It’s been quite a while since I updated here. I haven’t really forgotten about writing here, I just don’t really know what to share these days. Just this week, I had been thinking about how it had been far too long since I shared anything when I got a message from someone asking me to share a few happy hour ideas that are healthier.
On that note, I guess I never really made an “announcement” here that I’m in school to become a health coach. So while I still enjoy a drink once in a while, I’ve been on a mission to completely revamp my own health before opening the doors to my business to help others get their health in tip top shape. That revamp has included cutting way back on happy hours and drinks in general. But after doing some thinking on the topic, I realized that I still could share some tips on how to keep happy hour out or at home a little healthier. Here are my top 5 tips for keeping happy home hour health-friendly:
- Lighten up drinks with seltzer water. A lot of the calories and sugar that can be found in cocktails comes from the mixers, not the alcohol itself, so swap out half the amount of mixer with seltzer water to still get the same flavor but with less sugar.
- When it comes to mixers, choose freshly squeezed fruit juices over sugary sodas. When making drinks at home, always opt for more natural options over processed ones to get the most nutrients out of them. Stack the deck in your favor by getting the most nutrients out of your happy home hour by drinking fresh fruit juices.
- Drink water to stay hydrated. Any type of alcohol can dehydrate you, so keep sipping on water throughout your happy hour session and after to keep yourself from getting a headache later on or the next morning.
- Stick to natural sweeteners over refined ones. Thin honey or agave nectar with water to create a simple sugar replacement in your drinks. The natural sugars won’t spike your blood sugar like refined white sugar will.
- Choose appetizers and snacks that are or are made from real whole foods. When it comes to making appetizers to complement your happy hour drinks, making them from scratch from whole foods will be your best bet to eating healthier. Try to steer clear of heavier foods like breads and cheeses, as these will probably fill you up more than necessary before enjoying dinner.
While I’m still not enjoying happy home hour as regularly as I used to, I hope these few ideas can help make your happy hour at home a little healthier and more well-rounded with your goals. Remember, it’s not what you eat and drink sometimes that add up to your overall health – it’s the foods that you eat regularly. Don’t feel bad to indulge once in a while on drinks, just be mindful of your health when you do.
