by Chase Rosen
While happy hour may be a great excuse to knock back a drink a few drinks to “relax”- remember that what you’re drinking could be loaded with calories. Did you know that a single chocolate martini has more calories than a McDonald’s grilled chicken sandwich? That’s because there are 7 calories per gram of alcohol in comparison to the 4 calories per gram of protein or carbohydrate.
But that doesn’t mean happy hour has to be a diet downer! Here are three tasty and low calorie alternatives to consider the next time you’re out.
1. Bloody Mary with Shrimp: With only 78 calories and zero grams of fat, this colorful drink is always a healthy choice! There are also loads of vitamin C and A, potassium and folates, a key nutrient that can help lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
- 22 ounces reduced-sodium V8
- 1 teaspoon horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 10 dashes Tabasco
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 3 ounces vodka, optional
- Ice cubes
- 4 cooked shrimp
2. Blueberry Lime Margarita: 125 calories and a nice buzz later, your body will thank you for the influx of vitamin A and C!
- 2 cups ice
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 cup blueberry nectar
- 1/4 cup seltzer
- 2 tablespoons frozen limeade
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 ounces tequila, optional
- 1 lime wedge
- Coarse salt
3. Strawberry Coconut Daiquiri: This refreshing cocktail is loaded with 70% of the daily value of vitamin C! With only 112 calories and 12g carbohydrates, this smoothie will do a body good!
- 2 1/2 cups chopped fresh or frozen (not thawed) strawberries, (about 12 ounces)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 cups ice cubes
- 3/4 cup coconut-flavored rum, such as Malibu
(All recipes are courtesy of allrecipes.com)