Our Best Holiday Mocktails

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'Tis the season to be jolly (not the season to gain unwanted pounds!). It's no secret that cocktails are somewhat of a staple this time of year. You'll find them at parties in all shapes, sizes, and colors...and all full of unwanted calories and sugars. The hard truth is that cocktails won’t help you get any closer to your weight loss goals, or to stay at them! They're one of the biggest saboteurs when it comes to weight loss over the holidays. Here's some calorie count snapshots for some favorite cocktails:

• Red Wine Spritzer: 138
• Eggnog: 223 (that's without any spirits! Add a shot of rum or brandy and you're looking at nearly 300+ caolories!)
• Rum Toddy: 135
• Margarita: 290
• Hot Chocolate: 192 (again, without any spirits! Add another 70+ calories if you're having an "adult hot chocolate")

So, what's a gal to do during the holidays without a delicious drink? The answer is actually quite simple (and delicious): Mocktails! Mocktails are different from "virgin" cocktails in that not only do they eliminate caloric alcohol, but they also use slimmed down versions of other ingredients in traditional cocktails. Now, don't confuse "slimmed down" with "tasteless" or "bland". You CAN enjoy the same great taste of cocktails without all of the sugar and calories that are notorious for causing hoiday weight gain!

We understand that the holidays can be stressful enough without also trying to lose or maintain weight, and it's always our goal to try and keep our healthy variations as close to "normal" as possible so you're not left feeling deprived and left out of the celebrations of the season. The chefs in the MRC Kitchen have been hard at work, and these mocktails are are sure to be a hit all season through. They're quick and easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and you won't be skipping a beat on your weight loss program! The common ingredient in nearly all of these delights is are MRC's High Nutrient Supplements ("HNS" or "protein drinks"! Packed with 15 grams of hunger-fighting protein, you'll also be burning fat while you indulge! If you're out of stock, head to your local MRC center or give them a call to have your HNS shipped directly to you! Go ahead and mix one up! Whether you're heading out or staying in for the holidays, these drinks will taste good anywhere!

And for those of you who just love a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a chilly December night, we're sharing our favorite recipes and variations! Do you have a mocktail of your own that you simple adore over the holidays? We'd love to see and hear all about it! Share with us at support@emetabolic.com.

 

Secret Sparkling “Red Wine” Spritzer

• 1 packet Grape Concentrate HNS
• 1 packet of Pomegranate or Mixed Berry Concentrate HNS
• To taste: zero calorie lemon-lime drink or sparkling water 

Stir together and serve over ice in a wine glass. Garnish with a sprig of smoked rosemary for a little extra decadence!

Servings: 2 | Serving Size: 1/2 recipe | One Serving Replaces: 1 clear HNS

Calorie Comparison:  Traditional Spritzer: 138 | MRC Spritzer: 80 

 

MRC Eggnog

• 1 C. almond milk, unsweetened
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. rum extract
• To taste: zero-calorie Sweetener
• A dash each: ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon

In a saucepan over medium-low heat combine egg, almond milk, and extracts. Stir continuously until heated through and thickened (a few minutes), and remove from heat. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Once the pan has cooled to touch, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 3+ hours. Serve in a glass and garnish with more ground nutmeg or a cinnamon stick!

Servings: 1 | Serving Size: entire recipe | One Serving Replaces: 1 carbohydrate, 1/2 protein

Calorie Comparison: Traditional Eggnog: 223 | MRC Eggnog: 95 

 

Mocha Rum Toddy

• 1 packet Creamy Hot Cocoa HNS
• 1 tsp. instant coffee 
• 8 oz. boiling water
• 2-3 drops rum extract
• To taste: nutmeg

Combine Creamy Hot Cocoa and instant coffee in large mug. Slowly and carefully stir in the hot water. Stir in run extract and finish with a dash of nutmeg.

Servings: 1 | Serving Size: entire recipe | One Serving Replaces: 1 creamy HNS

Calorie Comparison: Traditional Rum Toddy: 135 | MRC Mocha Rum Toddy: 90 

 

Mock Margarita!

• 12 oz Sprite Zero (or other zero calorie lemon-lime drink)
• 1 packet Crystal Light Lemonade
• 1 packet Kiwi-Melon Concentrate HNS

Mix ingredients together and serve over ice in a margarita or rocks glass. For a little extra fancy, put a zero-calorie sugared rim around your glass and garnish with lime slices!

Servings: 1 | Serving Size: entire recipe | One Serving Replaces: 1 clear HNS

Calorie Comparison: Traditional Margarita: 290 | MRC Margarita: 80 

 

Hot Cocoa Fun Favorites

• 1 packet Creamy Hot Cocoa HNS
• 6 oz. hot water or hot almond milk

Stir in a large mug to combine! Now the fun begins...let’s add some Holiday flavor! Add any of these fun and festive twists to your hot chocolate:

• 1 drop vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon
• A pinch of Pumpkin Pie Spice
• A small pinch of cayenne pepper
• A drop of peppermint extract
• 1/2 tsp of orange zest
• 1/4 tsp of cinnamon

Calorie Comparison: Traditional Homemade Hot Cocoa: 192 | MRC’s Creamy Hot Cocoa: 90