The holiday season is all about indulging in delicious food, especially when it comes to desserts! However, it’s important to keep an eye on your calorie intake and make sure you’re not overdoing it.
Here’s a breakdown of some popular Christmas desserts and their calorie count:.
1. Christmas Pudding
A traditional Christmas pudding is packed with dried fruit, candied peel, and plenty of brandy. However, this treat is also high in calories. A typical serving of Christmas pudding is around 350 calories.
To make it a little healthier, skip the cream or custard and serve it with low-fat yogurt instead.
2. Mince Pies
A mince pie is a small, pie-like dessert filled with spiced fruit mincemeat. While they may be small, they’re still quite high in calories. One mince pie can have around 250 calories.
If you can’t resist them, try making your own with a lower-calorie pastry recipe or share one with a friend to cut the calorie count in half.
3. Yule Log
A yule log is a festive chocolate cake shaped like a log, covered in chocolate frosting and decorated with powdered sugar to look like snow. It may be tempting, but one slice of a yule log can have up to 400 calories.
Consider making a smaller version or try a lighter recipe that incorporates fruit or nuts to add some nutrition.
4. Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a staple of Christmas baking, but they’re often loaded with sugar and butter. A single gingerbread cookie can have up to 100 calories.
To make them healthier, try using less sugar, swapping butter for a plant-based oil, and incorporating whole wheat flour.
5. Fruitcake
Fruitcake is another traditional holiday treat that’s packed with dried fruit and often soaked in alcohol. However, a slice can have up to 300 calories.
If you love fruitcake, try making a smaller version or switch to a recipe that uses less sugar and more whole grains.
6. Candy Canes
Candy canes are a quintessential Christmas treat, but they offer little nutrition and plenty of sugar. One candy cane has around 50 calories and can easily lead to eating more than one.
Try to limit your consumption or switch to a more nutritious snack like fresh fruit.
7. Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is a comforting drink during the colder months, but it’s also high in calories due to the added sugar and whipped cream. A small serving of hot chocolate can have over 200 calories.
Try making your own hot cocoa with unsweetened cocoa powder, low-fat milk, and a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
8. Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is a chocolate treat with bits of peppermint candy throughout. It’s delicious, but also packed with calories. A small piece can have around 150 calories.
Consider making your own with a lower-calorie chocolate recipe and incorporating nuts or seeds for extra nutrition.
9. Eggnog
Eggnog is a classic holiday drink made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar. However, it’s high in calories and saturated fat. A small serving can have up to 300 calories.
Consider making a lower-calorie version with skim milk or almond milk and using less sugar.
10. Caramel Popcorn
Caramel popcorn is a popular holiday snack that’s often made with plenty of sugar and oil. A small serving can have up to 150 calories. Try making your own with an air popper and a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
While it’s important to indulge in holiday treats, it’s also essential to keep an eye on your calorie intake. Try making healthier versions of your favorite desserts or share a treat with a friend to cut down on calories.