The festive season is upon us, and with it comes a plethora of delicious, indulgent drinks that are synonymous with the holidays.

Whether it’s a warm cup of hot chocolate, a spicy mug of mulled wine, or a decadent glass of eggnog with whipped cream, festive drinks are a staple of holiday celebrations around the world.

However, while these drinks might be delicious, they often pack a serious caloric punch.

In fact, many of these festive beverages can contain just as many calories as a meal, making it all too easy to overindulge and pack on the pounds during the holiday season.

Hot Chocolate

One of the most beloved festive drinks is hot chocolate, a rich and creamy concoction that is beloved by children and adults alike. However, despite its innocent appearance, hot chocolate is often loaded with calories, sugar, and fat.

A typical cup of hot chocolate made with whole milk and topped with whipped cream can contain upwards of 400 calories and 30 grams of sugar.

This is about the same amount of calories as a fast-food hamburger, and nearly double the daily recommended intake of added sugar for women.

If you’re looking to enjoy a guilt-free cup of hot chocolate, consider making it with skim or almond milk, and skipping the whipped cream.

This can significantly reduce the caloric content of your drink, while still providing all the decadent, chocolaty goodness you crave.

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a spiced and heated wine that is popular throughout Europe during the holiday season. It is made with red wine, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and is often served with a slice of orange or lemon.

While mulled wine might seem like a healthier festive drink option, it can actually be quite high in calories and sugar. A single glass of mulled wine can contain up to 250 calories and 20 grams of sugar, making it a far cry from a low-calorie drink.

If you’re looking to enjoy a glass of mulled wine without the excessive calories, consider making it with a sugar-free sweetener such as stevia or erythritol.

You can also reduce the overall calorie content by drinking it in moderation and avoiding the addition of sugary mixers or syrups.

Eggnog

Eggnog is a creamy and luxurious holiday drink that is made with eggs, cream, sugar, and nutmeg. It is often topped with whipped cream and served chilled, making it the perfect indulgence for the festive season.

However, despite its delicious taste, eggnog is one of the most calorie-dense festive drinks, and a single cup can contain upwards of 300 calories and 20 grams of fat.

This is roughly equivalent to the calorie content of a slice of cake, and can quickly add up if you indulge in multiple servings.

If you’re looking to enjoy a healthier version of eggnog, consider making it with a low-fat milk or almond milk, and using a sugar-free sweetener instead of traditional sugar.

You can also skip the whipped cream and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for a festive touch.

Cider

Apple cider is a classic festive drink that is made by simmering apples, sugar, and spices together to create a deliciously sweet and tangy beverage. It is often served warm and garnished with a cinnamon stick or slice of apple.

While apple cider might seem like a healthier drink choice compared to some of its more indulgent counterparts, it can actually be quite high in calories and sugar.

A single cup of apple cider can contain upwards of 150 calories and 30 grams of sugar, making it important to enjoy it in moderation.

If you’re looking to enjoy a healthier version of apple cider, consider making it with fresh apples and a sugar-free sweetener such as stevia or erythritol.

You can also skip the sugar entirely and use cinnamon and other spices to add natural sweetness to your drink.

Conclusion

Festive drinks are an important part of holiday celebrations around the world, but it’s important to be mindful of their caloric content and sugar content.

By making a few simple substitutions and enjoying these drinks in moderation, you can still indulge in all the delicious flavors of the holidays without packing on the pounds.