FitSugar

Ditch Soda and Make Your Own Carbonated Beverage

Heather Dale — Mon, 09 May 2011 01:09:30 PDT

Now that we're in the trust tree, let me be completely honest with you about something - soda is downright dangerous to drink. Aside from the health risks including bone loss, hypertension, and dental decay, soda drinks like Coke are full of sugar, caramel coloring, high-fructose corn syrup and often leave you thirstier - not exactly the crème de la crème of beverages.

Contrary to popular belief, not all carbonated drinks are bad for you - sparking water is sugar free and can keep calcium locked in your bones (no studies have backed up the preconceived notion that sparkling water actually leaches calcium out of your bones).

For those of you that like that thirst-quenching appeal that carbonated beverages provide, you may be able to slowly wean yourself off soda once-and-for-all with one of these delicious and easy carbonated drink alternatives.

Fizzy Lemonade: Squeeze about three to four large lemons in a large pitcher. Pour in six cups of soda water and stir until all of the lemon is mixed in the water. Add four to five tablespoons of agave nectar for sweetness. Refrigerate for about an hour and then add in 2-3 cups of ice cubes. Garnish with some lemon slices.

Here are some more DIY carbonated drink options.

Shochu: Cheers With Fewer Calories

Michele Foley — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:45:28 PST

There's nothing wrong with enjoying a cocktail or two, but if you're concerned with calories and carbs, alcohol can be a fast and easy way to overindulge without even realizing it. The next time you're drinking, try shochu. It's a distilled beverage from Japan that works great in cocktails and has fewer calories than other liquors.

In most cocktails, a 1.5-ounce serving of hard liquor adds about 100 calories per drink, and this is before any juice, tonic, or simple syrup is added. The same amount of shochu only adds about 30 calories, a savings of 70 calories per drink.

To find out how to use shochu in a cocktail and where to buy it,

Shochu is a clear beverage distilled from grain, barley, sweet potatoes, or buckwheat and contains 20-35 percent alcohol by volume. To put that in perspective, most vodkas are 80 proof, meaning they contain 40 percent alcohol by volume. In terms of taste, shochu resembles vodka, making it a great substitute in a Cosmopolitan or Bloody Mary. It's also great on its own, over ice, or paired with soda or tonic water. The clean taste and smooth finish of the alcohol makes it a really versatile drink that will mix nicely with fruit, herbs, and juices.

Keep in mind that shochu is different than sake or Korean soju, which can be similar in taste and appearance. Soju and sake have a slightly higher calorie count, clocking in at about 65 and 80 calories respectively per 1.5-ounce serving. You can find shochu in Japanese restaurants and markets, cocktail lounges, or buy it online to use at home. American made Haamonii Shochu ($31) is usually the easiest to find in the States, and comes with the street cred of having earned a bunch of awards too. If you're looking for a Japanese brand, Yokaichi Kome ($22) is a good place to start.

Source: Flickr User Ewan-M

Cocktails: More or Less Than 200 Calories?

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:24:03 PST

TGIF! Before heading out to a bar, party, or friend's house, test your knowledge of the calorie counts in popular cocktails so you don't end up drinking more than expected. Think you know which drinks have more then 200 calories?

Remember, drinking responsibly is more than just a calorie count. If you're drinking, don't drive.

Take the Quiz

Guess the Calories: Summertime Happy Hour Drinks

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 09:17:39 PDT

It's Summertime and the drinking is easy. And whether you're at the beach, grilling in the backyard, or watching the World Cup, you've probably noticed a lot more day drinking going on. Something about the warm weather makes it imbibe time, all the time. If cocktails, beer, and wine have become a regular part of your Summer routine, take this quiz to test your knowledge of their calorie counts. While some drinks are refreshing, you might be surprised to find out they contain more calories than you imagined.

Question 1 of 4

Which cocktail contains more than 200 calories?

Make Your Own Flavored Water

FitSugar — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:30:00 PST

Despite the health benefits of water, people still love to drink juice and soda. Unfortunately, these beverages are usually empty calories filled with sugar that do little in the way of hydration - even diet soda can be damaging. I think that water tastes great, but sometimes I get bored of drinking it all the time. Instead of giving in to juice and soda cravings, I've been making my own flavored water at home. Not only does it taste great, it's extremely economical.

My advice is to keep a few flavors in your fridge at all times; that way you'll always have a bit of variety and never get bored. Because I only like a hint of flavor in my water, I don't add a ton of stuff - find what works best for your taste buds though!

For a few ideas on how you can make your own

Add fresh citrus juice to water. I especially love the combination of lime and orange.
Add herbs to your water. I love putting a few sprigs of fresh mint in my H20 pitcher or even lemongrass.
Add freshly cut cucumbers. This small addition really gives water a clean and refreshing taste that is ever so subtle.
Add fresh sliced ginger, and you've made yourself a natural tummy tamer.
Add pickle juice to water and make your own electrolyte replacement drink. It might sound gross but it really works!
For a hint of sweetness, crush up some berries or pomegranate seeds into your water. I love mixing strawberries and kiwi together.
If you're really craving soda, liven up soda water. Add a hint of flavored syrup, juice, or fresh fruit.

Rosemary Pear Sparkler

Michele Foley — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:30:06 PST

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

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.

Print recipe with images | without images

View 4 Photos ›

Vitamin Water Breakdown

FitSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:00:00 PDT

While on the road, you may hit up a convenience store and find yourself staring at the rows and rows of Vitamin Water. Although they may contain more calories and sugar than regular water, they also contain vitamins and minerals. So check out this breakdown to see what each flavor offers your body.

The numbers are based on one 8-ounce serving. Keep in mind that there are 2.5 servings per 20-ounce container.

Drink	Calories	Carbs (g)	Sugar (g)	Vitamins and Minerals
Power-C: Dragonfruit	50	13	13	Vitamin B3 20%, Vitamin B5 20%, Vitamin B6 20%, Vitamin B12 20%, Vitamin C 100%, Chromium 10%, Zinc 10%, Taurine 16 mg
Defense: Raspberry Apple	50	13	13	Vitamin C 60%, Vitamin B3 10%, Vitamin B6 10%, Vitamin B12 10%, Vitamin B5 10%, Zinc 10%

There are tons more flavors so

Drink	Calories	Carbs (g)	Sugar (g)	Vitamins and Minerals
Focus: Kiwi Strawberry	40	9	8	Vitamin A 25%, Vitamin B3 25%, Vitamin B5 25%, Vitamin B6 25%, Vitamin B12 25%, Vitamin C 100%, Vitamin E 25%, Ginkgo biloba 10 mg, Gotu kola 10 mg, Siberian ginseng 10 mg
Balance: Cran Grapefruit	50	13	12	Vitamin A 10%, Vitamin B3 10%, Vitamin B5 10%, Vitamin B6 10%, Vitamin B12 10%, Vitamin C 40%, Vitamin E 10%, Selenium 2%, Calcium less than 2%, Zinc 10%
Endurance: Peach Mango	50	13	13	Vitamin A 10%, Vitamin B3 10%, Vitamin B5 10%, Vitamin B6 10%, Vitamin B12 10%, Vitamin C 60%, Vitamin E 10%, Astragalus 10 mg, Siberian ginseng 10 mg
Essential: Orange Orange	50	9	13	Vitamin A 50%, Vitamin B3 25%, Vitamin B5 25%, Vitamin B6 25%, Vitamin B12 25%, Vitamin C 25%, Vitamin E 25%, Calcium 2%, Iron 5%, Potassium 5%, Selenium 5%, Zinc 25%
Energy: Tropical Citrus	50	13	13	Vitamin B3 20%, Vitamin B5 20%, Vitamin B6 20%, Vitamin B12 20%, Vitamin C 40%, Guarana 10 mg, Natural Caffeine 20 mg
Rescue: Green Tea	40	9	8	Vitamin B3 25%, Vitamin B5 25%, Vitamin B6 25%, Vitamin B12 25%, Vitamin C 100%, Rosemary 8 mg, Chamomile 8 mg, Hibiscus 8 mg, Lavender 8 mg, Rose hips 8 mg
Multi-V: Lemonade	50	13	13	Vitamin A 25%, Vitamin C 100%, Vitamin E 25%, Vitamin B3 25%, Vitamin B6 25%, Vitamin B12 25%, Vitamin B5 25%, Calcium 10%, Folic Acid 25%, Magnesium 10%, Zinc 25%.
Formula 50: Grape	50	13	13	Vitamin C: 20%, Vitamin E: 20%, Vitamin B3 20%, Vitamin B6 20%, Folic acid 20%, Vitamin B12 20%, Vitamin B5 20%
Revive: Fruit Punch	50	13	13	Vitamin B3 20%, Vitamin B5 20%, Vitamin B6 20%, Vitamin B12 20%, Vitamin C 40%, Potassium: 140 mg
XXX: Acai Blueberry Pomegranate	50	13	13	Vitamin C: 100%, Vitamin B3: 10%, Vitamin B6: 10% ,Vitamin B12: 10%, Vitamin B5: 10%
Charge: Lemon Lime	50	13	13	Vitamin C: 40%, Vitamin B3: 20%, Vitamin B6: 20%, Vitamin B12: 20%, Vitamin B5: 20%, Potassium: 60 mg
Vital-T: Lemon Tea	50	13	13	Vitamin C: 60%, Vitamin E: 20%, Vitamin B3: 10%, Vitamin B6: 10% ,Vitamin B12: 10%, Vitamin B5: 10%

Summer Beverage Breakdown: Alcoholic Edition

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:00:16 PDT

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

Summer Beverage Breakdown

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:30:00 PDT

Summer heat just screams fruity and cold beverages. Not only do they help you stay hydrated and cool, but with all the seasonal fruits being harvested, it's a great way to drink in the taste of Summer. Whether you prefer iced tea or fresh squeezed tangerine juice, if you're curious to know how some popular Summer beverages stack up nutritionally, then

Drink	Calories	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Sugar (g)	Protein (g)
8 oz. iced coffee with cream and sugar	61	10	10.1	8.6	.5
8 oz. iced coffee with skim milk and sugar	41	13	10.7	9.6	1
8 oz. sweetened iced tea	71	5	18	18	0
8 oz. unsweetened iced tea	0	0	0	0	0
8 oz. lemonade	120	15	30	28	0
8 oz. limeade	120	15	31	28	0
8 oz. tangerine juice	98	2	23	22.5	1.1
8 oz. orange juice	107	2	24.7	20	1.7
8 oz. apple juice	110	10	27	27	0
8 oz. grapefruit juice	90	5	20	16	2
8 oz. cranberry juice (sweetened)	130	35	33	33	0
8 oz. white grape juice	160	20	39	37	0

Getty

Which Beverage Contains More Calories?

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 03:30:00 PST

Watching your caloric intake is a great way to lose weight, but we often forget - or don't realize - just how many calories are packed into the beverages we drink. Let's test your liquid calorie smarts with this quiz.

Question 1 of 5

Which caffeinated beverage contains more calories?