Enjoy a Low Calorie Happy Hour

While it’s well known that drinking alcohol is one of the quickest ways to pack on calories, happy hour is one part of the week that many people look forward to. What’s important is to make sure that you know what you’re drinking in order to make smart health choices.

According to registered dietician Mitzi Dulan, one way that people add on extra calories to their cocktails is with mixers.

“Gin, vodka, rum and whiskey, one ounce, shot of liquor or spirits contains about 65 calories," she said on her blog on NutritionExpert.com. "Sure, it seems like a small number, but wait until you throw in those mixers. A few top mixers and their calorie content for every 8 ounces [include] soda, 100 calories, orange juice, 110 calories, pineapple juice, 120 calories, and cranberry juice, 137 calories. For a calorie free mixer use club soda to slash your calorie intake but don’t justify extra drinks because of it.”

She also recommends having a glass of water in between alcoholic beverages.

“It can help to fill you up and keep you hydrated. The next day you will also feel better if you kept yourself well hydrated the night before.”

Cheryl Forberg, nutritionist for NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” program, also agrees that there are ways to enjoy yourself without going overboard. One tip she gives to people looking to enjoy drinking on a calorie budget is to drink wine.

“Wine has calories, but no fat – and it contains health-boosting antioxidants. A 4.1-ounce glass of champagne has 78 calories, while a 5-ounce glass of red wine has 127 calories and contains the powerful antioxidant Resveratrol," she wrote on her personal website.

And, if you want to save even more calories, go for a wine spritzer, which is wine mixed with sparkling water. “You’ll cut the calories in half and still get some of wine’s beneficial antioxidants," she said.

So are there any venues in the Sachem District that cater to low-calorie happy hours? Absolutely.

Applebee’s: 1935 N. Ocean Ave., Farmingville

Applebee’s is a great option for happy hour, as they carry a line of Skinny cocktails. Try their SkinnyBee Mojito, a Cruzan-rum blended cocktail for around 90 calories. If you’re craving tequila, opt for the SkinnyBee Margarita which is only about 100 calories. This is an excellent option, when, according to LiveStrong.com, margaritas can sometimes be over 1,000 calories. Beer drinkers can enjoy an array of brews, such as Michelob Ultra, Miller Light, Corona Light, Coors Light, Amstel Light, and Heineken Premium Light.

TGI Friday's: 2240 N. Ocean Ave., Farmingville

Like Applebee’s, TGI Friday's also carries a line of skinny cocktails for those looking to get a buzz on a calorie budget. Their Skinny Margarita is a blend of Hornitos Reposado Tequila and house made skinny agave sour. Want to add a little fruit flavor? TGI Friday’s also offers a Skinny Blackberry Margarita.

Outback Steakhouse: 325 Main St., Holbrook

Catering to the calorie conscious, Outback Steakhouse offers a line of skinny margaritas. First, there is the Naturally Skinny ‘Rita, which is a mix of 100 percent Blue Agave El Jimador Reposado Tequila, real citrus juices, and a splash of orange juice. They also offer a ‘Rita Trio, which allows you to sample three 4 oz. servings of their flavored skinny margaritas in pomegranate, mango, and lime. Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra, Amstel Light, Corona Light are also low-calorie drink opts for beer drinkers.

Still don’t see exactly what you’re craving? According to Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, director of nutrition for WebMD, there are always go-to drinks that are made everywhere that tend to be low in calories, such as:

• Bloody Mary (5 oz)- 118 calories
• Champagne (5 oz)- 106-120 calories
• Mimosa (4 oz)- 75 calories
• Rum and Diet Coke (8 oz)- 100 calories
• Mike’s Hard Lemonade (11 oz)- 98 calories