It would be foolish to condemn college students for drinking. After all, if it's a football weekend, you know inebriation is going to be a mass event.
Yet, consuming glass after glass of drinks is not only detrimental to your wallet but to your health, too. We all know the negative effects of alcohol (come on, we're required to take a quiz on it as a freshman), but what drink options are better?
Don't discount working out for hours at Southwest Recreation Center and meticulously watching what you eat just to blow it on chugging sessions at tailgates. Not to mention, the inevitable, dreaded hangover will come after a night of downing shots with your buddies.
Next time you plan on going out, think of these quick tips and alternatives to save yourself the nausea and to guarantee that your pants will still fit you by the time Thanksgiving rolls around.
The higher the proof of the alcohol, the more calories it contains. For example, 80-proof vodka has 64 calories versus 100-proof vodka, which has 82 calories.
Avoid sugary cocktails, such as those with syrup. These add calories and make you more thirsty.
Use mixers such as club soda, water or low-calorie fruit juices. The fewer items mixed into your drink, the less calories. Opt for sparkling water or simply use a lemon or lime wedge to add some taste. If you do need a sweetener, use a low-calorie one such as Splenda.
Don't be fooled by light beer. If you plan on drinking more beer because it has less calories, think again.
Drinking more light beer can be worse than just drinking regular beer, which has the full taste.
Give yourself a cap by the end of the night. Setting limits is key to making sure you don't go overboard.
Setting such limits will also help you know how much money you'll spend and how much to expect you'll be drinking.
The Avenue's compiled some healthy drink alternatives for your boozing, so you can prepare properly for the weekend's festivities.
Instead of downing high-calorie drinks, take a gander at our list first.You won't have to think twice before ordering these healthy, yet refreshing and delicious, choices.
Dark Rum and Diet Coke
-1 shot of rum, a splash of diet coke
Vodka Water
-1 shot of vodka, mixed with water, squeeze a lemon wedge in for flavor
Glass of Wine
-5 ounces of any red or white wine
Mojito Cosmo
-1 ½ ounces of mint vodka, 2 ounces of cranberry juice, ¾ ounce of lime juice
Low-Cal Mimosa
-2 ounces of low-calorie orange juice, 3 ounces of champagne
Tequila on the Rocks
-1 ½ shots of Tequila, squeeze lemon and lime, ice cubes
Gin and Tonic
-1 ½ ounces of gin, 5 ounces of tonic water
