Healthy Holiday Swap

Eggnog vs. Spiced Apple Cider

If you're eating a holiday meal, calories can add up quickly. It's easy to forget that what we drink adds to our daily calories—and to our waistlines.

Although it’s a seasonal favorite, eggnog is creamy, thick, and frothy for a reason—it’s made from heavy cream, eggs, and sugar. Save a few calories by opting for a spiced apple cider drink instead of calorie-laden eggnog.

How it Compares

Serving size 1 cup

Eggnog

343 calories

19 g fat

150 mg cholesterol

6% daily value of vitamin C

Spiced Apple Cider

130 calories

0 g fat

0 mg cholesterol

100% daily value of vitamin C

Choosing spiced apple cider instead of eggnog saves 213 calories (not to mention fat, sugar, and cholesterol).

Related: Benefits of Drinking Tea

Other ways to choose healthier beverages during the holidays

• Use low-fat milk in hot chocolate and coffee beverages
• Enjoy a cup of unsweetened tea or coffee instead of fancy beverages that are loaded with sugary syrups
• Make a healthy drink from sparkling water and a squeeze of lime
• Choose 100-percent-fruit juice instead of soda

Better yet, choose water—it’s calorie free!

References

Calorie Count. “There’s Strength in Numbers.” 2015. Web. 04 Nov. 2015.

Mayo Clinic.  “Holiday Beverages That Are Light and Right.”  11 Dec 2013.  Web. 28 Oct 2015. 

Web MD. “The Naughty List of Holiday Foods.” 06 Feb 2014. Web. 28 Oct 2015.

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