Madeleine Hull
Going to the pub with friends and family doesn't mean you have to give up on your diet. There are plenty of low-calorie drinks to choose from, including water, tea, and coffee. If you're looking for something with more flavour, you can add lemon or lime to your water, or opt for a skinny latte or herbal tea. For those who want an alcoholic drink, spirits served without mixers are a good option as they usually have zero carbs. Vodka with club soda and lime is a popular choice, as it's relatively low in calories. If you're looking for a non-alcoholic drink, you can try a bitter lemon, ginger beer, or a virgin Mary (tomato juice with lemon, worcestershire or tabasco sauce, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper).
What to drink at a pub when on a diet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol-free drinks | Alcohol-free beer, ginger beer, elderflower cordial, lime soda with angostura bitters, tonic water, iced tea, non-alcoholic apple cider, non-alcoholic wines |
| Low-calorie drinks | Water, green tea, skinny latte with milk alternatives, herbal tea, tomato juice, sparkling water with herbs and spices |
| Low-carb drinks | Spirits without mixers, light beer, dry wines, unsweetened iced coffee |
| Healthy alternatives | Salads, soups, tomato-based sauces, appetisers like crudités, unsalted popcorn, unsalted nuts, roasted chickpeas |
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What You'll Learn
Low-calorie alcoholic drinks
If you're looking for low-calorie alcoholic drinks to order at a pub, there are a few options to consider:
Spirits with low-calorie mixers: Spirits like vodka, gin, or tequila have no carbs and minimal calories when served without mixers. You can mix them with club soda, tonic water, or lime to add some flavour without adding many calories. A slice of lime in your drink can also be a good replacement for bar snacks, as salty snacks can make you thirsty and encourage more drinking.
Light beer: If you're a beer lover, opting for light beer can be a better choice than traditional beer in terms of calories. A light beer typically has a similar amount of carbs to a glass of wine.
Dry wines: Dry wines, such as a dry Malbec, usually contain less than 0.5 grams of sugar per glass. The fermentation by-products in wine, like glycerol, should have a minimal effect on blood sugar or insulin levels.
Low-calorie cocktails: Cocktails can be heavy on calories, especially when made with sugary mixers like soda, juice, or premade cocktail blends. Instead, opt for simpler drinks like a vodka soda with lime, or spice-infused vodka.
Low-calorie non-alcoholic options: If you're looking to reduce your overall calorie intake, alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic options can help. Some low-calorie choices include Indian tonic water, iced tea with lemon or peach juice, or herbal tea.
Remember, it's important to enjoy treats in moderation and focus on the wider balance of your diet. Staying mindful of your consumption and choosing low-calorie options can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying social outings.
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Non-alcoholic drinks
If you're looking for non-alcoholic drinks to order at a pub while on a diet, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Tonic Water
Tonic water is a versatile option that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with various ingredients to create a more complex drink. There are numerous tonic water brands, each with its own unique taste, so you can explore different options like Nordic, Royal Bliss, or Fever Tree to find your favourite. You can also get creative by mixing tonic water with certain citrus juices or adding a dash of bitters for a more sophisticated flavour profile.
Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale
Ginger beer is a popular choice for those avoiding alcohol. It has a strong and spicy flavour, providing a grown-up drinking experience. However, some pubs might be reluctant to serve it as it can resemble gone-off beer. Ginger ale, on the other hand, is a milder soda-type drink that can be used as a mixer or enjoyed on its own. If you're looking for a drink with a kick, you can try a ginger beer shandy, which combines ginger beer with a small amount of beer to reduce the sweetness.
Iced Tea
Iced tea is a refreshing option, especially during hot weather. You can customise your iced tea by adding lemon, peach juice, or apricot juice, or even a dash of angostura bitters to make it more interesting. If you're in a pub that serves coffee, you can also ask for an iced coffee, which is essentially a double shot of espresso poured over ice and mixed with water or milk.
Sparkling Water with Citrus
For a simple yet refreshing option, sparkling water with a slice of lime or lemon is always a good choice. This can be a great alternative if you find that soft drinks are too sweet. You can also ask for a slice of orange or other citrus fruits to add a twist of flavour to your water.
Healthy Juice Options
If you're looking for something nutritious, tomato juice is a tasty and healthy option, as it's a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients. You can enjoy it on its own or spice it up by adding lemon, Worcestershire or Tabasco sauce, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to make a "Virgin Mary." Alternatively, you can opt for pure orange juice mixed with tonic water to get your vitamin C fix with a kick.
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Healthy alternatives to soft drinks
If you're looking for healthy alternatives to soft drinks when you're at the pub, there are plenty of options to choose from. Firstly, it's important to remember that water is always the healthiest option, and adding a slice of lemon or lime can add some flavour. If you're looking for something else, drinking milk, tea and coffee is the next best thing.
If you're after something with a bit more flavour, there are several options. You could try a skinny latte, or opt for milk alternatives like oat milk. If you're after something refreshing, an iced Americano is a good choice, and you can add sugar or a sweetener yourself. You could also try herbal teas, or green tea, which may help with weight loss.
If you're looking for something with a kick, a vodka and soda with lime is a good option, at around 80 calories. You could also try a spirit on the rocks or neat, as most spirits served without mixers have zero carbs. Be careful with rums and flavoured spirits, as they often have extra sugar added.
There are also several alcohol-free options to choose from. You could try a non-alcoholic beer, which is mostly water and not particularly calorific. Ginger beer (not ginger ale) is another option, or you could try a ginger beer shandy. Alcohol-free wines are also available, but be sure to read the reviews first.
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Healthy bar snacks
When it comes to drinking at a pub while on a diet, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is important to remember that alcohol-free does not equate to calorie-free. Mocktails, for instance, can be high in sugar and calories, depending on the fruit juices used. Instead, opt for drinks made with sparkling water and flavoured with herbs and spices, or try a simple combination like vodka with club soda and lime, which is relatively low in calories. If you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, tonic water, ginger beer, or elderflower cordial are good choices. You can also try blending a banana, strawberries, and blueberries with skim milk or almond milk for a nutritious smoothie.
Now, let's shift our focus to healthy bar snacks:
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Energy Bars: These bars are a tasty treat, offering a combination of chocolate and peanut butter. They are a good source of protein and fibre, thanks to the inclusion of rolled oats and peanuts.
Strawberry-Oatmeal Breakfast Bars: Strawberry-oatmeal bars provide a fruity and flavourful snack option. Like the chocolate-peanut butter bars, they also derive their fibre content from oats and offer a hearty dose of protein.
Granola Bars: Granola bars are a fantastic option for a hearty snack, providing long-lasting energy without a sugar rush. They are usually packed with healthy fats from nuts like almonds and peanut butter, along with fibre from oats. You can even make your own at home, adding in extras like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or seeds.
Dried Fruit Bars: These bars are a nutritious option, often packed with various seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, hemp, and chia. They are a great source of protein, fibre, minerals, and healthy fats.
No-Bake Energy Bars: If you're looking for a quick and easy option, no-bake energy bars are a fantastic choice. A simple recipe might include dates, cashews, almonds, and coconut blended together. These bars are a good source of natural sugars, healthy fats, and protein.
So, the next time you're at the pub, remember that there are plenty of drink options that can fit within your diet. Additionally, if you're feeling creative, you can whip up a batch of healthy bar snacks to enjoy alongside your drink of choice!
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Healthy appetisers
When it comes to drinking at a pub while on a diet, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to remember that alcoholic drinks tend to be high in calories, so if you're watching your weight, it might be a good idea to opt for non-alcoholic beverages. Some good options include:
- Vodka with club soda and lime
- Tonic water
- Ginger beer (not ginger ale) with orange and tonic
- Alcohol-free beer
- Elderflower cordial with soda and a slice of lime
If you're looking for some healthy appetisers to accompany your drink, there are several options that can satisfy your cravings without derailing your diet. Here are some ideas:
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Zucchini pizza bites are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza. They are low-carb and can be easily prepared by slicing zucchini into rounds, topping them with your favourite pizza ingredients such as tomato sauce, cheese, and herbs, and baking them in the oven until melted and bubbly.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Instead of deep-frying, you can use an air fryer to make crispy and crunchy mozzarella sticks. This cooking method significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, making it a healthier option. Serve them with a marinara sauce for dipping, and you've got yourself a tasty and indulgent-feeling appetiser.
Avocado and Yogurt Dip
This dip is a nutritious and flavourful option that combines heart-healthy avocado with protein-rich yogurt. The addition of basil, green onions, lemon, and garlic gives it a bright and refreshing taste. Serve it with crudites or whole-grain crackers for a well-rounded appetiser.
Salads
Salads are always a good choice when it comes to healthy eating. You can get creative and experiment with different ingredients to make them more exciting. Try adding fresh apple slices, chopped nuts, and herbs for a crunchy and refreshing salad that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Spicy Panko Breadcrumb Poppers
If you're craving something spicy and crispy, these poppers are a great option. Instead of deep-frying, they are coated in panko breadcrumbs and cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a lighter and healthier snack.
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Frequently asked questions
Some low-calorie alcoholic drinks include vodka with club soda or lime soda, and tonic water. If you're a gin drinker, try it with bitter lemon. You can also order a spirit on the rocks or neat to avoid adding extra calories from mixers.
You can order a Virgin Mary (tomato juice with lemon, Worcestershire or Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper), or an iced coffee if the pub has a coffee machine. Tonic water is another good option, and some pubs may have flavoured varieties.
Avoid sugary drinks such as cocktails, mocktails, and soft drinks. Be cautious when ordering flavoured coffees and iced drinks, as these often contain a lot of added sugar.
If you're watching your weight, it's best to limit your alcohol intake. However, you can still enjoy a drink in moderation. Try to avoid sugary mixers and opt for drinks such as vodka with club soda or a spirit on the rocks.
Instead of soft drinks, you can opt for water, herbal tea, or green tea. These are low-calorie options that can help speed up your metabolism and may even aid in weight loss.
