Leaves are turning to golden yellows and rusty red and squirrels seem to be everywhere. The crisp mornings and cooler days mean that Fall is definitely here. While Halloween has passed, we can still benefit from tricks to enjoy our treats more. Especially those tricks that help us save money and/or calories.
I know many people love diet sodas and I love regular soda. I have tried over the years to love diet and I just can’t get into it. Here we are heading into the indulgent season and cutting back so we can splurge on the specialty items is prudent. That said, I am never going to love diet sodas and guess what! They are not actually better for you. So …. what is a ‘bubbly’ loving girl to do?!
Join the sparkling water club! Store brand Club Soda to the rescue! Purchase the one with no sodium, especially on sale, it is very reasonable. It is refreshing over ice with a splash of lime! Lemon works better in plain or flat water. Lime seems to taste better in the bubbles. Add a splash of cherry juice too and it is very tasty. A healthier soda for children as a few splashes of real fruit juice is lower in calories with the added albeit small amount of vitamin C.
I have had several married friends complain their husbands drink way too much regular (not even diet) soda. I asked, did they serve them the drink in the can/bottle or pour it into the glass with ice? They said the latter. (Even if you are a modern woman, it is ok to be nice and make a drink for your spouse.) Anyway, I suggested they think about adding a bit of plain Club Soda to their husband’s soda of choice and over time slowly add more. Eventually work up to about half Club Soda and half of their preferred. This means, even if they don’t reduce the amount of soda they are drinking, they will get 50% of the calories from their “Soda Spritzer.” I especially like to do this with Coke or Dr. Pepper. I now prefer it with more bubbles and a bit less sweet.
I also like to add Club Soda to Orange Juice to “lighten” it up! Sort of like a virgin Mimosa! Orange Juice along with other juices can be high in calories. I find adding ¼ or more club soda is more refreshing and it is healthier than drinking an actual soda for breakfast.
And, for the parents who have complained the kids waste the sodas by opening them and drinking half and it gets flat. Here is a helpful trick, just add the flat soda to Club Soda. It will perk it back up and reduce the calories. So, while soda may not be the healthiest, you can at least reduce the calories and still enjoy the bubbles. Bonus, Club Soda is usually cheaper so you can extend your budget and reduce the wasted sodas!
Be inventive and let your kids come up with tasty ways to enjoy the soda treat. Remember the old-fashioned punches? Sherbet and soda and fruit juice? Why not bring back an old favorite for the holidays! Lighten it up with the Club Soda and add in real fruit slices along with the floating island of fun colored frozen treat. I haven’t tried it yet as a substitute for Root Beer in Root Beer floats. Mmmm… maybe an excuse to have a Club Soda Float. I am thinking it might work best with Chocolate ice cream? What can be better than an old favorite treat and a money and calorie saving trick!
