Step One – Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water is the first step in cutting calories from drinks, and helps the heart more easily pump blood through the blood vessels to the muscles. Drinking water can help you to feel more full, so drinking a glass before hitting up a party could help you from over-eating. If you regularly drink sugary beverages, try cutting down slowly and replacing one or two drinks a day with water or fruit-infused water.
Healthier Holiday Parties
Whether you’re hosting a gathering at your home, or attending a holiday function, there are ways you can enjoy healthier drinks.
- For kid parties, offer small water bottles or 100% juice. Try dressing up the water bottles like snowmen or Santa Clauses to make it fun!
- Offer low-calorie mixers for cocktails, like club soda, fresh limes and reduced sugar cranberry juice. Try this American Heart Association Fresh Cranberry Fizz recipe. Red wine is also a healthier option to enjoy, or to bring with you as a hostess gift.
- Mix up pitchers of fruit-infused water. They look festive and taste great too!
Enjoy your Favorites Using these Healthy Swaps
It wouldn’t be Christmas without egg nog, right? You don’t have to go without – but you can make it healthier by diluting it with fat-free milk, and adding extra cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix up a mug of our Heart-Healthy Hot Chocolate to curl up with for your next holiday movie. It includes healthier ingredients such as unsweetened cocoa powder and fat-free milk to cut sugar and calories.
Share Your Healthy Drink Recipes!
The American Heart Association wants to see how you’re making healthier drink choices this season! Take a photo of your healthy drink swap and use #OneSmallChange, or share it on the American Heart Association’s Illinois Facebook page or Twitter feed.
Reducing the amount of sugar you’re consuming from drinks can save hundreds of calories, and keep you healthier this holiday season. For more ideas on cutting down on sugary drinks, visit www.heart.org/onesmallchange.
