You Booze, You Lose. However......

I often am asked how I am able to stay in shape while still being able to eat drink and be merry just as I please. Of course there is no substitute for hard work in the gym, on a track or wherever you get your sweat on, there are always more 'strategic' ways and better choices to be made so that you are still able to live it up and not blow out your morning workout.

I would't describe myself as a follower of the Paleo way of life, however at times I have definitely  applied their methods (loosely) to the way I throw back them bevvies.

It's summer, and you better believe I will be finding my way to patio for a cold one on a gorgeous day, relax and kick back with friends!  There is nothing sinful about having a drink or two when you are trying to lose weight or get in badass shape, but it IS about moderation and doing it as wisely as possible without causing havoc to the waistline and your organs. 

So let's talk about it...

The staples of paleo-friendly alcohol are wine (preferably red), vodka and tequila. Sorry Rum lovers, but I won't say it!  It's easy to think otherwise and be mislead by it's clear color, but the sugar content is too dang high!  Gin will receive honorable mention, a participation ribbon if you will because of its paleo-friendly ingredients;  the base alcohol for gin originates from a grain mash, so it's lower down on the list but still a better choice than rum, whisky or any other hard alcohol. Ugh, it hurts to speak ill of whiskey like that, le sigh.  

Moving on...

The biggest antioxidant bang for your tipsy buck is a fairly obscure red wine called Cannonau. It's a Sardinian wine with not twice but THRICE the amount of antioxidants than any other wine. 

Now this goes out to all my beer drinkers out there...  Don't slap me when I say this but I would suggest a gluten-free beer. When I'm being mindful of my training and watching more closely what I put in my body I've sampled around and I can say that I've been fairly impressed with Burning Brothers line of gluten-free beers. They have some strong beers in a variety of styles and flavors and admirably make it a point to keep out most of the common allergens.  Almost every bar/liquor store/whathaveyou carries a GF option because of the growing popularity of GF products.

Back to my cocktails! Let's talk mixers shall we? Club soda (also known as soda water) and seltzer (pretty much the same thing)) are usually a safe bet as they're just carbonated water, whereas tonic is a big fat NO-NO due to the additives and sugar.  Here is a quick tip to look for on the label, if you see added sugar, STOP, DROP AND ROLL.  Listen here though, there is a big difference between "no added sugar" and "sugar-free."  Ex: Diet pop. Sugar-free, yes. However that poison is LOADED with chemicals. The lesser of the two evils would be to take the sugary option. Sorry diet lovers, but read it and weep.

On now to Fruit juices. Even if they're organic, unfiltered and 100% juice with no added sugar) are not ideal but a better option than tonic or any regular or diet soda, and therefore they get honorable mention and at the very least a secretive low-five. Your best bet is to use fresh squeezed juice from oranges, lemons, or limes and top off your drink with some club soda if needed. Citrus helps with detox and boosting your metabolism, so I suppose every little bit helps.
 

I bartended my way through my last year of college and then some, so I can't resist the opportunity to throw a few recipes your way!  Get your ice and shakers out y'all. 

**Disclaimer - These are meant to be consumed in smaller portions, mmmkay! I mean like using the glasses to make Old Fashions.  Trick: Ice, ice, baby. Use more of it.

Low-Cal Margarita
1-2 ounces of tequila (NOT bottom shelf, we are all better than that)
Juice and pulp of 1/2 lime (squeeze that lime with your mitts, get gritty with it)
Top off with club soda to taste

Gin Rickey
2 ounces of gin
Juice of 1 lime
Top off with club soda
Lime wedge for a classy garnish

Rum and Coconut Water (For those who don't want to ditch their rum)
1-2 ounces of Rum (Light or Dark. NOT Spiced)
Juice of a lime wedge
Top off with coconut water (regular or any flavored coconut water tickles your fancy)

Vodka and Club Soda
1-2 ounces of organic vodka                                                                                                                 Top off with club soda

Natural Screwdriver
1-2 ounces of organic vodka
Squeeze the juice from an orange.

So there's that!