International No Diet Day is an annual observance that takes place on May 6th. The day was established in 1992 by Mary Evans Young, the director of the British group “Diet Breakers,” in response to the growing problem of eating disorders and the unrealistic societal pressures to conform to certain beauty standards.
The goal of International No Diet Day is to raise awareness about the dangers of dieting and the negative effects it can have on mental and physical health, as well as to promote body acceptance and healthy habits that do not involve restrictive diets or excessive exercise.
On International No Diet Day, people are encouraged to reject the diet mentality and embrace self-love, body positivity, and healthy lifestyle habits that prioritize physical and mental wellbeing over weight loss or appearance. Activities may include participating in body-positive events or discussions, sharing positive affirmations or messages on social media, or engaging in healthy activities such as yoga or meditation.
Mudslide
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
- 2 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream or other cream liqueur
- Ice
- Whipped cream and chocolate syrup for garnish
Directions: In a blender, combine the vodka, Kahlua, and Bailey’s Irish Cream. Add a handful of ice and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a glass and top with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.
Mai Tai
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz orange curaçao
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Pineapple wedge and mint sprig for garnish
Directions: In a shaker, combine the rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup. Shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and mint sprig.
Long Island Iced Tea
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz white rum
- 1 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Cola
- Ice
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Directions: In a shaker, combine the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top with cola. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
The Skinny Margarita
- 1 1/2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz agave nectar or simple syrup
- Ice
- Salt for rim (optional)
Directions: Rim a glass with salt (optional). In a shaker, combine the tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar or simple syrup. Shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into the glass filled with ice.
The Pomegranate Martini
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Lime twist for garnish (optional)
Directions: In a shaker, combine the vodka, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime twist, if desired.
The Strawberry Basil Cocktail
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz fresh strawberry puree
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2-3 fresh basil leaves
- Ice
- Strawberry slice for garnish (optional)
Directions: In a shaker, muddle the basil leaves. Add the vodka, lemon juice, strawberry puree, and simple syrup. Shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a strawberry slice, if desired.
The Green Tea Martini
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz green tea
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- Ice
- Lemon twist for garnish (optional)
Directions: In a shaker, combine the vodka, green tea, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired.
The Cucumber Mint Cooler
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 4-5 slices of cucumber
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves
- Club soda
- Ice
- Cucumber slice and mint sprig for garnish (optional)
Directions: In a shaker, muddle the cucumber slices and mint leaves. Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with a cucumber slice and mint sprig, if desired.
The Fresh Fruit Sangria
- 1 bottle of red or white wine
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- Assorted fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, and sliced peaches
- Club soda
- Ice
Directions: In a large pitcher, combine the wine, brandy, orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir to combine. Add the fresh fruit and let sit for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. When ready to serve, fill a glass with ice and pour in the sangria. Top with club soda.