After a crazy morning of Christmas shopping you just want to reward yourself. You got some pretty good bargains today and deserve this break. A comforting mug of hot chocolate or a popular hot coffee drink at your favorite coffee shop sounds perfect. Or, while attending one of many Christmas parties this month you have a glass of Riesling. If you aren’t careful you may be drinking in more calories than you realize. Beverage calories count.
Here is how some of our favorite holiday beverages weigh-in on calories:
| Grande (16 o) Starbucks Hot chocolate | 370 calories |
| Grande (16 oz) Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte | 330 calories |
| 12 oz can of regular Coke | 140 calories |
Some holiday party choices also carry a lot of calories:
| 6 oz Reisling | 138 calories |
| 6 oz Merlot | 144 calories |
| 16 oz Beer | 204 calories |
| Cosmo Martini | 250 calories |
| Margarita on the rocks | 150 calories |
You can still visit your favorite coffee shop to relax and enjoy a warm mug of serenity. Starbucks Grande (16 oz) Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea with teaspoon of honey is only 20 calories. Actually, nearly any tea with just a teaspoon of honey is about 20 calories, and a much healthier option.
Holiday parties can also have delicious, lo-cal choices. A sangria mocktail, made with white grape juice, cranberry juice, lemon lime sparkling seltzer water, and chopped fresh fruit is a festive alternative with 80-85 calories a glass.
This is a wonderful time of year to enjoy our friends and family at parties and potlucks. Just be mindful of what is in your glass or mug because beverage calories count!
