10…9…8…7…6...5...4...3...2...1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!  New Year’s Eve is a night to party, which usually includes tossing back a few alcoholic drinks. One drink such as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of spirits (hard liquor such as gin or whiskey) contain about 100-150 calories. Just 3 drinks can pack 300-450 calories or more if you add a mixer like juice or soda. However, there are ways to lighten up alcoholic drinks.

      1. Let’s start with Eggnog – use low fat milk instead of cream or unsweetened or reduced sugar almond or soy milk for a delicious twist. Try this lighter version                                               http://www.skinnytaste.com/skinny-eggnog/ If you are not a fan of raw eggs, you can use pasteurized liquid egg product (i.e. Eggbeaters).

      2. Use diet sodas or seltzer water in place of regular soda.                                                                                                                                                                            

      3. Alternate low calorie non-alcoholic drinks with alcohol containing drinks.

      4. Toss the straw-you’ll drink slower without it and most likely drink less throughout the night.

      5. Add ice- your drink will last longer and so will you.

 Cheers and Happy New Year!