Each month Dr. Dan and I contribute exercise and nutrition articles to South Dakota Wedding Style’s website. Our articles are typically focused on preparing the brides for their big wedding day, however many of the topics can relate to every day life as well. This month one of my USD Dietetic Interns, Allison Jones, discussed empty calories for my post. If you, friends, or family are planning a wedding, I encourage you to check out the website. They have a lot of really great tips and recently started a magazine!
Below are a few of our tips to limiting the empty calories found in sugar and alcoholic drinks that are so prominent at wedding showers, celebrations, etc. This topic can also relate to every day living, especially with summer picnics and gatherings coming up. Be sure to check out the full post at their website or on their facebook page (see links below)!
- Coffee drinks: Get the small or 12 oz sizes and try substituting skim milk and sugar-free flavorings to cut back on calories.
- Alcohol: A serving of alcohol is considered 12 oz beer or wine cooler, 5 oz wine, and 1.5 oz of hard liquor. For mixed drinks, try using diet pop or light juice as the mixer. It can be easy to consume a large amount of calories when drinking alcohol, especially in social settings. Alternating an alcoholic drink with water or diet pop can help reduce the amount of calories you consume in one night, and it will also help you feel better the next morning!
- Punches/Juice: Try experimenting with sugar-free options such as Crystal Light and be aware of how many times you go back to refill your glass.
http://www.sdweddingstyle.com/2012/05/empty-calories-midwest-wedding-health/
http://www.facebook.com/sdweddingstyle
Also, if you already haven’t check out our STRIVE 2 Survive page on Facebook and “like” us! http://www.facebook.com/BrownClinicStrive2Survive
-Kelsey
