It’s already the first of December and plenty of people are listening to holiday music, decorating their homes to fit their holiday traditions, watching holiday-themed movies, and most importantly, indulging in all of their favorite holiday snacks and beverages. Each weekend might be filled with milk and cookies, eggnog, and gingerbread lattes. However, a full month of holiday snacks could wreak havoc on your health.
Just one cup of eggnog contains 343 calories, 19 grams of fat, 11 grams of saturated fat, 150 milligrams of cholesterol, 137 milligrams of sodium, 34 grams of carbohydrates, and 21 grams of sugar! One cup of 1% milk contains 118 calories, 3 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, 10 milligrams of cholesterol, 143 milligrams of sodium, and 14 grams of carbohydrates. Plus, cow’s milk contains lactose, which is a sugar. If you are drinking eggnog or milk while snacking on sugary cookies or other holiday snacks, you can just imagine how much sugar your body is consuming.
A gingerbread latte from Starbucks is a holiday favorite for many, but just one 8 oz glass with 2% milk and whipped cream contains 190 calories, 8 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 30 milligrams of cholesterol, 85 milligrams of sodium, 23 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of protein, and 21 grams of sugar!
You can easily make your gingerbread latte healthier by switching the 2% milk to soy milk, and ditching the whipped cream. A gingerbread latte with soy milk contains 130 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated and trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 60 milligrams of sodium, 21 grams of carbohydrates, and 18 grams of sugar. Plus, the soy milk option contains 1 gram of fiber, and 5 grams of protein. By switching from 2% milk to soy milk, you are choosing a healthier option but are still enjoying the same delicious taste.
This nutritional information doesn’t need to stop you from enjoying your favorite holiday beverages. Instead of choosing a glass of cow’s milk to go with your cookies, choose soy, almond, rice, or coconut milk instead. All are healthier options but provide the same great taste. These milks can also be used in your baked goods.
You don’t need to give up eggnog either, but instead try a less traditional take on eggnog. The So Delicious Dairy Free brand now carries three dairy-free variations of your holiday favorites, such as Pumpkin Spice Coconut Milk, Mint Chocolate Coconut Milk, and Nog Coconut Milk, a modern and delicious twist to traditional eggnog. All flavors can be found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store with the non-dairy milks.
For additional nutritional information and assistance during the holidays, please contact Premier Health Chiropractors. Our experienced and licensed chiropractors can help you to make healthier decisions to provide a healthy New Year ahead.