Healthy Summer Vacation Cocktails/Drinks

We are constantly reading and hearing about the environment, our health and how to stay fit during our summer vacations.  There are always many lists of DOs and DON'Ts to follow, foods to eat and foods to avoid plus figuring out how to fit workouts into all the relaxing we had planned for the week or two we have off work.  In an ideal world the "experts" would get together and recommended that people on vacation could sleep in, laze around by the pool, eat our favorite treats and indulge in a few cocktails before (and after) our daily afternoon naps...and not worry about our workout schedules, appointment, errands, housework...

Although this may not be the most realistic scenario, there are some small indulgences we can make while doing something good for our bodies.  We have all heard about the power of antioxidants in addition to all of the vitamins and minerals packed into super fruits such as pomegranates, blueberries and red grapes; olive oil's essential fatty acids that can help to control cholesterol, plus the cardiovascular benefits of anthocyanins found in foods such as plums, blackberries, red cabbage and beets.  Now, we are starting to hear more and more about an incredible berry from the Amazon rain forest that contains all of the vitamins, minerals, oleic acid (essential fatty acid) and anthocyanins mentioned above, PLUS  33 times the level of antioxidants found in red grapes.  The fruit is called açaí (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) and is the fruit of a palm tree that grows in the Amazon.

For more information, reference material or articles on the benefits of açaí check out What Medics say about Acai or Acai Berry Fruit Guide or The Healthier Life.

I have seen this juice for sale in Toronto in only a few select shops, but Sambazon is one brand that I found on-line and that is supplying açaí products to stores such as Whole Foods and A&P.  If your vacation takes you somewhere far from the shopping center, you can order on-line at Zola Acai.

Acai Energy Smoothy from Sambazon is a great choice for kids, or those taking active vacations.

Blend together 2 packs of Sambazon Original Acai with 1 banana, 8oz of soy milk, apple juice or rice milk, 4oz of mixed berries and enough ice to make a cool smoothie.  Pour into a glass, garnish with raspberries or blueberries and enjoy outside on the deck or by the pool.

The Detoxtini, courtesy of Lisa Budd, the Bar Manager at Marben Restaurant, is a fabulous martini to enjoy on a sunny afternoon or to serve during cocktail hour.

Shake 1oz of Hypnotiq, 1oz raspberry rum, 1oz acai juice, with 1oz of cranberry-raspberry juice/strawberry-guava juice (or both!) in a martini shaker with ice.  Pour into a martini glasses and garnish with your favorite berries.  These are soooo good, and good for you, that you don't need to feel guilty about having a few... ;)

Photo from FloridaBrazil.com, another site with info on exotic fruits. 

Comments

[Kelly Mahoney]

Thanks for the inspirations!