Ladies, it is official. We are over a week in to the new school year and not to rain on anybody’s back-to-school parade but this also means the stresses that come along with college life are among us once again. Not to worry though because come the weekend it’s time to unwind. That night out with the girls is very often crucial to ones sanity. Unfortunately it can also mean lots of excess calories come weekend’s end. Think about all those drinks that eligible bachelors will be buying you on 6th street and all the snacks you’ll be munching on during Longhorn game day. It adds up. You definitely deserve a break but that doesn’t mean you’ve got to compromise that bangin’ body you’ve been rocking at Hamilton Pool all summer along with it. There is always a healthy alternative and I’m here to show you that it doesn’t always have to taste bad!
Movie Night Snack: Ants on a Log
Whether you’ve decided to watch your favorite Disney classic or a girly-night classic like ‘Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion’ snacks are essential to a good time.
This childhood snack is perfect. It’s got a decent amount of sweet because of the peanut butter and raisins, and its low carb cause its on celery instead of bread! Also, it’s filling so you don’t have to worry about mindless munching because you’ll get full fast!
* Want to change it up a bit? Need a little more sweet? Try switching the raisins with dark chocolate chips (as shown above) or ‘red ants’ (dried cranberries)!
Out on the Town: Red Wine, Vodka Soda
It’s Friday, you’re going out with the girls, and you want some delicious drinks to wash away all those weekly stresses. You deserve it. Really though, you do. Plus, the fact is that this is completely possible to accomplish without falling off the health wagon. First off, everything in moderation. Obviously the calories in ten glasses of any alcoholic drink will very quickly add up. With that said, red wine and vodka soda are definitely two of the best choices you can make. They also can apply to any situation. If you’re on ‘Dirty 6th” you’ll probably go with the vodka soda and if you’re on West 6th you can go with the wine.
Game Day Snacking: Pretzels/Trail Mix
The Texas heat is blistering, you’ve been tailgating all day and now the game is about to start! Wait a second, you’ve completely forgotten to even think about food! You must have a snack to get you through all the cheering you’ll be doing! Those nachos, chips and pizzas are currently looking very tempting… Don’t do it! Whether you’re out tailgating or watching at your place there is a better way!
First off, stay away from sodas! Water is way more refreshing anyway and the excess calories in sodas are killer. Secondly, before you head out for game day shenanigans, even if you’re not hungry at all, pack some snacks to avoid giving into temptation wherever you may be watching the game. A bag of pretzels with your choice of dip will suffice instead of chips! You can also pack some trail mix in a small bag.
Party finger foods: Fruit Kebabs
Hosting a get together or small party can be kind of stressful. The perfect snack for the occasion is hard to find, especially when you’re trying to keep it both healthy and yummy. The solution is pretty simple and delicious: Fruit Kebabs.
They can serve as that sweet option everyone craves at dinner parties! You can also provide a variety of hummus with veggies, pretzels, or pita bread. It’s the perfect mix and your snack table will look way cuter!
Brunch/Day drinking:
One word: Mimosas.
Mimosas are 100% the best part of being 21. Champagne and orange juice in one flawless alcoholic beverage that is socially acceptable to have in the morning!? It is literally unreal. It gets better though. Mimosas are also one of the healthier alcoholic beverage choices out there. Plus mimosa drinking is not limited to brunch time. When the sun is out a mimosa is perfectly appropriate. Having a cookout? Laying out by the pool? Say no to that beer the boys offer and make some mimosas with the girls. They are way tastier, classier and healthier.
And who said you couldn’t have fun and be healthy at the same time?