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      in diet and nutrition

      These 13 Simple Mocktails Are So Good, You’ll Make Them Long After Dry January

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      Like it or not, alcohol is a major part of our daily lives. People enjoy wine with dinner, grab drinks with friends or co-workers after a long week, and raise glasses of Champagne to toast newlyweds. And while consumption in moderation (especially of wine) can offer a few benefits (it has antioxidants), too much alcohol can seriously put a wrench in your healthy-living goals. Enter mocktail recipes.

      For those of us looking to drink less booze, the non-alcoholic drink options out there aren’t exactly exciting. And they don’t quite serve the same purpose that many alcoholic drinks can when it comes to elevating your food. After all, nothing quite goes with steak quite like red wine, or pretzels with beer.

      That’s why we found 13 amazing non-alcoholic mocktail recipes that will work with your own cooking. These mocktail recipes are easy to make, delicious, and aren’t just juice.

      READ MORE: What Is Dry January — And What Are The Health Benefits? Experts Weigh In

      1. Lemongrass Iced Tea

      Cals 24 | Fat 0G | Carbs 6G | Protein 0G | Serves 6

      Ingredients:

      3 Lemongrass stalks

      6 Green teabags

      2 Tbsp Honey

      Ice

      6 Sprigs of mint, plus extra, to serve

      Directions

      Halve the lemongrass stalks lengthwise, then smash with the back of a knife (careful, now).

      Pop them in a pan, add 1.4l water, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 mins.

      Take off the heat, add the tea bags and honey, and allow to brew for 5 mins.

      Strain into a jug and stir in 470ml of cold water. Serve over ice with mint. Zing.

      2. Rosemarie Pear Spritzer

      This pear variety is native to SA. Yay!

      Cals 169 | Fat 0G | Carbs 41G | Protein 0G | Serves 2

      Ingredients:

      65g Sugar

      1 Vanilla pod

      5 Cardamom pods

      2 Ripe Rosemarie pears

      6 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar

      Ice

      Sparkling water

      Directions:

      In a saucepan, bring the sugar, vanilla, cardamom and 125ml of water to a boil.

      Cut a few pear slices for garnish and roughly chop the rest; add to the pot.

      Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 mins, then let it stand for 30 mins.

      Strain, then stir in the apple cider vinegar. Pop in the fridge to cool.

      Line 2 glasses with the pear slices, add ice and divvy up the mixture. Top with sparkling water.

      3. Cherry Crush

      Cals 119 | Fat 0G | Carbs 30G | Protein 1G | Serves 6

      Ingredients:

      50g Sugar

      4 Cloves

      1 Star anise

      3cm Piece of ginger, sliced

      1l Cherry juice

      Crushed ice, to serve

      Directions:

      Pour 125ml water and the sugar into a saucepan.

      Stir in the cloves, star anise and the ginger, bringing gently to a boil.

      Reduce the heat and simmer (refrain from stirring) until the sugar dissolves – it should take about 3 to 4 mins.

      Once cool, strain the syrup into a jug and stir in the cherry juice. Fill your glasses with crushed ice and pour in your cocktail. Berry nice.

      4. Tangerine Sour

      Cals 74 | Fat 0.5G | Carbs 16G | Protein 2G | Serves 1

      Ingredients:

      125ml Naartjie juice (you’ll need about 6 naartjies) plus some peel to garnish

      1 tbsp Lemon juice

      1/2 tsp Real maple syrup

      1 tbsp Egg white

      3 Dashes orange bitters

      Ice

      Directions:

      Pop all the ingredients except the peel in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously (see, that hen do cocktail-making class wasn’t a complete waste of time) for 1 min.

      Pour over ice and garnish with a sliver of naartjie peel. Voila.

      5. Green Mary

      Cals 75 | Fat 1G | Carbs 17G | Protein 2G | Serves 6

      Ingredients:

      225g Tomatillos, husked (Can’t find them? Use green tomatoes or unripe red tomatoes with a squeeze of lime)

      1 Cucumber, peeled and chopped

      4 Stalks celery, chopped

      50g Fresh coriander

      1 Jalapeño chilli, deseeded

      115ml Lime juice

      30g Fresh horseradish, squeezed of excess moisture

      2 Tbsp Peppadew brine

      1 tsp Green Tabasco

      ¼ tsp Salt

      ½ tsp Pepper

      Ice

      Celery, to garnish

      Pepperoncini or jalapeño, to garnish

      Aleppo pepper, to garnish

      Directions:

      Pop the tomatillos or tomatoes, cucumber, celery, coriander, jalapeño and lime juice in a blender and whizz until smooth (about 1 min). Strain through a medium-mesh sieve into a measuring jug, pressing to extract as much juice as possible.

      Next, whisk in the horseradish, Peppadew brine, hot sauce, salt and pepper.

      Serve over ice, garnished with celery and pepperoncini or jalapeño, in a glass rimmed with Aleppo pepper for max presentation points.

      READ MORE: 10 Healthy Summer Recipes You Can Make In Under 20 Minutes

      6. Guava Margarita

      Cals 78 | Fat 0G | Carbs 20G | Protein 1G | Serves 1

      Ingredients:

      Ice

      115g Guava nectar

      3 Tbsp Orange juice

      2 Tbsp Lime juice

      Salt

      Lime wedge, to garnish

      Directions:

      Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the guava nectar and the juices and shake it like a Polaroid picture. Don’t have a cocktail shaker? Just chuck everything in a blender for a frozen version. (Don’t have a blender? Haai shame.)

      Strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Serve with a slice of lime, as fancy as you like.

      7. Ginger Hibiscus Spritzer

      Cals 23 | Fat 0G | Carbs 6G | Protein 0G | Serves 8

      Ingredients:

      5cm Piece of ginger, sliced

      6 Tbsp Dried hibiscus flowers

      3 Tbsp Agave syrup

      Ice

      Sparkling water

      Directions:

      Bring, the ginger, hibiscus, agave and 240ml water to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 5 mins.

      Remove from the heat and let it stand for 10 mins before straining into a jug and stirring in 480ml of cold water.

      Pour a few tablespoons into each glass and top with sparking water or PURA Soda Cranberry. It’s low in sugar, natural and colourant free.

      8. So-Cal Mule

      Sylvie Gabriele, owner of Love and Salt, in Los Angeles created this mocktail recipe that pairs best with fish. | Serves 1

      Ingredients:

      80ml sparkling lemonade

      60ml pear juice

      20ml fresh lime juice

      20ml maple syrup

      Directions:

      In a highball glass, combine limeade, juices, and maple syrup and stir.

      Add ice and garnish with a sprig of mint.

      9. Ginger Fizz

      This mocktail recipe created by Sylvie Gabriele pairs best with chicken. | Serves 1

      Ingredients:

      1/2 tsp grated ginger

      2 thin slices fresh mango

      60ml mango juice

      120ml ginger beer

      Directions:

      In a tall glass, muddle ginger and mango slices.

      Add mango juice and ginger beer and stir.

      Add ice and garnish with a slice of lime.

      10. Sparkling Tart Apple

      Another Sylvie Gabriele creation. This one pairs best with steak. | Serves 1

      Ingredients:

      150ml sparkling apple-grape juice

      1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar

      Directions:

      Pour juice into a wine glass and add vinegar.

      Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary.

      READ MORE: Try This Trendy And Delicious Vegetarian Orzo Pasta Recipe Now

      11. Lyre’s Penicillin

      A modern classic with warm, soothing flavours of honey, citrus, ginger, and Lyre’s American Malt.

      Ingredients:

      Directions:

      Shake briefly with ice.

      Strain over large ice cubes and serve in an old-fashioned glass.

      12. Lyre’s Amalfi Spritz

      A tall refreshing, slightly citrusy beverage is perfect for those warm summer nights.

      Ingredients:

      Directions:

      Add all ingredients in a glass.

      Stir and fill with fresh cubed ice.

      Serve in a large or stemless wine glass.

      13. Lyre’s Mojito

      What’s not to love about a classic mojito? Serve in a highball glass with a lime wheel and mint sprig.

      Ingredients:

      Directions:

      Add all ingredients into the glass.

      Fill with fresh ice cubes and stir.

      Add soda and garnish.

      Text: Jessie Van Amburg, Isobel Bridge and Trish Clasen | Photography: Chelsie Craig, Getty Images/iStockphoto | Food Styling: Rebecca Jurkevich More

    • 138 Shares

      in fitness and body

      Meet The Nutritionist & Personal Trainer Helping Women Crush Their Goals

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      With fourteen years’ experience as a sports nutritionist and personal trainer, Candice De Mendonca thrives on helping others achieve their fitness goals. Here’s everything you need to know about how she crushes it every day!
      She Walked The Walk And Talked The Talk
      “I’ve run cross country for South Africa and represented Gauteng in swimming, athletics, hockey, soccer and indoor soccer. I love sports and it’s the reason I studied sports development at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), along with personal training. Thereafter I decided to also complete my Diploma in Food Science, which has made a world of difference to my expertise,” says Candice.
      She Fuelled Her Body Correctly  
      Fuelling your body doesn’t have to be all broccoli and chicken and no fun! According to De Mendonca low fat chocolate milk is a scientifically proven sports nutritional aid. YAY!
      She explains: “When I discovered First Choice’s High Protein Recovery, I felt like a child on Christmas morning. HPR is literally the best post workout recovery aid out there. It offers no digestive issues, is easily absorbed and well used by the body. It has more protein and less calories and sugar than most other products on the market. I recommend it to anyone who is active, from children to adults.” 
      “HPR is scientifically formulated to give elite and amateur athletes rapid muscle recovery following intense workouts or competition.” 
      READ MORE: Why Your Post-Workout Meal Is Just As Important As Your Workout, According to a Nutritionist and PT
      She Found What Worked For Her Body
      It really is true that every body is different so you’ve got to find what works for you. For Candice, her body struggled with protein shakes.
      “HPR changed all that. I can drink it every day and sometimes more than once a day, and reap all the benefits with no side effects. I see, feel and taste the hard work and research that have gone into it and most definitely won’t support a product I haven’t tested myself. HPR and the team behind it is one you can trust holistically. Woodlands Dairy and First Choice’s ethics and focus on sustainability, as well as the research and development that have gone into HPR, have paid off.” 
      She Shares Her Knowledge
      It’s true what they say, knowledge really is power and that’s why she shares it so that women are equipped with the knowledge to live their best lives. As sports nutritionist for HPR, De Mendonca writes a monthly blog to educate consumers, assist with any questions they have on nutrition and training, as well as interview athletes.
      She Has A Trick For Setting Life And Fitness Goals
      Dedicated to helping others achieve their goals, she also sets goals for herself every year. “I usually fixate on one word for the year. Last year it was success and I managed to achieve all my goals except one. Big and small. This year my word is focus and I have written down my goals for the year. My main goals include buying a property of my own, fulfilling my role as HPR sports nutritionist, and growing my online restaurant and training brand.”  
      [buy_button img=”https://www.womenshealthsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/250recchopack-1_1024x1024@2x-2.png” url=”https://shopfirstchoice.co.za/products/chocolate-flavoured-high-protein-recovery-milk-6-x-250ml” description=”First Choice HPR Milk” price=”62.99″ title=”Buy It” alignment=”row”][/buy_button]
      Want some help crushing your fitness goals? High Protein Recovery is available at Pick ‘n Pay, Dischem as well as online here. More

    • 138 Shares

      in diet and nutrition

      OMG! Goodleaf’s Sustainable CBD Drinks Will Be Your New Fave Refreshment

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      Ahhhh CBD! The compound that has taken the health and wellness world by storm over the last few years. We’ve seen oils, capsules, body lotions and everything in between. But  for those who want a delicious, refreshing way to reap the CBD benefits, there’s CBD drinks. And we’ve always been big fans of Goodleaf. Here’s why:
      They’re On A Sustainability Journey
      They’ve always been a great option, but they’ve just upped the ante. Goodleaf has switched from a single-use plastic bottle to an aluminium can as part of their sustainability journey. The new 300ml can, as well as all the outer packaging, is 100% recyclable. Now that’s refreshing!
      Goodleaf’s new packaging is as green as the source ingredients of their refreshing CBD sparkling drinks. They’re committed to finding the most environmentally conscious solution at every step of their processes to ensure their products are as wholesome to the planet as they are to you.
      READ MORE:  What You Need To Know About CBD And Anxiety
      They Prioritise Your Wellbeing
      The only thing better than a drink that’s good for you is packaging that provides true health and wellness. Goodleaf’s big, lofty goal is to make you better, every day. Your well-being is their priority, so they set out to create packaging that is not only environmentally-friendly, but people-friendly, too! Every can is packaged with a (completely recyclable) foil seal that ensures what you drink is as healthy as it gets.
      Oh and did we mention these drinks are sugar free and preservative free? They’re better for you and better for the Earth!
      They’ve Made Their Drinks Even Cooler
      Refreshment is Goodleaf’s no. 1 priority. So how did they make this sparkling drink even cooler? By adding more of the key ingredient, of course. So, while you get an even cooler can in an even more super-chilled six-pack, they didn’t forget the star of the show: CBD! What’s in the can gets a boost from 8mg to 10mg per 300ml. Now that’s some Good Vibes.
      READ MORE: What You Need To Know About CBD Oil In Beauty Products
      There’s Something For Everyone
      They come in three delicious flavours so you’re bound to find something you like and you definitely have enough options to switch it up when you feel like it. They have Berry & Hibiscus, Peach & Geranium and Mango & Ginger.
      Berry & Hibiscus CBD Sparkling DrinkR 100Buy It
      Mango & Ginger CBD Sparkling DrinkR 100Buy It
      Peach & Geranium CBD Sparkling DrinkR 100Buy It
      You can find all of their sparkling drinks right here.

      READ MORE ON: Drinks Partner Content More

    • 125 Shares

      in diet and nutrition

      Caffeine Effects: ‘What Happens When I Go Hard on Coffee?’

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      While a moderate flat white habit is nothing to be worried by, persistently going hard on the java can prove problematic. Here, WH speaks to the experts about what happens in your body, when you mainline caffeine.
      What happens after my first cup of coffee?
      A thirst for Vida e Caffè’s finest is usually the result of a few things – from a late bedtime to a longstanding habit. But caving to your craving is no bad thing, particularly as that first cup is likely to perk you up. ‘Caffeine mainly works by plugging the adenosine receptors in your brain,’ explains GP Dr. Serena Rakha.
      READ MORE: Is Coffee Helpful (Or Harmful) For Weight Loss? Experts Weigh In
      ‘Caffeine and adenosine (a compound that usually promotes sleepiness when it hits the receptors) are similar in structure, so caffeine can bind to adenosine receptors, like different keys fitting the same lock, and cause stimulation across the brain.’ After that first coffee or two, this manifests as you feeling alert, with increased concentration to boot.
      And my fourth?
      Blocking some of these receptors is all good, to an extent, but sipping on four and a half cups of coffee (around 450mg of caffeine) per day can block up to 50% of them. ‘This allows stimulating neurochemicals, such as dopamine, to flood your system,’ says Dr Rakha.
      ‘When your body catches on, it responds by churning out more adenosine receptors in an attempt to restore equilibrium.’
      The upshot? Adenosine starts binding to the free receptors, which slows down neural activity in the brain (winding down for sleep) –thus, your energy begins to wear thin.
      READ MORE: How Much Coffee Is Too Much Coffee? Here’s What Experts And Studies Say
      The obvious solution is, well, even more coffee. But as well as blocking sleep-promoting adenosine (so you struggle to nod off hours after your last espresso), caffeine also triggers the release of adrenaline, the-called fight-or-flight hormone, says Dr Rakha.
      This rushes through your body, giving you the power to blast through that session on your treadmill – at higher doses, though, It’ll leave you tense and anxious, and it contributes to the classic ‘coffee jitters’.
      So potent are the effects that caffeine-induced anxiety disorder is recognised by the American Psychiatric Association.
      So how much coffee is okay?
      While the European Food Safety Authority has determined that 400mg of caffeine per day – around four cups of coffee – is fine for most adults, what works for you may be different. ‘There’s also some evidence that caffeine ingestion can increase your circulating stress hormone cortisol,’ says dietitian Sophie Medlin.
      ‘Cortisol levels peak in the morning, which helps you get up and get on with your day, so if you want to optimise what your Americano is doing for you, you might want to delay it until mid-morning, when your cortisol levels start dropping.’
      READ MORE: 10 Delicious Coffee Smoothie Recipes That Will Give You A Morning Buzz
      Otherwise, think about when you might need it most. A recent review concluded that caffeine was an effective workout performance enhancer, particularly for aerobic exercise.
      And how do I cut back on coffee, if I need to?
      If you want to wind down your dependence, try eliminating one caffeinated beverage at a time.
      ‘If you experience headache, that’s your previously caffeine-tightened blood vessels widening, creating pressure-like tension in your brain,’ explains Dr Rakha. Pop a painkiller if you need to.
      ‘Often, it’s the ritual of making coffee and sitting down with it that you really crave,’ says Medlin. ‘If you’re trying to reduce your caffeine intake, use that time to brew caffeine-free rooibos instead.’
      Still fatigued? Get moving! 10 minutes of climbing stairs will boost your energy as much as an espresso. Plus, the endorphin rush will drown out irritability. Step to it.
      This article was originally published on Women’s Health UK

      READ MORE ON: Drinks Health Advice More