14 December 2023 , 16:32
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With logs on the fire and gifts on the tree, Christmas is a time to rejoice in the good that we see - as well as perhaps having a few drinks.
But before you dive into your favourite concoction, have you ever pondered the possible calorific content of what you're sloshing down your neck? Whether it's mulled wine or eggnog, such well-intentioned merriment can potentially contribute to a post-holiday expansion of your waistline - which is the very last thing you need after relishing that sumptuous festive dinner and indulging in a second helping of mince pies.
"But it's Christmas," you declare, reaching for the Baileys at 4 pm on a casual Thursday. And you'd be right - which is why if you are counting calories this Yuletide, there are some simple swaps you can make to help keep both your mind and body happy.
Below, leading diet guru Terri-Ann Nunns and expert nutritionist Ro Huntriss share their advice on navigating alcoholic indulgences without tipping the scales too far this Christmas. So prepare for some eye-opening revelations. And if you're a Prosecco enthusiast, rejoice, for the effervescent glass contains fewer calories than initially presumed. Cheers to mindful merrymaking!
Eggnog
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Crafted with sizeable portions of milk, egg, and sugar, it's no surprise that eggnog boasts a substantial 350 calories. For those mindful of their weight, consider opting for a glass of sloe gin instead. Our experts explain "Eggnog stands out as one of the most indulgent Christmas drinks, not ideal for weight management. An equally enjoyable, yet significantly lower-calorie alternative is sloe gin, whether served warm or on the rocks."
Mulled Wine
The comforting warmth of mulled wine is a cherished Christmas delight, but did you know an average glass carries a hefty 210 calories? If you prepare it at home, you can trim down the calorie count. Nutritionists recommend ditching sugar in favour of sweeteners. They say: "When making mulled wine, the addition of spices and sugar contributes to its calorie content. However, you can substitute sweetener, whether artificial or natural like stevia. Alternatively, enhance the flavour with spices, lemon juice, and omit sugar or sweeteners altogether."
Glass of wine
Savouring a simple glass of wine may bring joy, but it also comes with a considerable 220 calories. For a lighter option, consider swapping wine for Prosecco, which contains approximately 85 calories per glass. The experts suggest "Choosing Prosecco over wine can significantly reduce your calorie intake. A glass of Prosecco provides 1.5 units of alcohol, while a large glass of wine is likely to be around 3 units."
Baileys
As a luxurious treat rather reminiscent of a chocolate milkshake, Baileys is a popular festive indulgence, packing around 164 calories per glass. However, alternatives do exist. The experts recommend to "Swap a 50ml Baileys (164 calories) for a 50ml Baileys Almande at 76 calories. Baileys Almande, made from almonds, offers a vegan, dairy-free alternative to the original and comes in at under half the calories!"
Beer
A festive trip to the pub often includes a pint, but that crafty slosh of the gold stuff can contribute around 210 calories. Opting for a bottle of beer instead can bring your intake down to a more reasonable 140 calories. Dietitians advise that "swapping a pint for a bottle reduces the overall volume consumed and, consequently, the calorie count, especially if planning to have more than one. The term ‘beer belly’ isn’t without reason; beer can contribute significantly to weight gain."