With a “fresh” start in mind, we’re having drinks with National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach, NYC Marathoner and RIPE Bar Juice fan, Marianna Cuomo Maier, and discussing her approach to the New Year.
Any recommendations for kicking off the New Year?
Many of us look to the New Year to reset and start fresh. Often this looks like an all-or-nothing mentality, pledging to follow a strict diet, and then feeling guilty when we fall off the bandwagon. Rather than focus on restriction, I celebrate incorporating healthy lifestyle habits for long-lasting change that are sustainable.
Will you partake in Dry January?
Some people like to follow Dry January and start the new year without drinking alcohol. Personally, I like to incorporate balance with what I drink and eat all year long, not just in January. However, I encourage and support those who are kick-starting their well-being and wanting to be more intentional around what they drink during January.
Favorite drinks?
I love making myself a drink that I know will taste good, and feel good, too. One choice I make is using RIPE Bar Juice as a mixer for my cocktails and mocktails. RIPE is a great choice as it’s all-natural, and has no preservatives, artificial additives, or GMOs. It’s made in small batches, gently cold-pressed (to get the best juice), and has 100% traceable ingredients (i.e., all fruit comes from farms they know). RIPE Bar Juice is wholesome and tastes good, making no sacrifice in flavor.
These are some of my favorite cocktail and mocktail recipes that I will be making to kick off the New Year:
Blueberry Mojito
3 parts RIPE Bar Juice Agave Mojito
Muddle 3 blackberries
Shake and pour over fresh ice
Top with soda
Garnish with a mint leaf & fresh blackberries
Strawberry Derby Smash
2 parts RIPE Bar Juice Agave Margarita
Shake with fresh strawberries
Strain over fresh ice
Top with soda
Garnish with a mint leaf & strawberries
Raspberry Margarita
2 parts RIPE Bar Juice Agave Margarita
1 part Tequila
Muddle 3 raspberries
Shake vigorously
Strain over fresh ice
Top with soda
Garnish with raspberries & a lime wheel
What are you RIPE for in the New Year?
I’m looking forward to spending more quality time with family and friends, finding ways to fill up my ‘cup’ daily, and being grateful for the small joys in life!
About Marianna Cuomo Maier
Marianna Cuomo Maier is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach and founder of Grata Wellness, a holistic coaching practice, wellness platform, and blog that provides a gratitude-centered approach to health and wellness. For more lifestyle tips, follow Marianna on Instagram @gratawellness