We are delighted to have Kathleen Chu joining us today from Everyday Health. Kathleen’s here to share a few divalicious “skinny” cocktail recipes perfect for summer entertaining!

With summer around the corner, it’s time to fire up the grill, hose down the patio, stock up on mosquito repellant, and plan the perfect outdoor soiree. Whether it be a barbecue, wedding, or any get-together to enjoy the weather, it’s important to make healthy food choices that won’t sabotage the beach body you’ve been working on all year.  We can start with everyone’s favorite item on the menu –cocktails. While these boozy refreshments are sure to spice up any party, they can be damaging to the waist line.  When tempting summer food staples are all around, it is important to be mindful of your liquid calories in order to make sure you’re not wrecking your diet.

Read on to check out some healthier twists to our favorite cocktails that are yummy and bikini-body friendly.

Recipes from Everyday Health (here, please insert this link http://www.everydayhealth.com/calorie-counter.aspx), excerpts from The Skinny Rules by Molly Morgan, RD, CDN, CSSD:

Skinny Strawberry Mojito: 80 Calories

Image by WhiteOnRiceCouple.com

Mojitos are the perfect accompaniment to any platter of chips and guacamole. While a mojito does not have as many calories as many of its summer cocktail counterparts, you can lower the calorie count even more by using fresh fruits to sweeten the drink instead of syrups.  Check out this fun reinvention of the classic drink, where you can swap out the traditional lime flavor for strawberries!

Ingredients
8 ounces club soda
1 ounce white rum
10 mint leaves
4 sliced strawberries
4 lime slices (1/2 of lime)
ice

Directions: In a sturdy glass, muddle mint leaves, strawberries, and lime slices by gently pressing on and twisting the mint leaves and lime. Muddling doesn’t mean grinding them to a pulp — just twist until you smell mint. The end of a rolling pin will work if you don’t own a muddler. Next, add 1 cup crushed ice, the club soda, and rum. Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wedge before serving.

Cinco de Mayo Mango Margarita: 180 Calories

 Image by MODA Magazine

Like the mojito, the margarita can be the highlight of any fiesta. Unlike the mojito, the traditional version of this sugary beverage can pack on up to 800 calories for a single 7-oz serving! By using fruit substitutes, you can lower the calories without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients
3/4 cup frozen mango cubes
1 ounce tequila
1 ounce lemon juice
1 teaspoon triple sec

Directions: Blend all ingredients in a blender until you reach a slushy consistency. Garnish with lime wedge for a splash of color.

Beachside Pina Colada: 250 Calories

Image by Bryan McCay

A universal symbol of summer, sand, and fun, the pina colada can be one of the most havoc-wreaking cocktails on your figure, with a regular 8-oz serving having as much as 700 calories. Here’s a lighter version of the drink for you to try!

Ingredients
1/4 cup pineapple, diced
1 ounce white rum
2 ounces light coconut milk
2 ounce pineapple juice
3-4 ice cubes

Directions: This one is a breeze: Put all ingredients into a blender and process until smooth. Garnish with pineapple wedge for beach appeal.

Cheers!

Kathleen

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