A Rockin’ (GP-Friendly) New Year’s Eve

Can you believe it’s the last day of 2010?   It was certainly a year of ups and downs, some of which I haven’t even shared with you — yet! Stay tuned for an update about my experience with the gastric neurostimulator as I near the one year mark, as well as a recap of my recent visits to the Mayo Clinic and the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

As this year comes to a close, I’d like to thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey.  I appreciate all of the stories you’ve shared and the feedback you’ve offered, and I look forward to continuing my work in 2011! One of the things I’m most excited about is the Five Million People. One Book. project. {By the way, if you’re excited about it, too, there’s still time to support the project with a financial donation or by spreading the word to others.}

Before we ring in the New Year, however, many of us will be hosting or attending some kind of gathering tonight — and many of these gatherings will involve plenty of spirits.  As you might have guessed, alcohol does a number on the stomach and is not considered GP-friendly.  But that doesn’t mean you have to stand around sipping water or plain ol’ ginger ale all night!  Grab a fancy cocktail glass and fix yourself one of these festive-looking alternatives.

{Tip: even if you’re planning a low-key night at home, these drinks are a fun and festive way for the whole family to celebrate.}

• Cherry Soda:  Fill a glass about halfway with ice cubes.  Pour in 1 tbsp cherry syrup.  Top with 8 oz. of club soda.

 

• Raspberry Apple Twist: Fill a glass with ice.  Pour in 1 tbsp of raspberry syrup.  Top with 8 oz. of apple juice.

 

• Cranberry Fizz: Fill a glass with ice.  Pour in 4 oz. of cranberry juice.  Top with 4 oz. of club soda.

 

• Ginger-Tea-Ni: Pour 4 oz. boiling water over 1 ginger tea bag.  Let steep for 5 minutes then cool completely.  Fill a glass with ice, pour in tea and 1 TBSP honey.  Stir until combined.  Top with ginger ale to taste. {This is what I’ll be drinking tonight!}

Too cold for a cold drink?  Try one of these steamy treats instead. {Tip: If you won’t be at home tonight, make the drink in advance and then re-heat it when you get to your destination.}

• Peppermint Mocha: Combine 2 tbsp powdered cocoa mix and 2 tsp sugar in a mug.  Stir in 6-8 oz. hot decaf coffee.  Once cocoa mix/sugar is dissolved, add 2 oz. low-fat or fat-free milk and 1/2 tsp peppermint extract.

 

• Peanut Butter Cup Cocoa:  Pour 1 packet of hot cocoa mix into a mug.  Add 1/2 – 1 tbsp creamy peanut butter.  Stir in 6 oz. boiling water or 6 oz. very hot (not boiling) fat-free milk. {This is a great way to add extra calories and GP-friendly fat for those trying to gain/maintain weight.}

 

• Dairy-Free Mexican Hot Chocolate (serves 2):  In a small saucepan, combine 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 2 1/2 tbsp sugar and a 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon.  Stirring constantly, add 1 1/2 cups of unsweetened almond milk and heat over medium flame until hot — but do not boil.   Remove from heat.  Stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.   Serve immediately.

 

• Hot Gingersnap: In a small saucepan, combine: 1 1/2 cups apple juice and 1 cinnamon stick.  Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Add 2 ginger tea bags, cover and let steep for 5 minutes.   Remove tea bags, strain and serve immediately. Stir in a bit of maple syrup or sugar, if desired.

If you want to up the nutrition in your New Year’s glass, opt for a fruit smoothie.  {Tips: If you’re not hosting the party, make the smoothie in advance and stick it in the freezer until you’re ready to leave.  If you are the party host, set up a smoothie bar and let everyone make their own frosty drink.  Others can add a splash of alcohol, of course.}

• Pina Colada Smoothie (serves 2):  In a blender: combine 1 diced banana (frozen is best); 1 1/2 cups of pineapple juice; 1/3 cup non-fat plain or vanilla yogurt; 1 tsp coconut extract; ice cubes (if banana isn’t frozen).  Blend until smooth and pour into glasses.a

 

• Pumpkin Pie in a Glass (this comes from the Eating for Gastroparesis eBook):  In a blender, combine: 6 oz. of unsweetened almond milk (or other kind of milk); 1/2 banana (frozen works best); 1/2 cup canned pumpkin; 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional); 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice; and, a few ice cubes. Blend until smooth and pour into a glass.

• Milk & Honey:  In a blender, combine: 1 ripe banana; 1/3 cup non-fat Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup non-fat or non-dairy milk; 1 tbsp honey; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; ice (optional). Blend until smooth and pour into a glass.  Drizzle the top with extra honey. {Tip:  add 1 tbsp creamy peanut butter or almond butter to up the nutritional value of this smoothie.}

Wherever you are and whatever you’re drinking tonight, I wish you a very happy New Year filled with hope, laughter and peace!

Related Posts:

• GP-Friendly 4th of July Menu
• Christmas Cookies & More
• Gastroparesis at Thanksgiving