The holidays are finally here, a time to take a break from the daily grind at work or school and just enjoy life. For most people, holidays often mean vacations, and vacations often lead to indulging in plenty of delicious food and drinks. However, with the year-end holiday season lasting over a week, it’s easy to get carried away and eat whatever you want, thinking of it as a “break” from your usual diet. Many people tell themselves they’ll indulge just for today, but before they know it, they’ve entered a cycle of splurging on tempting treats day after day.
Imagine swearing off sweets one day, only to find yourself stopping at a pizza place while Christmas shopping the next. Memories of pizza’s spicy toppings and gooey mozzarella cheese may flood your mind, leading you to indulge. Later, you might notice your favorite pants or blouses feeling tighter. Unfortunately, it’s not your clothes shrinking—it’s holiday weight gain sneaking up on you in just two weeks. Feeling guilty won’t reverse the damage, and starting over with your diet and exercise plan can feel like climbing a mountain. To avoid this, it’s important to make mindful choices and know which holiday dishes to approach with caution. Here’s a look at 15 tempting holiday foods and beverages to be mindful of:
1. Pot Roast
This tender, flavorful dish, especially when homemade and covered in spiced gravy, can be hard to resist. But pot roast is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a risky indulgence if you’re watching your health. Consider swapping it for lighter options like a mushroom sandwich.
2. Beef Wellington
This rich dish, made with, pâté, and buttery pastry, is a crowd-pleaser at holiday dinners. However, it’s also packed with fat, calories, and cholesterol. Stick to a small portion if you must try it, especially if you’re managing weight or health conditions.
3. Chocolate Martini
A festive drink like chocolate martini might seem like a harmless treat, but it’s surprisingly high in calories—around 438 in a medium glass and up to 1,100 for a large serving. If you’re dieting, this sweet cocktail can be a major setback, so think twice before indulging.
4. Stuffed Potatoes
Stuffed potatoes are a comforting holiday dish, filled with meat, cheese, and seasonings. But packed with over 500 calories per serving, high fats, and carbs, eating this dish daily can quickly derail your diet. Try healthier options or drink plenty of water to curb your cravings.
5. Pecan Pie
This classic holiday dessert combines butter, sugar, pecans, and syrup for a wonderfully sweet treat. But at 412 calories and over 30% fat per serving, it’s not a diet-friendly choice. If it’s too tempting to pass up, try sticking to just a small bite.
6. Cheese Straws
These crunchy holiday snacks are easy to overeat. Made mainly of flour and cheese, cheese straws are full of fat, cholesterol, and carbohydrates. Instead, snack on fruits like apples to satisfy cravings for something crunchy.
7. Fruitcake
Don’t be fooled by the word “fruit” in fruitcake—it’s still a rich dessert. While it contains fewer fats and cholesterol than some other holiday dishes, fruitcake is packed with carbs and calories, especially since it’s usually made with dried or canned fruits rather than fresh ones. Keep portions small to enjoy it without overindulging.
8. Creamed Spinach
Spinach on its own is a healthy, fiber-rich option, but adding cream, cheese, and milk significantly increases its calorie and fat content. This holiday side dish is best enjoyed in moderation, as it’s easy to go overboard.
9. Glazed Ham
This shiny, juicy holiday staple, especially the honey-glazed variety, is convenient and irresistibly delicious. However, it’s loaded with fat, cholesterol, and calories, making it unsuitable for people with heart issues, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Consider lighter alternatives if this dish is often on your menu.
10. Swedish Meatballs
These are hearty and flavorful, often served with rich sauces and bread. While a single serving of Swedish meatballs contains relatively few calories and a good amount of protein, eating them regularly during the holidays can still add up. Balance them with vegetables to keep things in check.
11. Eggnog
This creamy drink, made from whipped eggs, milk, and cream, is a sweet indulgence often spiked with rum or bourbon. While its calorie count might seem moderate (88 calories per 100 grams), its fat, sugar, and cholesterol content make it a drink to consume sparingly.
12. Truffles
These gourmet treats are small but calorie-dense, offering 284 calories and lots of carbs and fat per serving. Fortunately, they are also high in fiber, making them a better snack option compared to some other holiday indulgences.
13. Cheesecake
This rich, creamy dessert is topped with everything from fruit sauce to chocolate syrup, making it a delightful holiday favorite. However, with 257 calories per slice and plenty of fat and sugar, it’s best to avoid if you’re diabetic or trying to lose weight.
14. Gravy
Gravy may seem harmless, but its fat and calorie content can add up when paired with carbs like mashed potatoes or rice. Consider skipping it altogether and opting for lighter dressings.
15. Popcorn Balls
These sweet snacks are held together by marshmallows and syrup, making them incredibly sugary. While not as harmful in limited amounts, they’re best avoided by people managing diabetes or keeping an eye on sugar intake.
Though these holiday foods may be hard to resist, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them at all. The key is moderation—keep portions small, make mindful choices, and try to stay active throughout the holiday season. This way, you can indulge without worrying about starting over when the holidays are over.