50+ Lifestyles

Summer Celebration-Ready Cocktails

… nobody needs to sacrifice their
health goals to get a bit of refreshment.

By Nina Struss RDN, LDN
Hy-Vee Registered Dietician
(515) 695-3779     NStruss@hy-vee.com

Beverages are summertime staples especially to refresh and rehydrate while lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard barbecue. But with many sugary drinks available, it can be tough to find a healthy option. And nobody needs to sacrifice their health goals to get a bit of refreshment. (I’ll drink to that!) That’s where your Hy-Vee dietitians’ pick of the month – Zevia – comes in! Zevia offers a variety of delicious and refreshing beverages for the entire family to enjoy, and all of the beverages are sweetened with stevia leaf extract. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from a plant. It is 200 times sweeter than sugar but contains 0 calories.

Kick back, relax and celebrate summer without a headache or sugar crash – and if you choose to drink alcohol, raise your glass with care. Consider these 3 smarter sip tips:

1. Avoid premade drink mixes. Make your own so you can control the calories and choose healthier ingredients instead of high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors.
2. Choose a lower-proof liquor or low-ABV beverage: The lower alcohol content typically results in fewer calories.
3. Alternate between alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Drinking water in-between alcoholic drinks helps keep you hydrated and limit excessive calorie consumption.

Let’s not sugarcoat it – we’re still drinking way too much sugar! Try this Zevia pink drink recipe below and skip the added sugar! Your Hy-Vee dietitians are here to help make hydration be anything but boring.

Hibiscus Tea Pink Drink

All you need:

• 1 cup Hy-Vee coconut milk
• 1/3 tsp Hy-Vee pure vanilla extract
• 1 can Zevia Caffeine Free Hibiscus Tea Passionfruit
• Ice
• 5-6 fresh Basket & Bushel strawberries, sliced
• 1 strawberry for garnish

All you do:

1. In a shaker, add coconut milk, vanilla and tea into a shaker and mix.
2. In a tall glass, add ice and fresh strawberries.
3. Pour mixture into the glass.
4. Garnish with a strawberry and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from: https://www.zevia.com/blogs/recipes/hibiscus-tea-pink-drink

Looking for more ways to skip the added sugar and achieve better blood sugar control? Check out our NEW Balancing Your Blood Sugar program, an action-based group program for those with prediabetes, diabetes or gestational diabetes. It’s also suitable for individuals looking to lower inflammation, reduce their sugar intake and control their cravings. Participants can expect four virtual sessions led by your Hy-Vee dietitian designed to facilitate positive behavior changes. The program includes nutrition education, actionable goals, group discussions and time for self-refection. Participants will also receive in-person A1C and biometric screenings at the beginning and end of the program to track progress (available at select locations). Register online at https://www.hy-vee.com/health/hy-vee-dietitians/default.aspx.

This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

Nina Struss represents Hy-Vee as a nutrition expert promoting healthy eating throughout the community. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly known as the American Dietetic Association). She can be reached at (515) 695-3779 or at nstruss@hy-vee.com.