#healthyholidaydrinkoptions #healthyholidaydrinkswaps #bettersleep #bettermood #hormonefriendlyoptions #nonalcoholicdrinkideas #womensnutrition #avoidhotflashes #perimenopause #womenover40
I am often asked about healthy "drink" swaps and I thought just before the holidays, it’s great timing to share some suggestions for you...
First off: It's so important to drink enough water, also during the colder months of the year when we tend to drink less. Consider herbal teas instead of water if you don’t feel like drinking anything cold.
I know that there’s a wealth of non-alcoholic beer and wine options out there now, but always check the ingredients: these are often even worse than drinking moderately as they’re loaded with sugars and preservatives.
Alcohol can increase:
estrogen production while also decreasing progesterone production => so it messes up your hormone balance
hot flashes
bad mood/irritability
sleep disturbances
Swap these:
Kombucha for champagne: although kombucha can still be respectively high in sugar depending on the brand, it makes for a much healthier and even gut friendly (abstain if you have candida or SIBO!!!) "bubbly" and festive drink.
Biodynamic or non-alcoholic wine (check sugar content!) for wine. Biodynamic wines don't contain sulfites or pesticides and the fermentation process makes them low sugar and low alcohol.
You can also try these tea-based alternatives:
Red Wine Alternative: Brew hibiscus tea with a pinch of cinnamon and cloves. Sweeten lightly with stevia or monk fruit.
White Wine Alternative: Brew green tea and mix with a splash of lemon and unsweetened white grape juice. Chill before serving.
HOP Wtr for beer: These drinks replicate the bitterness and crispness of beer without the alcohol or calories. Non alcoholic beers are often loaded with sugar, but may be able to find a clean one.
DIY Version: Infuse sparkling water with hops (available in tea form) and a splash of lemon or grapefruit juice.
Real hot cacao for hot chocolate: hot cocoa can actually be a very healthy indulgence with plenty of antioxidants and magnesium: use real raw cocoa powder and mix with hot water and coconut milk. You can add a bit of stevia and spices like cinnamon or vanilla or more adventurous ones like ginger or chili for extra flavor. Supercharge with collagen powder for extra protein and to support skin and musculoskeletal health.
Low Sugar & No Alcohol Recipes:
Reaching for juice, soda or non-alcoholic beverages is often not a better choice for your health and hormones as they tend to be loaded with sugar.
Here are some nice & easy recipes you can try out at home:
Cranberry-Lime Sparkler: Combine unsweetened cranberry juice, sparkling water, and fresh lime juice. Garnish with a lime slice and a sprig of mint.
Ginger-Lemon Fizz: Mix sparkling water with freshly grated ginger and a splash of lemon juice. Sweeten lightly with a drop of liquid stevia or monk fruit if needed.
Virgin Apple Ginger Mule: Muddle fresh ginger with a splash of unsweetened apple juice and lime juice. Top with sparkling water and ice.
Sparkling Matcha Mojito: Mix matcha powder with water and a squeeze of lime. Pour over ice and top with sparkling water. Add mint leaves for garnish.
Coconut Water Pina Colada: Blend coconut water with a small handful of frozen pineapple and a touch of unsweetened full fat coconut milk.
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