HOW TO: HAVE A DIET-FRIENDLY HAPPY HOUR

Published Sunday, January 18, 2009

Here are some tips for cutting the calories, carbohydrates and fat in alcoholic beverages:

● Don’t overdo it. Doctors recommend a limit of two drinks a day for men and one for women. You might be imbibing on a special occasion, but stay in control.

● Go for lighter choices. In general, wine, champagne and light beers are three of the healthier options. Still, be aware that they aren’t calorie-free - light beers, unlike diet sodas, might have 100 or more calories per can.

● Dilute your orders. Turn a glass of wine into a spritzer by mixing in seltzer water and a slice of lemon, or a beer into a shandy with soda water. You’ll have a bigger drink with fewer calories.

● Ask for extra ice. The cubes will make your serving of alcohol smaller and let you nurse each drink longer.

● Beware of mixed drinks. Some frozen, sugary and creamy beverages can pack more than 800 calories per serving. The worst offenders are anything made of dessert-like ingredients - Irish coffee, pina coladas and eggnog, for example. Ask for low-calorie or diet mixers when possible.

● Look out for hard liquor. A single shot can pack anywhere from 100 to 200 calories.

- McClatchy Newspapers