Fighting Holiday Weight Gain? Keep an Eye on those Holiday Drinks
From eggnog to mulled wine to those special coffee drinks, it's the time of year for special drinks. Nutrition expert shows you how to enjoy holiday drink offerings with minimum damage to your weight loss goals.
Bellingham, WA (Vocus) December 6, 2010
During the holidays, we all know to keep an eye out for the extra fat and calories in holiday treats and goodies. But what about all those holiday drinks? Loaded with fat, calories, and sugar, they can really add up – and do a number on your waistline. It may not be reasonable to avoid holiday drinks altogether – but there are ways to minimize their impact.
According to nutrition expert Gloria Tsang, founder of http://www. HealthCastle. com, just about every holiday drink can be modified in some way to make it healthier. "It's important to know that by making minor changes to these drinks, we really can reduce the amount of fat and sugar we consume, while still getting to enjoy our favorite holiday flavors," Tsang says. "This gives us the power to make healthy choices, rather than feeling deprived because we don't allow ourselves any holiday drinks at all."
Here are Tsang's tips for making the most of your holiday drinks:
Eggnog latte: With up to 530 calories and 26 grams of fat in a venti, an eggnog latte is more like a dessert than a coffee. If you must indulge, stick to a tall, and ask for a "reduced-fat" version to brings it down to 240 calories and 5 grams of fat.
Peppermint mocha: A venti peppermint mocha has 480 calories and 17 grams of fat, and white chocolate versions have even more – up to 660 calories and 22 grams of fat! The easiest change is to skip the whipped cream, which cuts 60-70 calories and 6-7 grams of fat, and stick to a small serving size.
Mulled wine: Mulled wine is simmered with sugar and spices. But that added sugar means added calories. A 5-oz glass of mulled wine contains around 174 calories, while a serving of regular red wine contains about 125. Stick to one small serving, then move on to regular wine.
Old-fashioned eggnog: Made with eggs, sugar, heavy cream, and liquor, a glass of real eggnog can pack in up to 335 calories and 20 grams of fat. Lighten things up by using egg substitute and half-and-half to save about 125 calories and 14 grams of fat per serving, or opt for a non-alcoholic version.
Hot apple cider: At about 175 calories and less than 1 gram of fat for a 12-ounce serving, hot apple cider is definitely a healthier holiday drink option to indulge in. If you're buying your cider at a coffee shop, think twice about the "caramel" versions. They usually add about 25 calories per cup.
You don't have to avoid holiday drinks altogether, but overindulging can be a recipe for disaster. Follow these simple guidelines to make the most of each holiday drink, and remember – as in all things, moderation is the key. More healthy eating tips from registered dietitians are available at http://www. HealthCastle. com, an official USDA MyPyramid Partner.
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