I am a huge margarita fan. I have cravings for them very often but hate the fact that they are so high in calories. The average 12oz margarita can run anywhere from 500-800 calories! I typically have 2 (ok 3) when I indulge and 1500 hundred calories a couple of times a month can add up to an extra pound as one lb. of fat can be gained by consuming an extra 3,500 calories.

That being said, I have developed two delicious, low calorie margarita recipes. Of course they aren't exactly the same as the real thing, but they are still pretty darn good! My low calorie margarita recipes will run you around 150-200 calories each, as a shot of tequila runs around 100 calories.

These recipes are also GREAT because they are sugar free. Did you know that sugar filled cocktails significantly contribute to the cause of a hangover? These drinks will reduce your risk.

Drink responsibly and enjoy!

• 6 ounces of a diet lemon-lime soda
  
• 1-2 shots tequila
  
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar-free lemonade mix
  
• 1 1/2 ounce lime juice
  
• Citrus wedges for fun garnish (limes, lemons, oranges)
  

Directions:

Blend ingredients together in a blender with 1 & 1/2 cups ice. Add more or less depending on how thick you like your frozen margarita. You can also serve this mixture on the rocks if you don't have a blender or do not care for frozen margaritas.

Tips:

For diet soda, I almost always use Diet Sprite. For the diet lemonade, my favorite is Country Time light. Also, definitely opt for using freshly squeezed lime juice if you can find them at your local grocer. Fresh limes make all the difference in a good margarita!

• 6 ounces of a diet raspberry ginger ale
• 1/2 cup of washed and sliced strawberries
• 1 cup of ice
  
• 1-2 shots tequila
  
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar-free strawberry lemonade mix
  
• 1 ounce lime juice
  
• Citrus wedges for fun garnish (limes, lemons, oranges)
  

Directions:

Blend ingredients together in a blender. Make sure there is enough ice to create enough "slush", but you don't want to much either. Add more or less depending on how thick you like your frozen margarita. You can also serve this mixture on the rocks if you don't have a blender or do not care for frozen margaritas. If you can't find fresh strawberries, use sugar-free frozen strawberries (omit lemonade mix) or no-sugar added strawberries.

Baja Bobs also carries some great sugar-free margarita mixers. All you have to do is add tequila and ice!

I always keep a few on hand (my favorite is the original mix) Their strawberry mixer is also very good!