Offering Healthier Holiday Drinks

By Brandi Swieter 

Eggnog, punch, and cheerful alcoholic beverages are the common drinks of choice throughout the holiday season. Though these options may be tasty, they're also full of calories and sugar. Offering healthier holiday drinks during the season and at the next gathering helps to reduce everyone's caloric intake and amount of sugar. Plenty of healthy options exist that are still festive. 

Infuse Water with Fruit

Some party guests will be fine drinking water. For those who like to taste something, infusing the drink with fruit can be a huge help. A pomegranate and rosemary concoction is highly reminiscent of Christmas time. It will look like a mistletoe in a glass and leave guests feeling joyful.

Try a Low-Fat Eggnog

Let's face it, eggnog is a holiday staple that many don't want to go without. If people must have the drink, a low-fat version is the best option. This will cut out some of the calories and make it so a drink or two of the thick and creamy beverage won't tip the scale too far. Almond milk, egg yolks, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg make up the majority of the recipe. 

Make Homemade Apple Cider

Apple cider is another favorite during the holiday season. With apples plentiful in fall, stores have shelves full of the fruit. They're easily attainable, making this drink possible to make any time it's desired. To start, the drink maker should use a juicer to squeeze apple juice out of their fruit. It should be cooked in a saucepan with ginger, lemon zest, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and Chinese star anise. It will take about 20 minutes, with orange slices added in during the last five. A strainer will get all of the spices and thick pieces out of the drink. Serve it hot for a refreshing drink that offers nutritional value.

Create a Cleansing Winter Cocktail

Despite the name, this cocktail has no alcohol. It's a cleansing drink that helps to rid the body of toxins and make people feel overall better. It's great to serve during the holidays when sickness runs rampant. This juice drink can be a substitution for the typical punch served at parties. Beetroot, cranberries, mandarins, parsley, and ginger root make up the mix. Leafy greens can be added as well to pack even more nutrition into the beverage. Organic ingredients should be chosen. 

The holidays tend to be filled with unhealthy food and beverage choices. Make a few small changes, such as offering healthier drinks, and it will improve the well-being of all. Healthy holidays are possible for those who make the effort.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Kingwood, Tex.

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