Low-calorie sips for New Year's

December 31, 8:39 AMBaltimore Healthy Living ExaminerMila Lowery

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Happy New Year!

If you're planning a night out on the town or a New Year's Day get-together, you might need some low-calorie drink ideas. Indeed, alcohol consumption is an effortless way to impede your weight-loss efforts. Before you know it, you can easily gulp down 500 calories or more.

Below are a few options that won't do too much caloric damage when consumed in moderation. Let me preface the list by saying that I am NOT a fan of artificial sweeteners. However, on the rare occasion that I have a mixed drink or two, I'll choose the low-calorie mixers over the full-sugar ones. Please note that the calorie information below is approximate, based on Internet research; most values are from The Daily Plate. Of course, the amount actually poured into your glass will vary depending on how heavy-handed your bartender happens to be.

1. Diet Coke (or Coke Zero) and Malibu rum. I prefer the tropical flavor of the Malibu, but regular rum works too. One ounce of rum has about 69 calories.

2. Wine: both red and white are fine choices at around 100 calories for a 4-ounce glass.

3. Vodka (69 calories for 1 ounce) and seltzer (or club soda) with a twist of lime.

4. Vodka (69 calories for 1 ounce) and light cranberry juice (40 calories for 1 cup, or 8 ounces).

5. Fresca and tequila. Fresca is not easy to find in a bar, but when entertaining at home it's my favorite way to make a low-cal margarita. The tequila will set you back 69 calories for 1 ounce.

6. If you are a beer drinker, try a bottle of MGD 64 (the "64" stands for 64 calories) or  Corona Light (105 calories per bottle).

7. And finally, what's New Year's without Champagne? Your glass of bubbly will contain about 95 calories.

To keep calories in check, limit your intake to two alcoholic beverages and alternate with water. Have fun, be safe, and please don't drink and drive!

What is your favorite low-calorie cocktail? Leave a comment or send me an e-mail at healthylivingexaminer@gmail.com.