If you enjoy a tasty adult beverage once in a while, it could derail your healthy eating or diet journey. Studies show that alcohol can cause weight gain by stopping you from burning fat, making you feel insatiably hungry, and packing on the calories and, consequently, the pounds. It's challenging to stick to your nutrition goals when you're adding even moderate amounts of alcohol to the mix.
The good news is that you don't need to give up your tastiest drinks when you're reducing your alcohol consumption. You can still indulge in healthy mocktails for a fun and refreshing way to sip the day away guilt-free.
What Are Healthy Mocktails?
Mocktails, or "virgin" cocktails, are just cocktails without the alcohol. They're also a good alternative for anyone who enjoys the social outlet or flavor of a well-crafted drink. Whether you're at a party, at home with friends, or on a picnic, mocktails are an alcohol-free way to enjoy flavorful drinks. Unfortunately, many mocktails are filled with sugary syrups that won't do your health any favors. Instead, you can dive into the world of healthy mocktails and add more nutrition to you day.
Mocktail Health Benefits
We've already established that going easy on alcohol or eliminating it altogether can help you eat better. But relying on mocktails as an alternative also offers other benefits beyond weight management:
Hydration: Most mocktails use a water base and healthy ingredients that promote hydration, especially on hot days.
Nutrient Boost: Your mocktail's fresh fruits and herbs come packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants. They contribute to overall health, sustain energy levels, and improve your well-being.
Digestive Aid: Your mocktails can be a digestive aid when adding ingredients like ginger or mint as a post-meal drink.
Regain Control: Even small amounts of alcohol can loosen your grip on your goals, whether it's healthy eating or staying more productive.
The Art of Crafting Healthy Mocktails
Creating a healthy mocktail starts with skipping the alcohol and syrups. Whenever possible, your mocktail should focus on a combination of fresh fruits, herbs, and innovative ingredients for flavor and color. For example, honeysuckle, elderflower, roses, and lilacs add a splash of color to your drink and are safe for consumption in moderation. Need ideas? Start collecting your core ingredients.
Fresh Fruit: Go shopping for ripe berries and citrus slices as a staple for your healthy mocktails. They'll deliver flavor and a boost of essential vitamins to fuel your day.
Herbs: Reach for fresh mint, basil, and rosemary to elevate the flavor profile of a mocktail. You can also start your own herb garden dedicated to your love of healthy mocktails.
Sparkling Water: Bubbly water adds an effervescence to your drink and gives it the sensation of sipping champagne.
Bitters: If your mocktail is sweet enough, add a drop or two of aromatic bitters to give your drink a unique and sophisticated dimension.
Mocktail Ideas for Every Day of the Week
If you're not sure where to start on your healthy mocktail journey, add these to your go-to line-up.
Virgin Mojito: Start the week with a classic combo of sparkling air, fresh lime juice, mint leaves, and a touch of sweet fruit for a revitalizing treat. This healthy mocktail also pairs great with our chicken with jasmine rice and beans pre-prepped meal.
Sparkling Berry Fizz: Mix up sparkling water, mixed berries, and a splash of lemon juice to create a vibrant and refreshing drink.
Cucumber Cooler: Cool off mid-week with sparkling water, cucumber, lime juice, and a hint of agave syrup to come together for a revitalizing mocktail.
Pineapple Paradise: Blend together coconut water, pineapple chunks, and a squeeze of lime for a tropical delight.
Spiced Apple Cider Punch: Simmer some fresh apple cider with cinnamon sticks and cloves before serving chilled with just a touch of cinnamon sugar around the rim.
Strawberry Sparkling Mocktail: Add frozen strawberries, lemon juice, and sparkling water to create a zesty sweet drink.
Margarita Mocktail: Blending grapefruit juice and lime sparking water with a teaspoon of Stevia or manuka honey helps sweeten up this drink. You can also line the rim with salt and top it off with a lime wedge to make it look more like the real thing.
Next Steps
Healthy mocktails are more than colorful drinks; they can add more to your health when done right. Want to make health and nutrition even easier? Pair your new mocktails with our done-for-you meals with lean protein, fibrous vegetables, whole grains, and more to optimize your day. FitTrax helps fuel your performance with macro-friendly meals and dishes with weekly to 21-day meal options. Or choose from our a la carte option and bulk items to maximize your favorite flavors and nutrients. Get started today.