16 Tips for Healthier Holiday Drinks

The holidays are full of delicious beverages even if you are celebrating via Zoom, but drinks can come with extra calories. These 16 tips will help you enjoy your favorite holiday beverages.

Eggnog

• Fill your glass with 1/2 low-fat or fat-free milk and the remaining 1/2 with low-fat or fat-free eggnog.
• Skip the whipped cream on top. Try a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Try low-fat and nondairy nogs, such as almond milk varieties.
• Add a zero-calorie sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.

Hot chocolate

• Stir unsweetened cocoa powder, cinnamon (ground or freshly grated), and vanilla extract into hot low-fat or fat-free milk. Add a sweetener like stevia, a small amount of sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Choosing low-fat or reduced-fat milk will give you a bit of the creaminess of milk with fewer calories than whole milk.
• Look for cocoa mixes that are low-fat or fat-free.
• Skip the whipped topping, and sprinkle with cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg.
• Swirl in peppermint extract or a bit of peanut butter.

Apple cider

• Choose store-bought options with less sugar.
• Try making homemade cider. Simmer 100% apple juice with a variety of spices, such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg and whole cranberries.

Cocktails

• Mocktails are usually lower in calories.
• Use whole ingredients like fruits, natural sweeteners (e.g., stevia, pure maple syrup, raw honey) or herbs.
• Enjoy low-calorie mixers, such as sparkling water, muddled berries, lemon/lime/orange juice, a slice of cucumber, frozen berries or a splash of 100% fruit juice.
• Drink water between alcoholic drinks. This keeps you hydrated and helps you lessen the amount you drink. No one has to know it’s not alcohol.
• Enjoy and savor your drinks by sipping slowly. Being mindful can help you reduce your overall calorie intake without feeling restricted.

Source: American Heart Association Healthy for Good