Holiday food and drinks add up fast

During the holiday season many people want to maintain their healthy habits. What some people may not be aware of is that the calories and fat in holiday food and drinks can add up fast. This year, learn to enjoy the healthfully enjoy the festivities while still maintain your healthy lifestyle with these food and drink tips.

Food

The holiday season can be full of parties and gatherings. When you're away from home it may be hard to find food that helps you meet your health goals. So before you go out, eat a healthy snack. This way you know you've eaten foods you'll feel good about and enjoy the treats you find while out. Also, you're less likely to over eat later. When you're asked to bring food to a party, take a low- calorie food that you will enjoy such as a fruit salad or vegetables with a low-calorie dip.

Also watch portion sizes. Many holiday foods are tempting, especially since it’s the only time to enjoy those kinds of foods. Try choosing a smaller portion and really enjoy it. This may mean eating and chewing slower, which will help you get full faster. By choosing a smaller portion of foods like desserts, you'll also have more room on your plate for other foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. And keep in mind that if you feel that might have indulged a little too much one day, you can make healthier choices the next few days.

Don't forget to be active during the holidays. Even if you can't continue your regular activities, try something new. Suggest a walk after dinner, do the chores you've put aside all year, go shopping and see how many steps you can take, or do whatever else you enjoy.

Drinks

While holiday shopping, you may choose to sit down and relax with a refreshing drink. However, the drink you choose many have more calories than you realize. For instance, if you choose a mocha flavored coffee drink, it can contribute 400-500 calories to your daily caloric intake. For some people, that may be the number of calories needed at one meal. If you need your cup of joe, consider asking for fat-free milk and no whipped cream, which may reduce the total calories to 200-300. Another option would be to drink your coffee black. Coffee, and tea, alone do not contain any calories; it's the add-ins that contain the calories.

Eggnog is a holiday favorite and tradition for some. An eight-ounce glass of non-alcoholic eggnog made with whole milk has 342 calories. Try choosing a lower fat version to reduce the amount of fat and calories consumed.

Another surprising source of calories are carbonated beverages and fruit drinks. A 20-ounce bottle of soda has 250 calories and no nutrient value. All the calories come from added sugar, which is approximately 16 teaspoons of sugar.

Alcoholic drinks also contain calories. In fact, alcohol has seven calories per gram. One 12-ounce can of beer has approximately 150 calories. A piña colada can add close to 300 calories. In moderation, alcohol can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. To reduce the amount of calories consumed through alcohol follow these tips:

Limit drink to 1-2 drinks (a drink is 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine or a 1-oz shot)
Cut back on the amount of mixed drinks, as the calories in mixers can quickly add calories

When you're thirsty or looking for a quick pick-me-up, try reaching for a glass of water, low-fat milk or 100% juice. When you're dehydrated, you can feel sluggish and tired. Water is the best choice for rehydration, however, low-fat milk and 100% juice also contain nutrients your body needs. The calories in low-fat milk and 100% juice can also help you feel energized to get through the holiday season.

Food and drinks aren't the only thing to savor during the holidays. Remember the holidays are about spending time with family members and friends.

Last update: Tuesday, May 05, 2009

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Holiday food and drinks can add up fast