Thursday, August 25, 2011

Wine, Weight and Healthy Cocktails-Cheers!

Cool Hand Cuke from Colonie Restaurant


Our August newsletter focused on healthy summer cocktails. You see, for the most part, our clients like to drink. Our view is that if you’re going to indulge in sweets or cocktails or anything else we'll help you  find the healthiest manner to do so. I’ll also remind you that three of the four Foodtrainers graduated from Tulane University, let’s just say you can trust us on this topic. And if you're housebound because of Irene, these tips may come in handy (fingers crossed, we're flying East today). 

While drinks are often referred to as “empty calories” many studies conclude that moderate drinking may not be as bad for your weight as you’d expect. While we don’t suggest non-drinkers start imbibing, moderate drinkers actually have lower weight, blood pressure and triglycerides than low or non-drinkers. We give clients a weekly budget and generally suggest four or fewer drinks for female clients and seven or fewer for male clients trying to lose weight.

While alcohol itself may not be that terrible for your weight it can affect your appetite.  The more you drink, the more your appetite will increase which is a reason to balance drinking over multiple days. One drink max on any given day is ideal. Interestingly. white wine seems to have less of an effect on appetite than other alcohol.

For your one drink, the following are great picks:
Crop Organic Vodka- in flavors such as cucumber and tomato.
Tanteo Jalapeno Tequila- see below for my new favorite cocktail.
VnC Cocktail- another ready to pour margarita like what’s her names.
Redbridge Beer- a great gluten free option.

Although “on the rocks” is a great choice (and slows down the drinking), there are some fantastic mixer options:
ModMix Organic Mixers- USDA certified organic ingredients in flavors such as lavender lemon drop and French martini.
McClure’s Bloody Mary Mix- you may recall how I feel about McClure’s pickles, well my feelings are just as strong for this bloody mary mix. Please do not relegate bloody’s to brunch only.
SlimRitas and SlimRimmers-I love these chile verde, rosemary sea salt and pink himalayan mineral salt rimmers.

End of Summer Jalapeno Margarita
I ‘ve seen cucumber in a lot of cocktails this summer. I had this margarita at our friends Tracey and Andy’s house and was hooked. They suggest making a batch of cucumber puree as well as lime juice ready to go.
2oz Tanteo Jalapeno Tequila
1 oz. English Cucumber Puree  (slice into spears and toss in the food processor, worth the effort)
1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz. Agave/water – (use warm water and agave and stir)
Cucumber Wheel for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, pour over ice and garnish with cucumber wheel. Ole


If you're going to drink, you may need a bar snack. Try ChickPz I heard about these from EA, The Spicy RD. I love the sesame flavor and kids think they taste like Cracker Jacks. The prize? High fiber, high protein and you can eat the whole bag. 
So don’t overdo it but eat, drink (a little) and be merry .
What has been your drink of choice this summer? Any cocktail trends you’ve noticed? What do you think of veggies in your drinks?


15 comments:

  1. What a great blog morning. First post I read was sex tips and this one is giving me drinking tips! I see a fantastic hurricane weekend in my future.

    I love white wine and prosecco. I can't drink liquor - for some reason it awakens the crazy college kid in me and I tend to over-do it, so I just steer clear. I love beer, but the gluten intolerance makes me pay for it...I would like to try the brand you recommend!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great post! Any gin suggestions? And I love a slice or spear of cucumber in my drinks. Hendrick's Gin and tonic (or on the rocks) w/ a slice of cucumber is our house drink.

    Speaking of Tulane, I'll be there in September. Can I get anything for you or the other Foodtrainers?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cameo- there's another gluten free beer Endeavor that many clients like. Marie- Farmers Organic Gin or Tru are 2 options. Lose the tonic though, same calories as coke. I'm thinking maybe infuse the gin with cucumber...you see I'm on a cucumber kick. Sept in Nola? Not the best month. I'm thinking Columbus Day weekend but thanks for the offer.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm a beer and wine drinker. Love wine!! That margarita looks pretty fabulous though!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great post! I've seen flavored vodkas with cucumber. Sounds so refreshing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great post! I believe even alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation and I like your recommendations. I love to unwind with a glass of wine or a cocktail every once in awhile and I think it's a healthy treat! While I'm not an alcohol connoisour (spell check! ha), I have never heard of any organic mixers! Interesting!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is such a great topic! I get questions on this all the time. I like the intro ;)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Such great info - esp the mixer info. I love my red wine and my husband was so happy to find Redbridge beer as a gluten free option!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I will happily give up tonic. Frankly, I drink G&T because people found it shocking that I enjoy gin on the rocks. I'm going to infuse some cucumber into the gin...great idea.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ooh blog suggest tossing the tonic, love it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I don't really drink cocktails, but I do enjoy a glass of wine or a beer. I try to limit it though as it does affect my appetite... Cucumber in a cocktail actually sounds really good. I may have to give it a try!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Andrea the cucumber is a fun addition but you're obviously doing well with sticking to wine or beer.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'd love to try that jalapeƱo margarita recipe-sounds fabulous! Will also check out the McClures Bloody Mary Mixture. I do love a good Bloody Mary, although I don't enjoy the salt/alcohol bloat that comes after :-(. So glad you and your kids are enjoying the Sesame ChickPz!

    ReplyDelete
  14. EA let me know what you think. McClures is a pantry staple for us. Hmn may be a good hurricane drink later.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'd love to try the jalepeno margarita! I would suggest also checking out voli vodka, they have some really great flavors to mix and also they are really low calories

    ReplyDelete