It's The FT Holiday Drink Guide!

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the holidays are upon us and, as everyone knows, family functions are a prime time to enjoy a good cocktail (or two)! If you’re focused on improving your fitness, you may be avoiding alcohol completely or enjoying it sparingly to stay on track BUT… did you know that you can enjoy a few good drinks and stay on track with your nutrition and body composition goals?

Pick the right type of alcohol.

Let’s be real… alcohol is not ever going to be healthy, but there are certainly MVP options when choosing the “healthiest” drink. Steer clear of drinks with high sugar content like sugary cocktails, ciders, wine coolers, and liqueurs. Beer is not the best choice either as it is high in carbs and easy to drink a lot of, meaning you’ll consume a lot of extra calories.

Better choices that are lower in carbs, sugar-free, and gluten-free include:

• Vodka
• Gin
• Tequila
• Mezcal
• Whiskey
• Rum
• Red Wine

Mixers matter.

Now that you’ve selected your “healthier” alcohol of choice, it’s time to pick your mixers. Mixers are usually a source of sneaky calories and loads of sugar. We want to AVOID things like cocktail mixes, fruit juices, soda, syrups, etc. Instead, opt for sparkling waters, diet club soda, fresh fruit/veggie garnishes, fresh squeezed citrus juices, honey/stevia, or muddled herbs (such as mint, basil, or ginger).

Consider how much you’re drinking.

Moderation is the way to go when it comes to holiday cocktails. Not every event or gathering warrants a celebratory drink. Overindulgence can be counterproductive, so be selective about what you drink AND when you drink - indulge when it really matters to you. Plan ahead. If you do, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself guilt free and stress-free!