Don’t let summer cocktail parties sabotage your diet. Sugar laden drinks such as margaritas and daiquiris can contain more than 600 calories per serving and a TON of added sugar!
The American Heart Association recommends limiting the amount of added sugar you consume to no more than half of your daily discretionary calorie allowance. A person’s discretionary calories depends on physical activity and daily nutrient requirements. A Registered Dietitian can help you calculate these recommendations.
Generally speaking, for most American women, it is recommended that no more than 100 calories per day (or about 6 teaspoons) and for men, no more than 150 calories per day (or 9 teaspoons) come from added sugars.
Common sources of discretionary calories (in addition to added sugars) are fats, oils and alcohol. A margarita can contain 27 grams of sugar, which is approximately 6 teaspoons of sugar and a 12 oz.strawberry daiquiri can contain 32 grams of sugar, which is approximately 8 teaspoons of sugar.
Below are a few summer cocktail options that won’t break the calorie “bank”.
For more RD approved cocktails click here
**It is important to note that reducing the amount of added sugars we consume can help improve heart health and control weight. (resource link)
Resources:
The American Heart Association
Princeton Longevity News 