Mimosas are a popular brunch cocktail made from champagne or sparkling wine and orange juice. Their sweet, bubbly taste makes them a refreshing way to start the day. But are mimosas actually good for you if you’re trying to lose weight? Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional content of mimosas and whether they can fit into a healthy weight loss diet.
Calories in Mimosas
The main factors that determine the calorie content of a mimosa are the type and amount of champagne and orange juice used.
A typical mimosa is made with:
- 2 ounces champagne or sparkling wine (around 90 calories)
- 3 ounces fresh orange juice (about 50 calories)
This means a standard 5 ounce mimosa has about 140 calories. However, mimosa recipes and serving sizes can vary, leading to a wide range of calorie counts:
- A 3 ounce mimosa may have around 80 calories
- A 6 ounce mimosa may have over 200 calories
- Larger 10-12 ounce mimosa drinks at bars and restaurants may contain 300 calories or more
So while a small mimosa may have fewer calories, larger servings and recipe variations can quickly increase the calorie content.
Nutritional Value
Despite their calories, standard mimosas provide some key nutrients:
- Vitamin C: From the orange juice, a mimosa has about 93% of the RDI for vitamin C.
- Potassium: The orange juice also provides about 11% of the RDI for potassium.
- Vitamin B9 (Folate): Champagne contains folate, providing 11% of the RDI.
- Antioxidants: Orange juice has antioxidant compounds like hesperidin and anthocyanins.
However, mimosas lack protein, fiber, and other vitamins and minerals that are important for weight loss and overall health.
Alcohol Content
The alcohol content of a mimosa depends on the amount and type of champagne used:
- Regular champagne: 12% alcohol by volume
- Sparkling wine: 11–13% alcohol
- Prosecco: 11–12% alcohol
A standard mimosa made with 2 ounces of champagne or sparkling wine contains about 0.2–0.3 ounces of pure alcohol.
While this is a moderate amount compared to other mixed drinks, alcohol consumption should be limited to 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men when trying to lose weight.
Effect on Weight Loss
So do mimosas support or hinder weight loss goals?
On the positive side, mimosas are a lower calorie option compared to many other alcoholic drinks. A mimosa may contain 100–300 calories, while cocktails like margaritas, daiquiris, and piña coladas can have 300–500 calories or more.
The orange juice also provides some beneficial nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. And champagne contains antioxidants from grapes that may help reduce inflammation.
However, there are some potential downsides to drinking mimosas for weight loss:
- They lack protein, fiber, and nutrients needed for satiety.
- Simple carbs like fruit juice can cause blood sugar spikes.
- The calories can add up quickly, especially when dining out where portions are larger.
- Alcohol slows fat burning and adds empty calories.
- Drinking may lower inhibitions around diet and lead to unhealthy choices.
Overall, an occasional mimosa is unlikely to have a major impact if consumed sensibly as part of a healthy diet. But drinking multiple large mimosas could stall progress due to excess calories and alcohol.
Tips for Drinking Mimosas on a Diet
Here are some tips to enjoy mimosas more healthfully if you’re watching your weight:
- Stick to 1 standard 5 ounce mimosa.
- Alternate with water to help control portions.
- Avoid sugary brunch foods and opt for protein like eggs.
- Only drink once a week or at special occasions.
- Make them at home where you can control ingredients and portions.
- Substitute sparkling water for champagne to cut calories.
- Balance out calories for the rest of day.
- Be mindful of how alcohol affects willpower around food choices.
Healthy Mimosas Recipe
Try this easy recipe for a lighter mimosa that won’t completely derail your diet:
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces champagne or sparkling wine
- 2.5 ounces fresh orange juice
- 1 ounce seltzer or sparkling water
- Orange slice for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a champagne flute 1/3 full with champagne.
- Add the orange juice, then top off with seltzer.
- Gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with an orange slice if desired.
- Enjoy!
This lightened up version cuts the calories nearly in half. Feel free to adjust the ingredient amounts to your liking and diet needs.
The Bottom Line
An occasional mimosa is perfectly fine for weight loss, especially if enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. But going overboard on multiple large mimosas could undermine progress due to excess calories and alcohol intake interfering with fat burning.
The best approach is to sip mindfully, alternate with water, opt for lighter versions, and limit higher calorie drinks to special occasions. Pair mimosas with lean protein and healthy fats while avoiding sugary brunch foods to help mitigate negative effects.
With some mindfulness and moderation, mimosas can be integrated into a diet focused on safe, sustainable weight loss.
