Food is not the only place where large amounts of calories are hiding. It is important to know that those yummy holiday cocktails and other sweet refreshments can be packed with a substantial amount of empty calories. The USDA’s 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommend that women limit alcohol to 1 serving per day and men to 2 servings per day. One serving of alcohol is defined as 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol which is equivalent to 12 ounces of beer or wine cooler, 8 ounces of malt liquor, 5 ounces of table wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80 proof distilled spirits such as gin, vodka, and whiskey. Consuming beverages that contain drink mixers is where the calories can add up fast. One cup of eggnog is around 344 calories, 19 grams of fat, 11.3 grams of saturated fat, 34.5 grams of carbohydrates, and 150 mg of cholesterol; that’s not even including the alcohol! For a more figure flattering eggnog, try Cooking Light’s Ultimate Eggnog recipe which is 1/2 cup of melted light vanilla ice cream, 1 tablespoon bourbon, 1/2 tablespoon brandy, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. This glass of eggnog will only cost you around 150 calories and is a great way to significantly cut back on saturated fat. Another simple tip is to drink one glass of water after each alcoholic or high-calorie beverage at a party. The water may help to fill you up while saving you from many unneeded calories.

Source: USDA Dietary Guidelines 2010. Part D. Section 7: Alcohol. http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/DietaryGuidelines/2010/DGAC/Report/D-7-Alcohol.pdf.