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In one of the more unfair laws of the universe,alcoholisn’t exactly a health elixir.
Winslow Productions / Tetra Images / Getty Images; Graphic by Margaret Flatley
Liberator of deep, dark secrets, yes.
“You have dance moves likeBeyonceand need to share them with the world” cheerleader, sure.
First, a primer on how to order low-calorie alcoholic drinks.
The good news is alcoholic drinkscanbe lightened up if you know how to order them.
And remember, thatsbeforeyou start adding in mixers.
Gentle reminder: Tonic water isnotthe same as soda water.
A 12-ounce can has about 124 calories and 32 grams of sugar, says Beller.
Unfortunatelywineisnt much better calorie-wise.
Ask for just a splash, says Beller, who is a fan of antioxidant-richpomegranatejuice over cranberry juice.
Keep reading to learn which low-calorie alcoholic drinks other nutritionists recommend.
I prefer Bloody Marys to sweet drinks because the extrasugarin most cocktails gives me a terrible hangover.
Abbey Sharp, R.D.,Abbey’s Kitchen
2.
And of course I appreciate the occasional glass of French champagne because life’s too short not to."
Denise Julia Garbinski, M.B.A., R.D.N.
ofBotanical Nutrition Therapy
3.
I also ask the bartender to use a jigger so I know how muchalcoholis mixed in."
Just a splash of the cranberry juice adds enough flavor but keeps the calories in check."
Dawn Orsaeo, R.D., L.D.N.
Molly Morgan, R.D., C.D.N., C.S.S.D., owner ofCreative Nutrition Solutions
6.
A Scotch on the rocks
“My favorite is Macallan 12-year aged Scotch.
Rebecca Lewis, in-house R.D.
atHelloFresh
7.
Sarah Rueven, R.D., owner ofSarah Rueven Nutrition
8.
I opt for seltzer instead, which is just water with bubbles.
A squeeze of either lemon or lime gives the drink a healthy (and sugar-free) boost of flavor!
Emily Brown, R.D.N., L.D., wellness dietitian at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program
10.
Most of the time, the mint and extra lime are enough flavor for me.
If I’m feeling like it needs a little extra sweetness, I’ll add my ownsugaror stevia.
I end up with a perfect drink every time.”
Dina Garcia, R.D.N., mindful eating coach and founder ofVida Nutrition
11.
A glass of sauvignon blanc or a simple marg
“I don’t worry about calories or sugar.
Laura Cipullo, R.D., C.D.N., C.D.E., C.E.D.R.D., owner ofLaura Cipullo Whole Nutrition
12.
Tanya Zuckerbrot, M.S., R.D.
Esther Blum, M.S., R.D., author ofEat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous
14.
Quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity.
