How to Party Sober

The long stretch from Thanksgiving to the Mardi Gras blowout is enough to make any liver cringe in it's wake. If you are looking to maintain your social life but let go of the booze, check out these tested and proved tricks to keep the party on. This "what to drink where" list came from my own experiences and while it's no substitute for a buzz, you'll be happy you stuck with it as you watch the night wear on and even more so when you wake up in the morning! Your pocketbook will thank me too someday! If you want that extra push into better health choices, join me on my 40 day journey to wellness starting Wednesday February 6 - I will be journaling daily at Lose it and Live. Have fun!

4 Easy Bar Drinks: Avoid sodas with high fructose corn syrup & caffeine

*Cranberry juice, splash of soda water and fresh lime

*Orange juice, grenadine, splash of cherry syrup - shaken and filled in sugar rimmed martini
glass

*Ginger puree, soda water, fresh lime/lemon juice and sugar crushed mint shaken over ice

*Chilled coconut water and guava nectar served in a martini glass with fresh strawberry slices

*Watermelon-mint granita add said ingredients to crushed/blended ice and enjoy!

*The master cleanser lemonade - fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, water and a dash of cayenne
an alternative is to use sparkling water to give a little extra umph

Things to drink at home, dinner parties or house parties:

Kombucha juice - this now comes in many flavors including ginger, grape, strawberry and guava also, the intense flavor of kombucha can trick you into feeling like you are throwing back something a little stronger

Herbal Iced Teas (w/juices for something sweeter) - I like to brew together calming herbs like chamomile, mint, raspberry leaves, licorice root and rose hips. Sometimes I will simmer in some white or green tea for a little extra flavor and energy. For sweetness I use agave nectar. My favorite cold teas include:

Sweet Hibiscus - Simmer the flowers in water with any other favorite herbs, sweeten w/agave
Cinnamon Wellbeing - Simmer fresh turmeric, ginger and cinnamon for 10 minutes, strain and cool. If you want, sweeten with agave or maple syrup. This tea is so insanely good for you. The turmeric especially helps reduce inflammation and prevent disease, stress, heart problems and headaches... who wouldn't want that!

There are also a lot of natural, nonalcoholic bottled beverages that look deceptively like beer or wine. Experiment and shop around, you are sure to find something you like. I hope this helps keep your hands full and your liver calm! Party on!