6 Hacks for a Healthy Happy Hour

It takes discipline to do what you do. Your body shows the results of all that hard work and dedication. But you still need to let loose sometimes!

Here’s how to have a healthy happy hour so all your hard work isn’t wasted when you hit the town:

Prep for a Healthy Happy Hour

If you head into happy hour stressed or starving, you set yourself up for an unhealthy experience. You’ll be more likely to choose drinks that counteract your hard work towards health. Plus, you’ll be more tempted to binge on bar food.

So, first things first, prepare for your fun night! Stretch, do yoga, get dolled up while you dance to your favorite tunes. Start unwinding before you hit the town- and drink a lot of water too. Being hydrated will make for a healthier happy hour.

Drink This, Not That

A good cocktail is part of the fun, right? However, cocktails tend to be full of empty calories. Swap out these favorites for their healthier versions:

The Screwdriver- Light

What It Is: Why the name? We’re not sure. But this mix of vodka and orange juice hits the spot. It’s a colorful, classy drink that tastes great.
What Makes It Light: When you ask for a Screwdriver light, you’re really just saying “stick to a splash of OJ.” Less juice means fewer calories.
Calorie Count: Less than 180 Calories

A Margarita- On the Rocks

What It Is: A real classic, margaritas are a favorite of many. This drink is fruity, strong, and iconic. When you opt for the lighter version, it’s also low-calorie.
What Makes It Light: If you ask for your margarita on the rocks, you still get the essentials: tequila, triple sec, and lime. But, it comes over ice. The dilution reduces calories and makes this cocktail light and refreshing.
Calorie Count: About 150 Calories

Gin and Tonic- Diet Version

What It Is: An elegant cocktail with a little kick, a gin and tonic mixes bubbly tonic water with the greatness of gin.
What Makes It Light: Ask for the diet version means you’re having diet tonic water mixed in with gin instead of the regular stuff. That’s around 100 calories you’re saving- without really affecting the taste.
Calorie Count: Just 97 calories

Eat This, Not That

Happy hour food tends to be served in smaller portions and be more snack-like. That doesn’t make it healthy though! Use these bar food hacks to stay on track:

Mexican- Minus All the Cheese

What Your Options Are: Most bars, pubs, and cocktail hotspots serve Mexican foods like quesadillas, burritos, and tacos. These kinds of foods can be healthy, except for the cheese!
What to Order: Try veggie or fish tacos and hold the cheese. Choose a soft tortilla for the shell. Your calorie intake will go way down, but you’ll still get flavor and nutrients.
Calorie Count: One soft shell taco is about 60-80 calories.

Sliders- Without the Carbs

What Your Options Are: Sliders are mini sandwiches. They usually have meatballs, chicken breast, or hamburger inside.
What to Order: Go sans-buns. Meat on its own is tasty, cocktail-worthy, and good for protein. You need protein for those sexy muscles!
Calorie Count: A whole cup of meatballs is about 280 calories.

Dip- The Hummus Kind

What Your Options Are: Foods like queso or artichoke dip are great for sharing during cocktail hour, but they are fatty and high in calories.
What to Order: Hummus is way healthier and just as good for dipping into, sharing, and filling up on.
Calorie Count: A tablespoon of hummus is around 25 calories.

Recover Well

After a fun night celebrating happy hour, your body needs to recover. Plan to sleep in. Drink water. But then, grab your pre-packed gym bag and hit the gym. Working out will help you feel energized again!

For more ideas on how to recover well, download our FREE Juice Recipe Guide!