Turns out, maintaining a 55-pound weight loss – after age 50 — isn’t as easy as you might think.
Especially at the December holidays.
I love a tasty buzz as much as the next girl, but at the same time I don’t want to drink what are essentially boozy desserts and run screaming from my scale on January one.
Thing is, years ago I lost 55 pounds (by the time I turned 42). And I have zero interest in gaining and then re-losing that weight all over again.
So, behold the alcoholic calories that I rely on every November and December.
But first, a few tips:
1) Vodka has fewer calories than any other alcohol at about 100 calories for 1.5 ounces.
2) Don’t partake of high calorie meals or drinks without first taming your appetite. In other words, Eating Before You Eat or drink is a smart idea. Sip a cup or two of Trader Joe’s hot butternut squash soup, eat an apple with a teaspoon of peanut butter, or even have a small banana. Being hungry leads to goofball food and drink choices.
3) Decide in advance to keep your drink limit to two. No matter how low the calories, these sweethearts still add up.
On with the show.
Hot Chocolate with Rum.
Don’t be scared of making your own low calorie hot chocolate drink – this is totally do-able.
- 8 ounces chocolate almond milk (the 30-calorie almond milk if it’s in your store).
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder.
- 1 TBL syrup or 1/8 teaspoon stevia powder or 3-4 drops of liquid stevia.
- A moderate pour of rum 1 oz (30 ml) per cup of hot chocolate. (One ounce is 1/8 of a cup)
Heat your almond milk on the stove stirring continuously (burnt milk is not fun).
Once boiled, add the cocoa powder and syrup to your hot chocolate.
Finish up with 1.5 of vodka or one ounce of rum (64 calories).
For fun, I squirt a bit of whipped cream on top and add chocolate sprinkles (because I’m five).
Santa Clausmopolitan.
Forget for a second that this is the cutest holiday drink ever, it’s also – if done right — seriously low in calories too.
Begin creating your Santa Clausmopolitan by ignoring the recipes that say to rim your glass with a lime wedge and then dip in sanding sugar.
Why? Because sugar is very high in sugar.
But if you’re looking for super-pretty rim the glass in sugar!!
The Clausmopolitan I drink throughout holiday season involves vodka, low-calorie cranberry juice (pink emphasis mine), a splash of triple sec (high in calories so a dribble is best), fresh lime juice and fresh cranberries.
Chocolate Peppermint Patty.
This tasty drink is my very own creation. Did you know that you can buy chocolate almond milk and that it’s only about 100 calories for a full cup? (Somebody upstairs loves us.) Add one ounce vodka (about 75 calories) to your chocolate almond milk, a drop or two of mint extract, and ice. Yum.
Low Calorie Eggnog.
My darling grandma – who rarely drank – always said yes to a cup of egg nog laced with bourbon. As I got older I realized that the quintessential holiday drink held about a bajillion calories per innocent-looking, festive cup.
But then – cue angels singing on high – I stumbled upon the nut-nog market that sent the high calorie egg nogs packing!
Check out these sweet little numbers:
- I love the Trader Joe’s nog (in the cold section by the yogurts) with it’s insanely low 50 calories for a half cup.
- The Blue Diamond Almond milk Nog is also low at 60 calories for a half cup. (I serve this one to company.)
- The Silk nog’s soymilk comes in at 80 calories.
- The So Delicious coconut milk holiday nog clocks in at 90 calories for a half cup.
Just add bourbon (100 cals for 1.5 ounces) and a light sprinkle of nutmeg to create a boozy holiday adult drink.
Champagne.
Many years ago I had the best glass of champagne of my life at a la-de-da resort in Southern California. Ever since I order dry champagne as my standard drink year-round that boasts just 65 calories for four ounces (think: half cup). Sweet champagne jumps to just under 100 calories for four ounces which is why I stick with dry.
Skinny-Girl Cocktails.
I should tell you right off the bat that the Skinny-Girl drinks come in rich-girl prices. I love the Skinny-Girl low calorie margaritas, Skinny-Girl also has pina coloda, mojito and several other flavors. But the good news is that other brands have gotten in on the reduced calorie drink game too (like Jose Cuervo). So shop around for the best prices in your area.
The Simple Vodka Soda.
Pick your favorite low calorie soda and add 1.5 ounces of vodka. Bada boom.
The Vodka Martini.
Vodka, vermouth (105 calories for three ounces), and lemon peel.
- 2 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Garnish: lemon twist
- For looks, add an olive-skewer
Mix with ice until chilled.
Hot Chocolate with Rum.
Don’t be scared of making your own low calorie hot chocolate – this is totally do-able.
- 8 ounces chocolate almond milk (the 30-calorie almond milk if it’s in your store).
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder.
- 1/8 teaspoon stevia powder or 3-4 drops of liquid stevia.
Heat your almond milk on the stove stirring continuously (burnt milk is not fun).
Once boiled, add the rest of the ingredients to your hot chocolate.
Finish up with 1.5 of vodka or one ounce of rum (64 calories).
For fun, I squirt a bit of whipped cream on top and add chocolate sprinkles (because I’m five).
And my work here is done!
Have a wonderful, low-calorie December!! And remember we eat to live – we don’t live to eat (mostly anyway).
If you have an awesome boozy drink to share: clue me in today!!
♥, Wendy
P.S. Are you new to the Inspired Eater? Welcome!! This blog won’t make much sense until you first read the Aunt Bea post (and you’ll find Aunt Bea on this page to the right under my short bio). On your cell you’ll see it immediately following the first post. After you enter your email address, the Aunt Bea article will be sent to your email’s inbox. If it’s not there, you might check the spam folder. And always feel free to email me at Wendy@TheInspiredEater.com and I’ll get Aunt Bea right to you!
I’ve been asked if I could include something like Buy me a Coffee on the Inspired Eater. So if you feel up to sending a coffee, I am a devotee. You’ll find the coffee “button” to your right. And, as always, thank you so much for reading the Inspired Eater. ♥♥♥
17 Comments
Wendy,
These recipes sound like the holy grail. Pretty, tasty and lower calories! Thank you for sharing just in time for the holiday season.
Oh man! I’m watching my clock already – only 8 hours till Chocolate Peppermint Patty! You RULE my friend!! Happy Friday!
What a wonderful post!
Full of great cocktail recipes and humor!
I would love you to be a contributor to my midlife women’s magazine!
Happy holidays!
Robin
Thanks Robin! Your site is gorgeous, it would be an honor to write for you!
Wendy
Yum indeed! I’ve always been a vodka girl, so good to know it’s the best option.
Lol! Champagne and vodka!! 🙂
Wendy
Wishing you a wonderful & blessed Christmas Wendy! We’re neighbours at Anita’s.
You’re most welcome to join me in a Christmas cuppa at Tea With Jennifer,
Jennifer
I just read your post!! Beautiful! I really love the Christmas season b/c everyone is so nice. I’m going to remember your post from now. You’re a great writer.
Merry Christmas!
Wendy
Champagne- happy days, always have a glass with Christmas lunch! Thanks for linking and hope you have a wonderful holiday.
England sure knows how to do it right!
Wendy
Wendy, I have found your site very helpful and encouraging. Blessings as you continue encouraging others. Merry Christmas!
Thank you Donna!!
Wendy
Lovely cocktails Wendy. I am happy to feature them at Love Your Creativity. Cheers.
Thank you so much, Linda!
Wendy
So good to know there are some low calorie options for these yummy cocktails.
Thank you for writing Ruth! Very appreciated!
Wendy