Lauren K Forte

Worried About Calories, But S ll Want to Drink? Don’t Be. There are Drinks That Won’t Make You Feel Guilty Here’s a fun fact: a chocolate mar ni is es mated to have 460 calories, while the Southwestern Grilled Chicken Sandwich from McDonalds is es mated at 360 calories, which makes for 100 calorie difference. To break it down even more, fat, protein, carbohydrates and alcohol all provide calories. Protein and carbs both equal four calories per gram, while just a gram of fat has nine calories. As for alcohol, one gram equals seven calories. Here’s a li le more bad news for those of you who prefer a cocktail: mixed drinks add up quicker in calories. For example, how many calories are in a standard 1.5 ounce serving of an 80-proof vodka alone? 96 calories. Then add in those tasty mixers. Certain mes of the year are surrounded by the comfort of food and drinks, par cularly the Holiday Season. Indulgence is easy to give into, if not effortless. Whether this comes to you as a reminder or it’s the switch that turns on the lightbulb, there is some good news for you cocktail lovers: it is possible to catch a buzz and not feel bad about it. The following drinks have less than 200 calories. A Mar ni This classic drink is not for the gin-shy. Less vermouth means more gin. Depending on your preference, this standard drink is a thumb’s up on the calorie scale, weighing in at 176 calories. Mojito If you are a rum drinker, but are cau ous of your caloric intake, steer clear of pre y much anything that can be ordered at a Tiki bar, i.e. a Rum Runner or a Pina Colada. A mojito provides the same effects, with an added bonus, a 168 calorie bonus, that is. The recipe calls for white rum, mint leaves, lime juice, an ounce of club soda and just a touch of fine sugar, which all makes for a refreshing replacement for those overly sweet concoc ons. Paloma For you tequila lovers out there, you may want to consider passing on the margaritas. A Paloma is a blend of grapefruit and lime juice, mixed in with club soda. Cancel out the sugar or salt around the rim for a healthier alterna ve. Sure, margaritas are appealing and fun, but do not underes mate this drink. For only 166 calories, you can sip on something delicious and guiltless. Definitely a bang for your buck. The Old Fashioned Coming in at 154 calories, this classic brings taste, as well as the effect you want. It can be added with a splash of bi ers or a bit of sugar for more flavor, if you aren’t the straight, no chaser type. A Low-Cal Cosmo A regular cosmopolitan recipe calls for raspberry-flavored vodka, club soda, and a splash of lime and cranberry juices, though “splashes” may vary. Because juices contain high amounts of sugar, make sure the bartender makes it a real splash of cranberry or ask if they have a low-cal version. Or if you want to be your own bartender, purchase the healthier ingredients. Depending on the brands and ingredients, this drink can be as low as 130 calories. A Spicy Bloody Mary Ever realize spicy foods or drinks make you thirsty? Order a Bloody Mary extra spicy and see what you quench for. Think of it as incen ve for cu ng back on the number of drinks, for this drink will take some me to consume. Most Bloody Mary mixes contain at least 25 calories, the vodka containing most of the calories. This drink can be as low as 120 calories, which is well worth having. Mimosa Champagne by itself is 90 calories. Add in the orange juice (preferably a low-cal orange juice), which makes for 111 calories. The Mimosa is popular for being known as the “brunch beverage,” however, champagne is fes ve and celebratory. Nobody said you couldn’t have champagne on any occasion. Vodka Soda Sounds bland, doesn’t it? Keep this in mind: soda water equals zero calories. All one has to count for is the vodka, which shall be repeated is, 96 calories. Some mes the simple things are just what we need and we don’t even realize it. Go ahead, get another. Rum and Diet Thinking about ordering a rum and diet? Why not? For the calorie-conscience, the standard ounce of rum is what is counted for, which makes the drink at a total of 96 calories. Johnny Walker Black and Diet And you thought rum and diet was low. Well, check out Mr. Johnny Walker Black. This drink has a total of 69 calories. Fair warning, cri cism will most likely come for mixing this with a diet soda. Shrug your shoulders and say, “Who cares?” Drink away.