Understanding Holiday Serving Sizes: Deciphering the Amount in Each Serving
Holiday season is all about cheer, treats, and indulgence! With the year we've had, why not celebrate a bit? But remember, it's possible to enjoy the holidays without feeling like you've swallowed a giant candy cane. If you're following a specific diet, stick to it, but don't deny yourself a treat now and then.
Let's break down the typical calorie count of your favorite holiday treats without making you reach for those digital scales.
Savory Snacks: Keep it Light
Brie and Crackers
Try a bite-sized piece of brie with three whole-grain crackers. Picture a small pinecone and three gift tags. This sets you back around 152 calories and 9.68 grams of fat.
Veggies and Dip
Veggies and dip can seem innocent, but not-so-healthy dips often accompany these fresh veggies at gatherings. A serving of 6 carrot and celery sticks with 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing (approximate to 6 cinnamon sticks and a small ornament) provides 132-154 calories and 13.5 grams of fat. Stick to the veggies or opt for healthier dressings.
Shrimp Cocktail
The shrimp cocktail platter can be a safe bet, especially since a 5-jumbo shrimp serving with cocktail sauce (the size of 5 mini candy canes with sauce approximate to 2 tealights) dishes out around 140.5 calories, 1.7 grams of fat, and 17.7 grams of protein.
Trail Mix with Spiced Nuts
2 tablespoons of trail mix with nuts (about the size of a heaping shot glass of cranberries) offer around 168 calories, 14.8 grams of fat. Homemade mixes can make healthier holiday party options.
Honey-Baked Ham
Honey-baked ham is often a Christmas staple, but don't forget the salt! A 3-ounce serving (about the size of a large ornament) contains around 104 calories and 2.02 grams of fat, including 767 milligrams of sodium.
Cookies: Eat in Moderation
Gingersnaps
Gingersnaps can vary widely in calories depending on the recipe. A serving of 2 medium-sized cookies (similar to 3 pieces of Hanukkah gelt) has approximately 58.2 calories and 1.37 grams of fat.
Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies can be offered in bite-size pieces. A serving of 3 cookies (about the size of 1 spool of ribbon) contains around 90.9 calories, 3.12 grams of fat, and 9.63 grams of sugar.
Drinks: Enjoy, but Moderate
Sparkling Wine
Half a cup of champagne, prosecco, or spumante (roughly the size of 1 small party popper) offers roughly 55 calories with variation and 0 grams of fat.
Eggnog
A 1/2 cup serving of alcoholic eggnog (about the size of 1 large gift bow) dished out 135.5 calories, 4.14 grams of fat. Less alcohol, more eggnog, can help lower the calorie count.
Hot Chocolate and Cocoa
Return to the comfort of winter with 1 cup of cocoa (totally the size of 1 large jingle bell). This holiday mainstay can contain around 176 calories and 1 gram of fat.
So go on, enjoy those holiday treats, but don't forget to indulge responsibly!
After analyzing the calorie counts of various holiday treats, it's important to remember that moderation is key. For example, a serving of 2 medium-sized gingersnaps has about 58.2 calories, while a serving of 6 carrot and celery sticks with ranch dressing can provide up to 154 calories.
When it comes to drinks, a half cup of champagne has roughly 55 calories, but a 1/2 cup serving of alcoholic eggnog can contain 135.5 calories. So, it's crucial to enjoy these holiday indulgences in moderation to avoid consuming an excessive amount of calories.
