It’s important to remember that all the fun traditional beverages served around this time of year aren’t simply calorie, fat, or sugar-free. For example, a Grande Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks gives a whopping 440 calories, 50% of the daily value for saturated fat, and 54 g of sugar!

Below is a list of which drinks to be mindful of along with some tips on how to enjoy your favorite holiday drinks.

Be mindful of:

• Eggnog
• Coffee drinks: Lattes, Frappes, Macchiatos
• Coffee creamers
• Hot chocolate
• Spiced apple cider

Tips to enjoy:

• Always order the smallest size available to cut calories, fat, and sugar
• Skip the whipped cream on coffee drinks if you order them frequently
• Use sugar-free coffee creamers
• Make hot chocolate with milk to provide a better balance of nutrients
• Order coffee drinks with skim or low-fat milk to cut calories and fat, but also provide protein
• Enjoy one cup of the drink, and then switch to water or a calorie and sugar-free flavored water

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and have a wonderful December!

~Kaylee Brown, CHFC Registered Dietitian

To schedule a session with Kaylee call (309) 433-9355 or email mydietitian@iwp-llc.com.