For many people, Christmas is about spending time with loved ones, and enjoying those well-deserved treats. Enjoying some time off from strict diet plans once in a while are unlikely to dramatically affect your weight loss journey either. However, while indulging in a couple of treats and tipples is something plenty of slimmers will do this December, others will be keen to stay as trim as possible. So, is there any way to enjoy those festive drinks without having so many calories?
While alcohol does, by nature, contain quite a few calories, there are ways to reduce your intake – while still enjoying them.
With the festive season in full swing, diet guru Terri-Ann Nunns and expert dietitian and nutritionist, Ro Huntriss, have taken a closer look at the calorie content of some the festive favourites when it comes to alcoholic drinks.
Terri-Ann said: “Christmas is a time of year where we can enjoy ourselves and indulge a little – but it’s important that we’re mindful of what we are putting into our bodies, especially if we are trying to stay focused and on track in the build up to Christmas.
“We often forget about the calories in drinks and the huge impact they can have on our daily intake if we are not careful. Some really simple swaps can be made to ensure that calorie intake is reduced, without putting a dampener on your festive spirit!”
READ MORE: Lowest calorie alcoholic drinks to have this Christmas – top choices for your weight loss
Eggnog (350 kcals) to Sloe gin (85 kcals)
Made with liquor, milk, egg and sugar, egg nog can often be packed full with calories.
Depending on your choice of alcohol, one glass could contain as much as 350 calories, Terri-Ann and Ro said.
The duo instead suggested sipping on the liquor sloe gin – which, on average, comes in at around 85 calories per serving.
Small glass of desert wine (118 kcals) to Glass of sherry (60 kcals)
For some people, finishing off a festive meal is best with a small glass of desert wine – which could contain more than 118 calories.
However, Terri-Ann and Ro advised dieters opt for a glass of sherry instead – which comes in a smaller serving due to its higher alcohol content.
Mulled wine made with sugar (210 kcals) to Mulled wine made with sweetener (145 kcals)
Mulled wine is a festive staple for many Britons, but with 210 calories per serving, it can be one slimmers want to avoid.
While the drink is usually made with sugar, adding artificial sweeteners or natural sweeteners – or even more spices and lemon juice – instead, could see you save on your calorie intake.
Large glass of wine (220 kcals) to Glass of Prosecco (85 kcals)
Bubbles are a top choice for those looking for a low-calorie content in their Christmas drinks.
The typical serving size is typically half of a large glass of wine, but for some brands of Prosecco, the sugar content could be lower as well.
Pint of lager (210 kcals) to a bottle of beer (140 kcals)
A bottle of lager is again going to be a smaller portion compared to a pint of beer.
However, if you’re looking to consume fewer calories in the evening but still want to enjoy the drink, this swap could save you around 70 calories per drink.
Gin and tonic (100 kcals) to Gin and slimline tonic (60 kcals)
According to Terri-Ann and Ro, the average single measure of gin contains just shy of 60 calories.
So, by avoiding adding extra calories through sugary mixers and instead substituting it for a tonic made with sweetener, you could keep your intake lower.
Long Island Iced Tea (400 kcals) to Bloody Mary (125 kcals)
Cocktails can seem like a great way to toast to the festive season – but with vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec and cola in a Long Island Iced Tea, the calories will soon add up – and potentially reach a shocking 400 calories.
Instead, why not opt for a Bloody Mary which – at 125 calories per serving – contains vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco.
All in all, that simple swap on the drinks menu could save you around 275 calories. Cheers to that!
For more information about the Terri Ann 123 Diet Plan, go to www.terriann123dietplan.co.uk.