The Joy of Holiday Treats: A Guide to Guilt-Free Indulgence

Navigating the Holiday Spread

As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of festive gatherings and indulgent treats. However, it’s also important to keep your calorie intake in check. This guide will help you make informed choices and enjoy the holiday season without sacrificing your dietary goals.

Savory Snacks: The Perfect Bite-Sized Treats

• Baked Brie and Crackers: A small pine cone-sized serving of brie and three whole-grain crackers will set you back around 152 calories and 9.68 grams of fat.
• Veggies and Dip: Six carrot and celery sticks with two tablespoons of ranch dressing comes in at around 132-154 calories and 13.5 grams of fat. Opt for healthier dip options or snack on veggies au naturel.
• Shrimp Cocktail: Five jumbo shrimp with cocktail sauce is a relatively guilt-free option, with around 140.5 calories and 1.7 grams of fat.
• Trail Mix with Spiced Nuts: A two-tablespoon serving of trail mix with nuts contains around 168 calories and 14.8 grams of fat. Consider making your own healthier version at home.

Sweet Treats: Cookies and More

• Gingersnaps: Two medium-sized gingersnap cookies will set you back around 58.2 calories and 1.37 grams of fat.
• Sugar Cookies: Three bite-sized sugar cookies contain around 90.9 calories and 3.12 grams of fat. Be mindful of added sugars and frostings.

Festive Drinks: A Toast to Moderation

• Sparkling Wine: A half-cup serving of champagne, prosecco, or spumante contains around 55 calories and 0 grams of fat.
• Eggnog: A half-cup serving of eggnog contains around 135.5 calories and 4.14 grams of fat. Opt for a smaller serving size and be mindful of added sugars.
• Hot Chocolate and Cocoa: A one-cup serving of cocoa contains around 176 calories and 1 gram of fat. Consider using a powdered mix and water or unsweetened almond milk to reduce calories.

The Bottom Line: Enjoy in Moderation

Remember, it’s okay to indulge every now and then. The key is to be mindful of your portion sizes and make healthier choices when possible. So go ahead, grab an extra cookie or two, and enjoy the festive spirit!