The Meal Plan for the Week of December 26, 2022

Raise a Toast with these Five Festive Beverages

Holiday celebrations means delicious foods but also festive drinks! My sister-in-law likes to joke that things you drink doesn’t count as calories, but that’s far from the truth. Often, drinks can be packed full of calories and added sugar! Check out the recipes below to make your beverages a little bit healthier this year.

MEAL ONE:

Sparkling Cranberry Kombucha Mocktail

Kombucha is a fermented drink made of tea, sugar, bacteria (the good ones!) and yeast. Since it’s a naturally fermented product, it contains probiotics which benefit gut health. These drinks are often a little bit bubbly or fizzy due to the fermentation as well, which brings a festive addition to this holiday drink! You could use sparkling water or a little bit of ginger beer or ginger ale instead of Kombucha as well. Cheers!


MEAL TWO:

Winter Sangria

An alcohol-free sangria that’s a great addition to your holiday party! This recipe is packed full of fresh flavors and warm spices, which comes from roasting the fruit and allowing the mixture to sit and soak before serving.


MEAL THREE:

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is like a hug in a cup! Warm spices and citrus make this drink aromatic and cozy, which is perfect for chilly winter nights. You can make this on the stove or use a slow cooker to make prep even easier! Check out the website for recipe variations to make this your new favorite holiday drink.


MEAL FOUR:

Chai Tea with Bourbon

Did you know that the word “chai” in Hindi means “tea”? So, technically it’s repetitive to say chai tea, but it’s commonly said this way. Either way, this drink is a beautiful combination of sweet and spicy. You can make this one alcoholic or non-alcoholic, depending on what type of holiday celebration you’re trying to have! Simply leave out the bourbon and you have a delicious chai beverage to enjoy.


MEAL FIVE:

Pomegranate Mojito

A refreshing twist on a classic drink! Look for juice without added sugars to keep this a healthier option and feel free to add other fruit besides pomegranates. Pomegranates are full of fiber and antioxidants, like vitamin C!

About the dietitian

One of the Health Coaches at CHP, Lizzie completed her Dietetic Certificate and Internship at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN and is a Certified Exercise Physiologist and Personal Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine. Her interest in nutrition and exercise field comes from a passion for helping people meet their goals. Being a part of someone’s health journey by listening, providing them with accountability, and encouraging them every step of the way has been the source of her coaching success.

Lizzie Waldo

Corporate Health Partners