As a reminder, if you choose to drink alcohol, do so in
moderation. The recommendations are up to one drink a day
for women and up to two drinks a day for men. This article
will focus on options for non-alcoholic drinks for any time
of the day and for a wide variety of people, including
children. Whether you are hosting a group or preparing your
own drink, there are easy ways to keep it healthy and dress
it up for this busy time of year.
A few benefits of healthy, winter drinks:
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Keeps you hydrated
·
Adds additional nutrients to your day
·
Doesn’t add hidden calories to your day
·
Encourages you to enjoy yourself, your company and the
chance to relax
Water.
Certainly, water is a valuable drink for everyone but not
everyone prefers a glass of plain water. This is a good time
to make a pitcher of infused water and store it in the
refrigerator. Use fruits that are on sale or in season. Add
slices of citrus fruits or apples. Add berries. Have a drink
of sparkling water or add some sparkling water to a glass of
100% fruit juice for a fruit flavored spritzer.
Warm Drinks.
When it comes to hot drinks, people often have their
favorites. Whether you are a coffee drinker or prefer hot
tea, consider adding additional options to your day. Whether
you’re an adult who loves a hot cocoa or you’re making plans
for the children’s drink options, hot chocolate can be a
good way to add some calcium to the day. If you have not
enjoyed a cup of hot tea recently, check out all the options
at the grocery store. There are so many different kinds and
flavors especially when you look at herbal teas!
Hosting a party?
Cranberry Apple Cider is easy to make. There are no specific
measurements for this warm drink in the slow cooker. Just
add fresh cranberries, whole cinnamon sticks, whole cloves
and 100 percent apple juice to the slow cooker. Let it warm
up on high or keep it on low for the day.
If you are hosting a party, consider making it easier on
yourself to serve hot drinks by using a hot beverage carafe.
University of Nebraska Extension points out that some guests
may prefer a hot drink like coffee or tea either before or
after a meal. In order to have hot beverages available over
a period of time, carafes can help keep drinks hot and fresh
tasting for hours. It beats making several small amounts of
drinks or letting it sit around too long to either color off
or on the heat source for an undesirable flavor. They offer
this tip: Preheat the carafe by filling it with hot water
while you prepare the hot beverage. One the drink is ready,
empty the hot water and fill the carafe with your beverage.
The hot water heats it up to help keep your drinks warm for
longer. Some coffee makers come with carafes. When
purchasing a new one, look for a carafe that easy to use and
clean.
Festive drinks.
Sometimes these holiday specials are called “mocktails” if
they’re made without the alcohol. These are nice to have for
those who are young or not drinking alcohol at holiday
parties. Like the spritzer mentioned above, it can be as
easy as combining 100 percent fruit juice and sparkling
water. In addition, add some tasty garnishes such as berries
or fruit slices.
Enjoy.
I know many people live a fast-paced life and it seems to
speed up at the end of the year! If you can take a few
minutes to yourself to quietly enjoy a warm cup of coffee or
tea, the “to do” list will still be there in 10 minutes.
Whether you choose a mocktail or choose to indulge in a high
calorie or alcoholic drink, enjoy the taste of the drink and
the company around you. If you are rushed or feeling
stressed out, remind yourself to grab a drink of water.
Sources: Nebraska Extension, Cornell Extension, Produce for
Better Health Foundation, Utah State 4-H Food and Nutrition
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