Moderate amounts of alcoholhave been associated with health benefits, so it’s not off-limits to dietitians either.
“I love a good glass of pinot noir,” says dietitianKarla Moreno-Bryce.
“It’s my favorite alcoholic beverage because it’s fruit-forward and light to drink.
It’s a versatile wine that pairs well with many ethnic and flavored dishes.”
Kristina Todini, registered dietitian ofFork In The Roadagrees.
“Vino all the way!
I love a glass of wine, whether it’s red, white, or sparkling.
It’s great for sipping and transitions well into dinner…. With wine,a standard serving is five ounces.
White wineactually boasts some health benefitstoo.
Dietitian and authorLauren Harris-Pincusis a fan.
“I usually order white wine or prosecco.
If available, I ask the bartender to add some pomegranates.
raves RD Chelsey Amer, creator ofC it Nutritionally.
One especially awesome thing about sparkling wine is that it tends to be lower in calories than regular wine.
Astandard serving is 12 ouncesof regular beer and provides around 150 calories.
Fun fact: Beer also boasts some B-vitamins and even a little potassium.
That said, you’re better off getting what you need from food.
You’d have to drink alotof beer to cover your bases for those nutrients.
A good amber ale, porter, or stout carries so much flavor.
It’s about the quality, not quantity!
Dietitian Willow Jarosh ofCJNutritionloves a Murphy’s Irish Stout.
“It’s flavorful and refreshing in the summer and feels cozy in the winter too.”
Beer can be used to make cocktails as well.
DietitianAngelica Agamiloves “a Michelada made with light beer.
Like a bloody mary, its flavors are savory, spicy and tart.”
Astandard serving of distilled spiritslike vodka, gin, whiskey, or rum is 1.5 ounces.
The mixer is what makes or breaks a cocktail as a smart choice.
“Bonus points for infused spirits, muddling, and fancy garnishes.
I take a stab at stick with those that use club soda to cut the alcohol.”
Registered Dietitian Sarah Schlichteralso loves craft cocktails.
“I think they are a great way to include seasonal and local flavorings into a fun drink option.
Oftentimes, the herbs and spices are enough flavoring for me rather than extra sugar or soda.”
Portion control is key, points out Jessica Spiro, RD.
Having just one is a great way to justify springing for the top-shelf stuff.
I’m not the only dietitian who orders whiskey at the bar.
Dietitian Gabrielle Vetere agrees.
“I love a nice bourbon on the rocks with some fresh lemon juice.
Bourbon is smooth so it doesn’t need any sweetener to hide the taste.
Sip it slow and enjoy!”
Hits the spot with the perfect balance of rye, sweet and sour.”
DietitianWendy Jo Petersonagrees on keeping it simple.
“Whiskey and ginger… or water with lime depending on my mood.
The smoky flavors of a good whiskey are hard to beat!”
There are lots of other options to consider.
RD and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokespersonAngel Planellsloves a screwdriver.
“I like to get my Vitamin C while I get my drink on!”
For a slightly more indulgent option, “cosmo, baby!”
“I only have one, and I want it to be perfect.
Just the right amount of alcohol balanced with the sweet stuff.
Wine gives me a headache and makes me tired, but cosmos just make me feel good!”
“It’s light, refreshing, and not too sweet or strong.
Plus, I feel fancy drinking it!”
Amanda Archibald is a dietitian who is a big fan of a classic Negroni.
The Italian Negroni allows experimentation with different gins, amaro etc.
DietitianAmy Gorinfinds food and drink inspiration in her travels.
“I recently visited Scotland, where they do the gin and tonic so well.
That’s been my go-to drink recently!
