The holidays bring shopping, parties and tons of yummy, but often BAD seasonal foods. According to Eat This Not That, the average person consumes an extra 600 calories a day between Thanksgiving and New Years. I rounded up a few items at some of your favorite places that you’ll want to stay away from. But don’t worry, I added some alternatives so you won’t go hungry.
Seasonal Sandwiches
It sounds amazing! This creation from Cosi isn’t the worst item on the list, but it has 450 calories, 10 grams of fat and 67 carbohydrates. Watch out for another seasonal favorite, the Steak TBM (tomato, basil and mozzarella) Sandwich with 829 calories and 55 grams of fat! Try the Turkey Light sandwich with roasted turkey tenders, shredded romaine and honey mustard has 390 calories, 5 grams of fat and 62 carbs.
(Photo by www.cosi.com)
Sweet Potatoes
Boston Market’s Sweet Potato Casserole is one of many enticing side dishes. Before you dive in, think about the 460 calories, 16 grams of fat and 77 carbs. The Macaroni and Cheese surprisingly has fewer calories at 300 OR bake a sweet potato at home with a little butter for between 100 and 200 calories.
(Photo by www.bostonmarket.com)
Peppermint Mocha
Starbucks has a variety of warm beverages this winter. The Peppermint Mocha might bring you holiday cheer, but it will only add to your waistline. Here is the breakdown for a Grande (16 oz): 410 calories, 15 grams of fat and 63 carbs!!! Eeek!!! Instead, try the Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte. The Grande is only 130 calories, zero grams of fat and 19 carbohydrates. Always skip the whipped cream, unless you are splurging!
(Photo by www.starbucks.com)
Holiday Cookies
The Gingerbread Man Cookie from Au Bon Pain has 320 calories, 10 grams of fat and 53 carbohydrates. Next time, grab a couple of Gingerbread Squares. Two squares have 120 calories, 5 grams of fat and 16 carbohydrates.
(Photo by www.aubonpain.com)
Blizzard
Dairy Queen just launched the Candy Cane Chill Blizzard! Before you start drooling, it has 740 calories! The medium Pumpkin Pie Blizzard has 770 calories, 27 grams of fat and 118 carbohydrates. Not too many alternatives at DQ! Put this on your splurge list.
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(Photo by www.dairyqueen.com)
It can be hard to make healthy eating choices during the hustle bustle of the season. Remember that it’s OK to splurge on some of these delights! Keep in mind the amount of calories you are taking in and go for an extra long jog/walk or eat a smaller dinner if you treat yourself to an afternoon cookie or coffee.
-Alexxa
