Hot Toddy or Hot Body?

It’s the holiday season and a hot toddy may be just what you need to make the holiday craze easier to deal with. Or is it? These festive drinks have a strong link to that holiday weight that can be easy to pick up this time of year. Many women are finding that they are drinking their way to obesity. And I was one of those many. While alcohol is a top culprit it’s not the only one. I am actually a non-drinker. It’s all of the sugary beverages that we consume daily.

A few years ago, I had a light bulb moment when I realized that the sugary beverages I was consuming everyday were causing me to be at less than my ideal weight. I lost most of the drinks and a few dress sizes to boot. But it would be high treason to cut out one of the most memorable parts of the season. There is nothing like sitting round by the fire or warming up after some time outdoors with a nice hot drink.  So, do we really have to choose between a hot toddy or a hot body?

When my husband asks me if I want the dress or the shoes I always say both. And it’s the same with this. So, I say it’s both to the hot toddy and the hot body. With some moderation and some modifications you can have a cup and drink it too, this holiday.

Here are some tips that will help you to have a hot toddy and a hot body this holiday:

• Sippable Soups: Soups are a great way to fill up and to warm up. Try a veggie broth or miso soup. Both are low-calorie and with the great variety of veggie soups there is plenty to choose from to find something that suits your taste.
• The Virgin Toddy: Substitute the alcohol found in many traditional hot toddys with your favorite herbal tea and use ingredients like honey, lemon juice and cinnamon for more flavor.
• Hot Chocolate: You can actually make your own hot cocoa with unsweetened cocoa powder, skim milk and artificial flavor. You can also buy low calorie hot chocolate which also comes in dark chocolate varieties. And it is okay to splurge on the full fat with the extra chocolate topping hot chocolate during the season. Just not every day.
• Hot Apple Cider: Heat apple juice in the microwave or in the pan with a cinnamon stick and a pinch of nutmeg.