I must confess, I love red wine. Actually, when the occasion calls for it, I also enjoy a cheeky cocktail, VLS or Baileys on ice. I am only human, and from time to time I really enjoy having a drink with loved ones! In fact, there are actually some benefits alcohol, which is very nice to know.
What are the healthiest drinks?
I often get asked, “What is the healthiest drink??” Before I answer this… sure, there are healthier drink options, but it’s not JUST about the actual drink. As I’ve just mentioned, the QUANTITY of drinks you have, the FOOD you consume with it (or the next day when that hangover is taking over!), and the lack of SLEEP that comes with partying all night are only some of these associated issues.
When it comes to the below list, of course, nothing is really “healthy” when you over do it! So, keep that moderation tip in mind.
- VLS – Vodka, Lime (fresh preferably) and Soda. Although there’s no nutritional value in this drink, it’s pretty low in calories and is super hydrating. Adding a splash of coconut water to this is a great way to add those lovely electrolytes and make this drink more nourishing.
- Red Wine – As many of you will be aware, there’s actually some lovely health benefits which come with a glass of red, a key element of the Mediterranean diet. If you can, opt for organic, bio-dynamic or preservative free wine.
- Manhattan Cocktail - Bourbon, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters.
- Scotch on the Rocks – simple, short and uncomplicated.
- Bloody Mary – Vodka, tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, celery, salt and pepper. The tomato, horseradish and celery make this drink favourable!
Also… choose red wine over white wine; choose wine over beer; choose darker-coloured beer over lighter-coloured beer; and avoid pre-mix sugary numbers.
A Word of Warning…
Alcohol can also be detrimental to our health. Here are some tips to keep in mind to avoid some of the more damaging effects;
- Avoid pre-mixed fizzy sugary drinks – The soft drink, juice, pre-mix or sugar syrup is going to do you absolutely NO favours! I repeat.. ditch the fizzy sugary stuff!
- Make good food choices and don’t snack mindlessly - Drinking can be a HUGE TRAP for making poor food choices. After a drink or two, those salty chips and creamy dips look pretty darn tempting. At the end of a big night out, a pie or kebab can also look pretty good! So, eat something light and healthy before you start drinking, and if you’re heading to a BBQ or mates house, take some healthier nibbles (i.e. veggie sticks and hummus, raw nuts, diced fruit, rice crackers with pesto, curried eggs, etc.)
- Serving size is important. Although a standard size beer is a “middy”, most beer drinkers will opt for a schooner. Similarly, although a standard size wine is 100mL, most wine drinkers drink double this. Remember that 2-3 drinks roughly equal the calories of a meal, and alcohol provides almost as much calories per gram as fat (at 7 calories per gram).
- Drink water - Always drink water WITH or BETWEEN your drinks.
- Moderate your intake – Obviously no alcohol at all would be ideal. However, if this isn’t an option in your world, aim for MORE alcohol-free nights per week than alcohol consuming nights. Ideally, have these back to back. Also, on the nights you feel like a drink, keep your intake to a minimal, drink slowly, avoid binge drinking, don’t drink and drive, and know your limits!
Until next time, Stacey.
