The cocktail countdown
health,diets,alcohol,diet plans
woman drinking a cocktail
Summer\'s the perfect time of year to kick back and enjoy a refreshing ice cold cocktail but with some cocktails containing more calories than a Big Mac, you need to choose wisely. Stop your weekend tipple from damaging your diet with these simple cocktail swaps, you\'ll hardly taste the difference and you won\'t risk ruining your figure either.
Potent mix
health,diets,alcohol,diet plans
long island iced tea
Swap: Long Island Iced Tea, 380 calories.
Bottoms up: Vodka cranberry cocktail, 60 calories
It\'s the sugary mixer, coca cola and lethal alcoholic concoction of vodka, tequila, gin and rum in this tall icy drink that really notch up the calories not to mention leave you with a killer hangover. Instead of consuming a drink that has more calories than a Big Mac switch it for a much more refreshing and sophisticated vodka and light cranberry with a squeeze of lime rubbed around the glass rim.
Sweet tooth
health,diets,alcohol,diet plans
strawberry daiquiri
Swap: Strawberry Daiquiri 300 calories
Bottoms up: Pimms, 50 calories
As if fresh strawberries weren\'t enough to sweeten up this rum-based drink, sugar is then added followed by strawberry liquor which really racks up the calories. Instead of this fattening cheesecake in a glass, mix-up a classic Pimms with plenty of cucumber, fruit and mint for a lighter drink that still packs a punch. Just be sure to use diet lemonade to keep the calories to a minimum.
Minty fresh
health,diets,alcohol,diet plans
Mojito
Swap: Mojito 225 calories
Bottoms up: Vodka, lime and soda, less than 100 calories
This refreshing, minty drink is innocent enough until the bartender starts shovelling in the sugar or sugar-based syrup. Some bars will make you a mojito without the sugar if you ask or, better still; order a low-calorie vodka, lime and soda instead. Just as refreshing and fewer calories.
Coconut crazy
health,diets,alcohol,diet plans
pina colada
Swap: Pina Colada 297 calories
Bottoms up: Champagne, 85 calories or Gin & Tonic, 103 calories
When a drink contains cream of coconut and sugary pineapple juice you know it can\'t be good for you so give the pina colada a wide berth in favour of a chic glass of champagne if you\'re feeling flush or a classic sophisticated G&T if you\'re broke.
On the rocks
health,diets,alcohol,diet plans
margarita
Swap: Frozen Margarita 229 calories
Bottoms up: Margarita on the rocks (skip the salt!), 170 calories
Always, always opt for a margarita on the rocks over its overweight frozen sister to save on calories without sacrificing taste. A margarita on the rocks contains fewer calories because fruit juice or syrup is usually added to a frozen margarita. Always opt out of salt on the glass rim to prevent your sugar levels from nose diving and causing you to feel dehydrated.
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