Fueling FHIT Series: Cocktail or Mocktail?

Say hello to Shara — registered Dietitian and longtime Fhitting Room client. Shara started her career working with patients with chronic illnesses and then shifted gears to focus on helping people avoid the complications and diseases that can arise as a result of poor food and lifestyle choices. She is an expert in her field, with more than 15 years of experience in weight loss and management, most recently contributing to the development of a Clinically Supervised Medical Weight Loss plan. We are excited to kick off our summer Fueling FHIT Series with Shara where she will provide tips, recipes, and expert insight on hot topics in the nutrition and wellness space as they relate to fitness.

To kick off our Summer Series, we’re starting with a hot topic — Cocktail or Mocktail?

This question is growing in popularity as many people become sober curious. I used to love a good cocktail and still do on occasion, but I support this movement as more than a trend.

Cutting back on alcohol has many benefits including better sleep, increased energy, weight loss, and reduced incidence of headaches and gastrointestinal discomfort. These are all important things to consider especially when health, wellness, and fitness are personal goals. Another thing to consider is how alcohol affects mental health. While it might feel like a cocktail is the cure to a stressful day or bad mood, it can exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety and reduce the efficacy of prescribed therapies. As for your fitness, a few cocktails can result in dehydration which directly affects performance. Dehydration can make you feel fatigued and excessive sweating just worsens the side effects and can also cause cramping.

For all of these reasons mocktails have exploded in the bar and restaurant scene and have filled shelves with some interesting alternatives. The big question is are these mocktails actually healthier? The short answer is yes, but it heavily depends on how these drinks are prepared. Many of them contain sodas, fruit juices, and premade mixes. Some also contain caffeine or Guarana, which is an ingredient that has more than twice the amount of caffeine as coffee beans. Both sugar and caffeine can contribute to dehydration and the latter will also disrupt sleep. Knowing what makes up your mocktail truly makes the difference! Mocktails offer a great alternative and can help people reduce their intake of alcohol, which may align with your current food and fitness goals. Below are a few mocktail recommendations to serve at your summer gathering. Cheers and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

• Pina Colada: This frozen favorite includes a few simple ingredients (3 cups frozen pineapple, ½ cup light pineapple juice, 1 can of unsweetened light coconut milk, unsweetened shaved coconut for the rim, and ice). Sip on these delicious drinks as a sweet treat at your next BBQ, or try out a product like the Pina Colada Refresher from Califia Farms with its delicious blend of real ingredients.

• Non-alcoholic spirits: Using non-alcoholic spirits to recreate your favorite drinks is a great way to give the classics the authentic flavor they deserve. This tequila alternative and this jalapeño limeade can be used to make a spicy margarita that tastes just as good as the real thing.