18 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2024
Alternatives to alcohol when dining out
Dining out or attending social functions often affords access to various types of foods and beverages . Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks will likely be on the menu as well , tempting people to indulge .
Although one alcoholic drink while out at a restaurant will not sabotage a healthy eating plan , when spending a prolonged time in social situations , individuals may be compelled to have multiple drinks , which can be unhealthy and potentially unsafe .
According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest , gin , rum , tequila , vodka , or whiskey each feature between 100 and 120 calories per 1.5-ounce shot . The average beer comes in at 150 calories per serving . It ’ s easy to see how calories can quickly pile up .
Many people would rather save their calories for food than drink them away . Thankfully , individuals can choose from an array of low-calorie , non-alcoholic beverages when hitting the town .
KOMBUCHA
Kombucha is a fermented drink made from tea , sugar , bacteria , and yeast . Since it is fizzy , kombucha can replace beer when dining out . There are various flavors of kombucha , and many replicate the flavor profile of a tangy or refreshing cocktail .
NON-ALCOHOLIC BEERS AND CIDERS
You ’ ll have to check the nutritional information regarding caloric content since options vary , but if skipping alcohol is the ultimate goal , non-alcoholic beers and ciders are good options . They offer the flavor and effervescence of their traditional counterparts without the alcohol .
CLUB SODA WITH MIXERS
Club soda mixed with bitters , cranberry juice , lemon / lime , or other flavor combinations can create flavorful alcohol alternatives . Plus they are refreshing and will not cause dehydration , which can occur when consuming alcohol .
KANNA
Kanna is a plant used in South Africa for centuries , according to Trip , a CBD retailer . Kanna is known for creating a feeling of lightness and tranquility . It may be consumed as an alternative to alcohol to relieve anxiety . While kanna is usually sold in powder form , it can be brewed into a tea or used to make other beverages .
GINGER BEER
Ginger beer is spicy and potent , making it much stronger than its cousin , ginger ale . It ’ s made by fermenting ginger , sugar , water , and lemon juice , says Medical News Today . The result is bold ginger flavor with natural carbonation . Like other soft drinks , the calorie count in ginger beer varies depending on the brand . There are sugar-free alternatives that can help reduce the calorie load .
MATCHA OR OTHER TEAS
Matcha is a type of green tea that is exposed to more sunlight to produce higher chlorophyll and amino acid content . Matcha , like other teas , is high in antioxidants , which is a boon for the body . Matcha is widely available at coffee shops and other establishments . Chilled versions of matcha can be substituted for alcoholic beverages when people want to relax and unwind . Additional tea alternatives include regular iced black or green teas .
A night out is a great time to try new drinks . Those who want to avoid high-calorie alcoholic beverages have many alternatives to choose from .
18 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2024