Summer is in full swing and the long holiday weekend is about to begin! I’m sure many of you are looking forward to the fireworks, barbecues and just hanging out at the beach or pool. What you might not be looking forward to is the heat. When summer gets too hot and sticky (even for me), I love to chill out with a refreshing drink. A nice, fresh drink can be just the thing to cool you off on a lazy summer day. The only problem with liquid refreshment is that some summer drinks are full of sugar and calories. The extra sugar and calories definitely won’t help you maintain your bathing suit body. Forget about the high calorie daiquiris and pina coladas this weekend and try some of my favorite summer drinks. They are made with healthy ingredients and are low in sugar and calories. - Unsweetened iced tea - A refreshing zero calorie thirst quencher. To make this drink even healthier, try making it with white or green tea. Just add lots of ice and lemon to give it a great taste.
- Pomegranate juice – This juice is great when mixed with club soda! Chill it well and it will make a very high antioxidant, refreshing drink. (A pomegranate martini also makes a great summer night cocktail!)
- Smoothies – Be careful of smoothies that you buy at smoothie shops! Make your own smoothies to be sure they are low calorie and low sugar. Smoothie shops often add extra juice, sugar or sherbet which all contribute to sugar and calorie content. When making you own smoothies, start with fresh fruit. Choose fruits that are low in calories and high in taste such as kiwi, watermelon or strawberries. They are all high in fiber and antioxidants. Mix them with some low fat yogurt or skim milk and some ice. Blend them in a blender and sip away. You can add a drop or two of honey to give your smoothie a little something extra but only use a little as the calories can add up.
- Orangeade! Orangeade was my favorite summer drink growing up. We would drink it while walking on the boardwalk at the Jersey shore and my dad would make it for us when we were at home relaxing by the pool. All you need is orange juice, lime juice, cold water and a little sugar. To make a pitcher of orangeade, combine 4 cups water, 2 cups orange juice, ½ cup lime juice and 1/3 cup sugar. Mix well with a spoon and pour into glasses. Add as much ice as you like and you can garnish with an orange slice. YUM!
- Mimosa - A light morning sipper for the adults. This is great with breakfast, brunch or even lunch. Make your mimosa with champagne and light orange, tangerine or pineapple juice. The light juice usually has half the calories of regular juice. A mimosa is a very refreshing way to start a hot summer day.
Pick your favorite summer beverage and sip away. Remember, don’t drink too many of your calories. Choose a light, refreshing summer drink and get ready to relax!
Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
- Jennifer
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