Boozy, bubbly, creamy, fruity beverages come fast and easy around the holidays. Often overlooked as a calorie contributor, beverages can pack on the pounds just as easily as those tasty appetizers at the party.
Whether you’re at the mall or on the couch watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” for the fifth time, hot cocoa piled high with whipped cream or marshmallows is a staple at this time of year. And yes — that gingerbread latte with caramel and extra whip should count as dessert. Eggnog? It can set you back over 500 calories per cup. While you can always sip less of these indulgent drinks, once it’s in your hands, you’ll probably finish it.
Alcohol adds another layer. Research shows that alcohol encourages us to eat more, thanks to the aperitif effect. In this phenomenon, drinking alcohol appears to enhance the brain’s sensitivity to the smell of food, making you think you’re hungrier and encouraging you to eat more.
Luckily, drinks don’t have to be a cold weather deal-breaker. Here, registered dietitian nutritionists and food bloggers share how easy it is to create and enjoy healthier holiday drinks:
Start the Day Off Right
For a taste of the holidays with a dose of probiotics, try this Eggnog Smoothie from registered dietitian Julie Harrington of RDelicious Kitchen. It can put you in the holiday spirit first thing in the morning, while the healthy gut bacteria from the kefir helps ward off digestive issues.
Still Exercising?
Good for you! If you’re maintaining your regular fitness routine while everyone else takes a break until January, give yourself a big pat on the back. On your most strenuous workout days, keep your muscles primed for more with this protein and electrolyte packed Eggnog Recovery Smoothie from registered dietitian and sports nutritionist Diane Boyd of Cape Fear Nutrition.
Warm Up!
On a cold day, these warm beverages keep you feeling toasty inside. Grab your favorite mug and cuddle up on couch, or take one along while you walk the neighborhood to see the holiday lights.
This Vanilla Coconut Steamer from registered dietitian Deanna Segrave-Daly of the Teaspoon of Spice blog is fragrant and full of flavor. A detour from the typical mug of hot cocoa, this one is perfect for the non-chocolate fans in the house.
But what would the winter be without hot chocolate? Registered dietitian Rachael Hartley from the Avocado a Day Nutrition blog serves up Mexican Hot Chocolate for a spicy take on the traditional cup of cocoa. And the adults can warm up (at home) with this Vegan Boozy Mexican Spiced Hot Chocolate from The Foodie Dietitian, Kara Lydon.
Throw a few ingredients in the slow cooker and let them mingle while you shop with this mulled wine-inspired Crockpot Cranberry Wassail from Regan Jones, a registered dietitian and founder of HealthyAperture.
Apple Cider at this time of the year is a given. The No Nonsense Nutritionist, Jamila Rene, gives four different options to enjoy it with her Apple Cider 4 Ways: Try it Hot, Spiked or Chilled, or Spiked and Chilled.
And E.A. Stewart, the Spicy RD, lives up to her name with this Hot Spiced Cranberry Punch, a heartwarming and equally delicious alternative to traditional apple cider.
Registered dietitian nutritionist Jessica Levinson’s Cran-Toddy or Cran Cider Cooler combines apple cider and cranberries for another sweet and spicy option that can be enjoyed hot or cold and with or without whiskey.
Speaking of adult beverages…
At a Party
Odds are you’ll be throwing or going to a party or two this season. Here are some options for festive and fun holiday and winter drinks:
Use seasonal fruit such as grapes, pears, apples or citrus to make a fruity beverage with little or no added sugar. My Pear Prosecco Cocktail comes together in less than 5 minutes. Pears do all the work since they are super sweet and full of flavor in the winter.
Now is also the time to enjoy citrus fruits. Step out of your comfort zone and go beyond basic oranges. Try grapefruit, Meyer lemon and more. On her Healthy Seasonal Recipes blog, Katie Webster shares her beautiful holiday Cranberry Tangerine Negroni recipe that uses fresh tangerines and cranberries for incredible flavor and a gorgeous color.
Jewel-like pomegranate arils make for a beautiful presentation this time of year. This Pretty in Pink Champagne and Pomegranate Cocktail from Katie Morford of Mom’s Kitchen Handbook comes together easily and makes for a pretty presentation. Bonus: Pomegranates are in season now so they are less expensive and easy to find.
If booze isn’t your thing, try these drinks as mocktails by subbing sparkling fruit juice, club soda or sparkling water with fruit juice.
Sip a Dessert
Swap cookies and cakes for your favorite drink as dessert.
Drinks can make an easy, sweet treat, as Katie from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook shows in these Light and Luscious Vanilla Eggnog Floats.
This Vegan Eggnog Martini from registered dietitian Alexandra Caspero of Delicious Knowledge is a simple festive drink sure to satisfy vegans, and your other friends will be none the wiser.
Registered dietitian Karman Meyer of The Nutrition Adventure blog pours her Raspberry Pomegranate Icelandic Martini for a sweet and creamy treat that delivers a little fruit and protein from the yogurt along the way.
So you see, there are opportunities to add healthy ingredients and good nutrition to even the most decadent holiday drinks. Now that the creativity is flowing, try these recipes or create your own simple, sweet or bubbly beverages for the holidays and all winter long.
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Your Guide to Healthier Holiday Drinks originally appeared on usnews.com
