Healthy Holiday Beverage Choices

Holiday festivities wouldn’t be complete without beverages. Practically every event features a wide variety of drinks; alcoholic, non-alcoholic and traditional. What you drink during the holidays add calories as well; a traditional holiday-sized mixed drink can pack as many as 500 calories or more!

Once you have resolved to make healthy food choices during the holidays, you must make wise beverage choices in order to sustain your weight.

Alcoholic drinks are a big favorite, especially at business and corporate events. Consider, however, that calories from alcohol tend to be stored in the abdomen. Those who are overweight actually gain weight more easily when they consume alcohol. Instead of beer, Bailey’s and Kahlua, you might try other versions of alcohol such as Bloody Marys, wine or mixed drinks prepared with a diet mixer.

Fruit punches are also poor choices, usually being long on calories and short on nutrition. Instead, you might want to opt for hot cider, flavored waters, or diet sodas. Diet sodas make a very festive drink when added to your favorite fruit juice such as cranberry or grape.

And the traditional holiday beverage—egg nog. It is usually made with egg yolk and thick cream. If you choose to have egg nog, have a smaller amount and dilute it with skim milk. You can also purchase commercial egg nog which comes in low-fat, fat-free and even soy nog. You may want to try the low-fat egg nog recipe featured here.

Remember to drink plenty of water. Alcohol and coffee can dehydrate your body.

Plan ahead this holiday season and make smart choices where you can. You’ll be happy you did when you step on those scales in the New Year!

Low-Fat Egg Nog
4 cups skim milk
12 oz. evaporated milk
4 eggs
½ cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Heat milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and sugar over medium heat about 10 minutes, until slightly thickened. DO NOT BOIL. Stir over a bowl of ice water 2 minutes. Stir in vanilla; cover and chill 4-24 hours. Add more skim milk if needed to achieve desired consistency. Top with ground nutmeg just before serving.

Makes 22 servings-1/2 cup each.
Each serving has 99 calories, 1 gm fat.

*Recipe from Better Homes and Gardens, November 1991 issue*