The New Year is just around the corner, and like every year, most of us are looking forward to enjoying a delicious feast with family and friends.

But as much as we all enjoy holiday meals, it’s important to remember that they can be very calorie-dense, and it’s easy to overeat. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the calories in two of the most popular protein options: chicken and beef.

Calories in chicken

Chicken is a popular choice because it’s a lean protein that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here are the average calorie counts for various chicken dishes:.

Grilled chicken breast (3 oz): 140 calories
Fried chicken breast (3 oz): 280 calories
Chicken Alfredo (1 cup): 780 calories
Chicken Parmesan (1 piece): 510 calories
Chicken fajitas (serving size varies by restaurant): 800 calories

As you can see, the calorie count can vary greatly depending on how the chicken is prepared. Grilling or baking chicken is a healthier option than frying, and dishes with creamy sauces or breading tend to be higher in calories.

Calories in beef

Beef is another popular protein option, but it tends to be higher in calories and saturated fat than chicken. Let’s take a look at the calorie counts for some common beef dishes:.

Grilled sirloin steak (3 oz): 240 calories
Beef stir-fry (1 cup): 400 calories
Beef chili (1 cup): 350 calories
Beef burger (1 patty with cheese and toppings): 750 calories
Beef stroganoff (1 cup): 700 calories

Again, the calorie count can vary greatly depending on how the beef is prepared. Choosing lean cuts of beef and avoiding dishes that are fried or covered in creamy sauces can help keep the calorie count down.

New Year’s menu options

Now that we know the calorie counts for chicken and beef, let’s take a look at some common New Year’s menu options:.

Prime rib (3 oz): 320 calories
Turkey (3 oz with skin): 150 calories
Honey-baked ham (3 oz): 140 calories
Lobster tail (4 oz): 130 calories
Baked salmon (4 oz): 250 calories

As you can see, some of these options are lower in calories than others. Turkey and ham tend to be some of the leanest protein options, while lobster and prime rib are higher in calories.

It’s also important to pay attention to portion sizes, as larger portions will obviously have more calories.

Final thoughts

When it comes to choosing between chicken or beef, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and how the meat is prepared.

Grilled or baked chicken and lean cuts of beef tend to be the healthiest options, while fried or sauced dishes should be avoided whenever possible. Additionally, paying attention to portion sizes and opting for lean protein options like turkey or ham can help keep the calorie count down, which is especially important during the holiday season.