How to Socialize-- Sans Beer Belly

I got a couple tips from the “Skinny Chef” about how to avoid gaining weight when you
drink up. I know, this information would have been helpful years ago (Hello, Freshman 15) but I say take what we can get. Summer is prime time for socializing,
and if you’re in a job that requires networking, or if you just enjoy your after-work cocktail hour, here are a couple ways to stay healthy.

*Steer clear of high-calorie fruit drinks. The average candy bar has about 29 grams of sugar. The strawberry daiquiri alone has nearly 40 grams of sugar! Holy
Moley. Add that to an ounce of rum, and you’re looking at a drink that has over 200 calories and 40 grams of sugar. 3 Words for you--- Not Worth It!!! If
you have a sweet tooth when it comes to the good stuff, try flavored vodka with diet soda instead.

*Opt for freshly made margaritas, instead of frozen premixed. If you must have a margarita, avoid the gigantic “I’m in Cancun on spring break” type. Ask the bartender
to serve you up an original. It will save you not only sugar and calories, but that headache and the “what exactly did I say to my client last night” the next morning.

*Watch out for the free-floating bar snacks! Bars give you these salty concoctions to make you thirst for more of their non-healthy booze. I know we all are thinking, hey, it’s free—but they contain hundreds of unnecessary calories.

*Love beer? You’re in luck! Just stay on the light side. Many light beers are 110 calories or less, and contain less than 6 grams of carbs and sugar.

*When all else fails, and you are standing at the counter with a blank stare when the bartender asks what you’ll be having, try old faithful—wine. You can’t go wrong. Not only does both red and white wine contain healthy antioxidants, but at about 120 calories and less than 7 grams of sugar per glass, you’re keeping
on the healthy side as well.


Now, do I always follow these tips? No, but I'm going to start. And treating yourself every now and then never hurt anyone. Remember, everything in moderation-- including moderation.