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Rosemary Pear Sparkler

FitSugar — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:30:06 -0800

Choosing champagne or sparkling wine to celebrate the holiday season is a nice low-calorie alternative to spirits or beer, but when I'm craving a cocktail, a plain glass of Prosecco doesn't always do the trick.

If you're looking for a nice cocktail to enjoy this holiday season, try my refreshing rosemary pear sparkler. It makes a great aperitif, and the flavors of pear and rosemary really tie together the feelings of Fall.

Check out the recipe when you read more.

Rosemary Pear Sparkler
original recipe

Depending on how many servings you need, make as little or as much of the rosemary-pear mixture as you like. Just keep the ratio of water, pear juice, and agave nectar consistent. The mixture also tastes great in soda water or lemonade.

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 cup agave nectar
1 cup pear juice
1 bunch fresh rosemary
2 pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
Prosecco

Directions

Stir together water, agave nectar, four rosemary sprigs, and pear juice in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and let stand for 30 minutes or until liquid has a distinct rosemary flavor.
Strain rosemary from liquid.
Pour liquid into a jar with pears and store in refrigerator overnight (and up to a week).
Add one and a half tablespoons of the rosemary-pear mixture to a champagne glass and top off with chilled Prosecco.
Garnish each glass with a pear slice from the mixture and a sprig of fresh rosemary.

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Kate Hudson Slims Down For New Role

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:00:05 -0800

Kate Hudson dishes the skinny on weight loss, Botox, and A-rod in the December issue of Elle UK, which hits newsstands this week. The already slim star has to lose 20 lbs. for her upcoming role as a terminally ill patient in the new film, Earthbound. Though she's not exactly sure of her exact weight, the mother of one thinks she's heading towards 110 pounds - pretty tiny given she's 5 ft. 6 in. tall.

How does an already slim and healthy girl like Kate get that tiny? Give up alcohol, apparently. It seems that Ms. Hudson is a fan of knocking a few back. "I love my glass of wine. I love tequila," says the star. "To be in New York for two weeks and not have one beverage! I'm not sure I've ever done that."

Given how many calories and sugar alcohol contains it makes sense that the sacrifice worked for her.

To see what this Kate thinks about Botox read more.

I think Kate looks great au naturel, but when the time is right she might get a little help to keep her youthful glow. "Everyone’s so obsessed with who gets Botox, but it’s great! Are you kidding? The fact that women can avoid going under the knife and get a little Botox treat and not have to worry about it? I’m glad it’s there for when it’s time."

For now, Kate is crossing her fingers that her Yankee man will find victory at this year's World Series.

How Many Alcoholic Drinks Do You Have a Week?

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:30:26 -0700

Hello Friday, and hello glass of wine after work! When the end of the week rolls around, sipping a glass of chardonnay or pinot noir is definitely one way I like to wind down.

Although there are tons of health benefits associated with wine, many studies point to the rule that women should enjoy one alcoholic bevvy or less a day. Limiting the amount of alcohol you gulp down can help prevent breast cancer and other cancers, lower your risk of stroke, and prevent loss of bone density. Some days, it's tough to stick to that rule though, so be honest . . .

You Asked: Working Out Buzzed?

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:00:06 -0700

Hey Fit,
I had post-work appetizers and drinks with a girlfriend last night, and as we departed she said she was heading to the gym. Granted, we each had two light beers over maybe an hour and 20 minutes, but it surprised me that she'd go work out after a couple drinks. She said she doesn't do it all the time, but if she's not feeling too tipsy it actually helps her kind of zone out and get into her workout, and by the time she's finished any possible buzz is gone. Is this healthy to do?
- mamasitamalita

There are days when we try to pack it all in: work, catching up with friends, working out. With the recent news that folks who drink regularly tend to exercise more, I suspect this dilemma is increasingly common. To see what I have to say on the matter, keep reading.

Quiz: The Truth About Hangovers

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:05:14 -0700

You just got a big promotion at work and you're out celebrating with friends. After a few rounds of cosmos, you start to lose count, and in the morning, you feel so horrible that you curse yourself and vow never to touch another drop of alcohol again.

Many of us have taken that same ride to hangover land, and because skipping happy hour to prevent it in the first place isn't always an option, take this quiz to learn the truth about drinking and how to ease hangover symptoms.

Source: Flickr User calebdzahnd

Take the quiz

Drinkers Are More Active Than Non-Drinkers?

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:00:03 -0700

I always thought that eating right, exercising regularly, and limiting your alcohol intake went hand-in-hand. That's not so, according to data gathered from a government health survey. Researchers found that people who drink regularly seem to exercise more often than non-drinkers, and the more they drink, the more active they are.

According to the research, women who drank at least 46 drinks in the past month (one or two drinks per day) were considered heavy drinkers, and they exercised at least 20 minutes more a week than light or non-drinkers. Women who drank 15 to 45 drinks a month were considered moderate drinkers, and they exercised an extra 10 minutes a week as compared to alcohol abstainers. Those who enjoyed a drink or two a day were also more likely to take part in vigorous exercise like running.

Why the connection? To find out, read more.

One reason drinkers may be more active is that they want to prevent weight gain from sipping all those liquid calories. Drinking certain beverages such as wine has also been linked to health benefits, so it makes sense that health-conscious women would exercise and feel good about enjoying a drink every so often. Drinkers may also be the type to be more adventurous or social and take part in team sports and outdoor activities like skiing or rock climbing. After sweating it out with friends outside, it's common to follow with a trip to the bar.

Tell me, does your healthy lifestyle include both exercising and drinking?

Diet Tip: Order Drink Straight Up or On the Rocks

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:00:58 -0700

One drink at happy hour can help you unwind after a tough day at work, but these liquid calories add up. Mixers and juices in many cocktails can be especially high in calories. This is an odd piece of dieting advice, but if you prefer hard liquor, order your drink straight up or on the rocks. Sip and savor a high-quality shot of tequila or a whiskey on the rocks, which is about 100 calories. Since the flavor of these alcohols are intense, it should take you a while to drain your glass. You'll end up milking it for the entire cocktail hour or over dinner, rather than kicking back a few rum and cokes. Remember, women should only drink one alcoholic beverage a day, more than that and you could be harming your health.

Guess the Calories: Summertime Happy Hour Drinks

FitSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:00:29 -0700

If cocktails, beer, and wine have become a regular part of your Summer routine, take this quiz to brush up on your knowledge of their calorie counts. While some drinks are refreshing, they also may contain more calories than you imagined. You might just be surprised.

Question 1 of 4

Which cocktail contains over 200 calories per serving?

Summer Beverage Breakdown: Alcoholic Edition

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:00:16 -0700

When it's sunny and warm and you're craving a crisp, cold beverage, sometimes an iced coffee or fresh-squeezed tangerine juice just doesn't satisfy your thirst. Sometimes, you're in the mood for something with a little kick.

To see a breakdown of your favorite Summer alcoholic beverages keep reading

Drinking Beer Doesn't Lead to a Beer Belly?

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:05:18 -0700

If you're kicking back and enjoying Summer by kicking back a few cold ones, and have noticed your waist is expanding, don't blame it on the brewskis. According to new research, a "beer belly" is purely genetic.

After an eight-year study of over 20,000 people, researchers found that heavy drinkers - those who drank at least two pints daily - did pile on the pounds overall, but it wasn't necessarily concentrated around their middle. Where people gained weight had to do with their body type, not how much beer they drank.

The study is in no way encouraging people to drink more beer, because as research proves, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol does lead to unhealthy weight gain. You just can't blame your love of beer for your round tummy.