Hot buttered rum
Sipping a warm cocktail by the fire on a cold winter evening sounds enticing. However, the calorie count may scare you away: One cup of hot buttered rum has over 300 calories and 13 grams of fat—not to mention tons of added melted butter and sugar. The dangerous concoction also has 40 milligrams of cholesterol, one-seventh of the USDA's recommended daily intake in just one drink!It's tough to reduce the count when rum is involved. Still, there are slightly healthier versions like our spicy rum punch. You're still taking in 200 calories, but no fat or cholesterol.
Lobster Newburg
This classic entree is beyond decadent. Lobster is healthy seafood, but the sauce is the dish's downfall. Flour, butter, and milk create a thick and creamy puree that should be avoided at all costs. One small cup is worth 605 calories and 49 grams of fat. Nearly enough fat for an entire day, according to USDA recommendations.If you prepare lobster for your family during the holiday season, go for lighter recipes like this lobster panzanella made with fresh lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil. Served with a piece of whole-wheat toast, this dish is just as filling, but clocks in at only 167 calories and 6 grams of fat.
Yule log or Bûche de Noël
With primary ingredients like chocolate, heavy cream, butter, and sponge cake, a slice of Yule log can account for half a day's worth of calories. Some recipes even toss in a cup of toasted pecans and coconut. One serving of Betty Crocker's Bûche de Noël boasts 420 calories and 47 grams of sugar—almost double the amount the American Heart Association's recommends eating per day.Looking for a lighter selection? Save over 100 calories by picking up a piece of this cranberry upside-down cake instead.
Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
A Grande (16 oz.) serving of this seductive Starbucks beverage has 540 calories. And that's with only 2% milk! The white-chocolate- and peppermint-flavored syrups, whipped cream, and dark chocolate make up 76 grams of sugar, three times the amount of added sugar the American Heart Association suggests per day.Enjoy the same warmth and sweetness when drinking this hot chocolate—a lighter homemade version with only 194 calories and little added sugar.
Caramel apples
Making caramel apples can be an entertaining holiday activity, and they are enjoyable to eat too. However, the caramel sauce is pure sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, melted with a bit of milk. Though apples are high in vitamins and dietary fiber, the treat packs about 320 calories, 16 grams of fat, and 28 grams of sugar (more than the AHA-recommended 25 grams per day).There's no healthy equivalent (because apple slices with peanut butter just isn't the same), but limit the amount of sauce on each apple and watch your portions. Or, forget the sauce and drizzle some fat-free caramel sundae syrup on top.
Gingerbread
Gingerbread people and houses may look inviting with their smiles made of frosting and gumdrop decor, but don't be fooled! They're packing plenty of calories. Gingerbread cake is even worse, with large quantities of buttermilk, flour, and sugar. One small piece of cake has 260 calories, 36 carbs, and 12 grams of fat.Stick with small cookies—you can still shape them into people! And use light icing to decorate. Most gingerbread is rich in fiber too!
Sugar cookies
Santa's health may be in jeopardy if you feed him too many sugar cookies this Christmas. The classic recipe is pretty simple, but the amount of all-purpose flour, butter, and egg used is unnecessary. An average cookie can contain over 200 calories and 14 grams of sugar.For a healthier batch, use egg whites and less butter to keep saturated fat and cholesterol low, and a touch of whole-wheat flour to add fiber.
Plum pudding
Often referred to as Christmas pudding, this dessert is dangerously heavy. Not only does the traditional recipe ask you to put molasses, brandy, and candied fruit in the batter, the concoction is also baked in a greased and sugared pudding mold. Recipes estimate that one serving of plum pudding contains about 360 calories, 15 grams of fat, and 30 grams of sugar (5 grams more than your daily upper limit).Luckily, there are lighter versions out there, like our steamed pudding with healthier ingredients like applesauce, low-fat milk, and a small amount of light molasses. This dessert is still high in calories, but it has less fat and added sugar
Mashed potatoes
Mashing potatoes never hurt anyone, but whole milk, butter, and salt can cram in the calories, cholesterol, and fat. One serving clocks in at 237 calories with 9 grams of fat and 666 milligrams of sodium. This count doesn't include added salt, butter, or sour cream!If you can't live without this much-loved side dish, use low-fat milk and limit adding butter and salt. Or, bake something new, like this side dish of seasoned potatoes.
Candy canes
There's no way to avoid the fact that candy canes are pure sugar and vinegar. They're only 60 calories apiece but don't offer any nourishment. Rather than making them a mid-afternoon snack in the month of December, use the canes as Christmas-tree decorations.Get creative in the kitchen with other joyful treats that have some nutritional value, like this festive candy made with white chocolate, dried cranberries, and almonds.
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