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May 03, 2023

Notes on Nutrition: Celebrate summer with low

Try this summer ready mocktail Jun. 9, 2023 6:00 am, Updated: Jun. 9, 2023 11:21

Try this summer ready mocktail

Jun. 9, 2023 6:00 am, Updated: Jun. 9, 2023 11:21 am

Beverages are summertime staples, especially to refresh and rehydrate while lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard barbecue. But with many sugary drinks available, it can be tough to find a healthy option. And nobody needs to sacrifice their health goals to get a bit of refreshment. (I’ll drink to that!)

That's where Zevia comes in. Zevia offers a variety of delicious and refreshing beverages for the entire family to enjoy, and all of the beverages are sweetened with stevia leaf extract. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from a plant. It is 200 times sweeter than sugar but contains 0 calories.

Kick back, relax and celebrate summer without a headache or sugar crash — and if you choose to drink alcohol, raise your glass with care. Consider these five smarter sip tips.

Make your own so you can control the calories and choose healthier ingredients instead of high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors.

Lower-proof alcohol or low alcohol by volume beverages typically have fewer calories.

Drinking water in-between alcoholic drinks helps keep you hydrated and limit excessive calorie consumption.

Use soda water to make a wine spritzer. It’ll help you stay hydrated and save on extra calories.

While alcohol is fat-free and low in carbs, the calories still count. Moderation means no more than one alcoholic drink daily for women and no more than two alcoholic drinks daily for men. One standard drink is either a 1.5 ounce shot of 80 proof distilled spirits, 5 ounces of wine (a little less than a yogurt container) or a 12-ounce beer (a bottle or can).

Let's not sugarcoat it — we’re still drinking way too much sugar. Try this Zevia pink drink recipe below and skip the added sugar. Hy-Vee dietitians are here to help make hydration be anything but boring.

Looking for more ways to skip the added sugar and achieve better blood sugar control? Check out our new Balancing Your Blood Sugar program, an action-based group program for those with prediabetes, diabetes or gestational diabetes. It's also suitable for individuals looking to lower inflammation, reduce their sugar intake and control their cravings.

Participants can expect four virtual sessions led by your Hy-Vee dietitian designed to facilitate positive behavior changes. The program includes nutrition education, actionable goals, group discussions and time for self-refection. Participants also will receive in-person A1C and biometric screenings at the beginning and end of the program to track progress (available at select locations). Register at www.hy-vee.com/health/hy-vee-dietitians/default.aspx.

Julie Gallagher is a dietitian at Hy-Vee.

Hibiscus Tea Pink Drink

Serves 1

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut milk

1/3 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 can Zevia Caffeine Free Hibiscus Tea Passionfruit

Ice

5 to 6 fresh strawberries, sliced

1 strawberry for garnish

Directions:

In a shaker, add coconut milk, vanilla and tea into a shaker and mix.

In a tall glass, add ice and fresh strawberries.

Pour mixture into the glass.

Garnish with a strawberry and enjoy.

Source: Adapted from www.zevia.com/blogs/recipes/hibiscus-tea-pink-drink