while still enjoying a delicious drink.
3. Avoid sugary cocktails
Cocktails that contain high amounts of sugar can quickly add up your calorie intake. Drinks like pina coladas, margaritas, and daiquiris are notoriously high in sugar and calories.
If you want to indulge in these sweet cocktails, try to limit your intake and consider splitting them with a friend. Alternatively, you can opt for cocktails that have a lower sugar content, such as a vodka soda, a gin and tonic, or a whiskey sour.
4. Incorporate physical activities
You don’t have to give up your favorite drinks to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Instead, you can incorporate calorie-burning exercises into your routine to offset the extra calories.
For instance, you can go for a run, bike ride, or swim before or after consuming cocktails. You can also dance the night away or engage in other physical activities like playing sports or hiking. These exercises can help you burn off extra calories while also improving your fitness level.
5. Hydrate yourself frequently
Dehydration can lead to overeating and over drinking, which can cause you to consume more calories than you need. To prevent this, make sure you hydrate yourself frequently by drinking plenty of water between cocktails.
Not only will you feel more refreshed, but you’ll also stay hydrated, which can improve your overall health.
6. Choose smaller glasses
The size of your cocktail glass can impact how much you drink, and therefore how many calories you consume. To minimize your calorie intake, opt for smaller glasses when drinking cocktails.
This can help you consume less alcohol and limit your calorie intake.
7. Watch the garnishes
While garnishes can enhance the look and taste of cocktails, they can also add unnecessary calories. For example, a slice of lime or lemon can add a few extra calories to your drink.
If you want to minimize your calorie intake, try to stick to simple garnishes or skip them altogether.
8. Don’t drink on an empty stomach
Drinking on an empty stomach can cause you to consume more calories than you need. To prevent this, make sure you eat a balanced meal before drinking cocktails. This can help you feel fuller and reduce your overall calorie intake.
9. Keep track of your calorie intake
To keep yourself accountable, it’s helpful to track your calorie intake when consuming cocktails. You can use a food journal, calorie counter app, or fitness tracker to monitor your calorie intake and ensure that you’re not overdoing it.
This can help you stay on track with your health goals while also enjoying your favorite drinks.
10. Enjoy in moderation
Finally, the most important strategy to keep in mind is to enjoy your cocktails in moderation. While it’s okay to indulge once in a while, it’s important to practice moderation and avoid excessive drinking.
This can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying the pleasures of good cocktails.