In the adult world we learn quickly that ‘St. Patrick’s Day’ is essentially polite shorthand for ‘National Binge Drinking Day.’ The shamrock paraphernalia and silly outfits we see all over the place are mere accessories to the core tradition of this holiday, drinking to excess, which is big problem for those of us trying to stay lean.

Picturing the masses of people who will be celebrating the holiday tomorrow with “festive” pints of green beer, I began thinking of lean beverage alternatives that could help spark your St. Patty’s cheer while promoting as opposed to derailing your health.

How can we celebrate the holiday tomorrow by supporting our wellness? Are there any lucky, green drinks we can sip that won’t leave us with a headache and bloated gut?

The first thing that comes to mind is matcha, a highly potent form of green tea with a vibrant color and a bold, energizing flavor. Matcha possesses astounding health benefits and anti-aging properties, containing nearly 137 times as many antioxidants as common green tea.   It also provides an exhilarating yet balanced caffeine boost that can energize and improve your mood without causing a crash. I love to drink matcha with hot water, or to blend it with warm almond milk. Taken either way, matcha is a perfect way to warm up your St. Patrick’s Day, (and an excellent alternative to beer that looks and tastes like toxic waste!)

Here is my favorite recipe for matcha lattes. This drink is a really delicious treat– nutritious, uplifting, and lucky-shamrock-hued to boot!

Lucky Matcha Green Tea Latte

What you’ll need:

2/3 cup hot water
2 tablespoons matcha powder
1 teaspoon agave syrup
1/3 cup soy or almond milk, steamed

Make it lean:

1. Bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in matcha powder and agave until combined

2. Pour into your favorite mug and top with steamed soy or almond milk.

3. For extra zing, add a bag of green tea!

So, let’s (literally) weigh our St. Patty’s Day options: one green beer, packing approximately 200 calories, assaulting your liver, adding bulk to your midsection and deleting your energy. One Lucky Matcha Green Tea Latte: approximately 60 calories, packing antioxidants galore, making your skin glow and your energy and mood soar. In terms of our YogaLean objectives, the choice couldn’t be clearer!

I realize it can feel very tempting, even compulsory, to indulge in a few drinks, especially when your friends and co-workers are making plans to go out drinking, and egging you on to take part. But, I’m stepping in to recommend we all take a deep breath, and remember our options!

Just because your friends are planning on spending their St. Patty’s Day drinking heavily doesn’t mean you have to! And just because society says ‘it’s ok’ for a day doesn’t mean you won’t have to deal with the very unpleasant consequences of overdoing it.

I recommend we steer ourselves toward the path of moderation and mindfulness and remind you not to ignore your health and your needs on a day when it’s easy to get swept up in the party hubbub.

Be merry and celebrate your lean vitality tomorrow with a Lucky Matcha Green Tea Latte and a friend! For more festive, lean, green holiday recipes, check out YogaFit.com for 7 Lucky Recipes to Help You Get Your Green On!

Have a happy St. Patrick’s Day!