Holiday Drinks That Won't Derail Your Diet

You could be cruising for a boozing this holiday season if you're too much into the spirits. Those festive drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, can quickly add up. In fact, they can do as much damage as the unhealthy party foods you're avoiding in the name of weight loss.{relatedarticles} Most people aren't aware of how high in calories a single drink can be. Let's start off with the traditional favorites. A serving of eggnog will set you back 450 calories and 22 grams of fat, while your favorite mug of hot cocoa comes in around 300 calories and 8.5 grams of fat BEFORE the whipped cream or marshmallows. A hot buttered rum will also total about 200 calories and 4 grams of fat. A half-cup serving of spiced cider isn't as much of a blow with just 80 calories.


But a cup of holiday punch tallies in at 234 calories, while a serving of 5-ounce champagne is 120 calories. A 12-ounce beer is about 150 calories, although a light beer has a more manageable 100 calories. A 5-ounce glass of red or white wine also runs about 120 calories.{relatedarticles} Of course, mixed drinks bring an added danger to your diet when mixed with high-calorie, high-sugar juices and sodas. Sip on these helpful hints for making sure these holiday beverages don't lead to a bulging belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly. Opt for skim milk in your hot chocolate and fat-free whipped cream. When enjoying a mixed drink, request diet mixers. Alternate between alcoholic beverages and water. Drink in moderation. When working out your calorie count for the day, be sure to incorporate the drinks into your figures.