CHOOSING HEALTHY HOLIDAY DRINKS
As the holidays approach, there are ample opportunities to celebrate with holiday drinks. Holiday drinks come in a variety – some are warm or cold, possibly alcoholic or non-alcoholic… no matter the way the drink comes, it does not have to be unhealthy. Enjoy the below tips and recipes on some of the greatest holiday drinks. **Remember: consume alcoholic drinks in moderation.
HEALTHY CHOICE
Hot Cocoa
The key to making a hot chocolate healthy is to choose a dark chocolate blend. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids that reduce inflammation and is also a rich source of catechins which are antioxidants that help boost the immune system and prevent disease. When reading the ingredients listing, choose a cocoa that lists dark chocolate as the first ingredient or melt a bar of dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa. Go a step further and make the cocoa with low-fat milk to cut fat and calories.
Mulled Wine
Studies have shown that an occasional glass of red wine can help lower the risk of heart disease…The flavonoids and resveratrol have shown to have anti-inflammatory effects that might help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration.
Apple Cider with Cinnamon
With two powerful forces, this drink can do no wrong! The nutrients in apples act as antioxidants and protect brain cells from damage. The phytochemicals in apples may also protect against colon cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Cinnamon has been shown to improve glucose and cholesterol levels in the blood.
Hot Eggnog
Eggnog can be made healthy by using skim or low-fat milk, which reduces the amount of fat and calories. Eggnog does contain calcium which helps keep bones strong! The eggs provide a good source of protein and lutein, an antioxidant that has shown to help with the prevention of vision problems.
RECIPES
Warm Eggnog
• 4 cups skim milk
• 6 eggs, beaten
• 3/4 cups of Splenda®
• 2-3 tablespoons of brandy, bourbon, or amaretto
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup light whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
Beat the eggs, Splenda®, and salt in a bowl. Stir in skim milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture coats a metal spoon. Remove from heat.
Stir in alcohol of choice, vanilla, and ground nutmeg. Before serving, beat light whipping cream with a mixer on medium speed until soft peak forms. To serve, put the eggnog into a punch bowl and fold in whipping cream. Serve immediately. Sprinkle each cupful with additional ground nutmeg.
Recipe provided by Dara Steiger, MS, RD, director of nutrition at L.A. Weight Loss Centers.
Cranberry Cosmopolitan
Cranberries are a seasonal powerhouse that protect against urinary tract infections, are a great source of Vitamin C and flavonoids which eliminate the toxins from the body.
• ½ cup of Cranberry Liqueur
• ¼ cup Cointreau
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
Mix with one cup crushed ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with cranberries and a slice of a lime. (makes two servings)
No-Sugar-Added Minty Hot Cocoa
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1-2 packets of Splenda® sweetener (to desired sweetness)
• Dash of salt
• 1 cup 1% milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Mix cocoa, Splenda®, and salt in large mug. Heat milk in microwave for 1-1/2 minutes, until hot. Gradually add hot milk to cocoa mixture in mug, stirring until well blended. Stir in vanilla and peppermint. Yields 1 serving.
Recipe provided by Executive Chef Marc Gilberti and Molly Kimball, LSN, RD, at Ochsner Clinic’s Elmwood Fitness Center in New Orleans.
Dishin’ Out Healthy – Health Educator: Nichelle
“Eat, Drink, and Be Merry.”
