Five Calorie-Packed Festive Treats to Enjoy (Mindfully) During the Holidays (Part 1)

The holiday season is all about joy, togetherness, and of course, indulging in some delicious treats. While it’s fun to enjoy these festive foods, it’s also worth knowing how much of a calorie punch they bring to the table. Today we’re looking at five holiday favorites you can enjoy guilt-free if you’re mindful about your portions.

5. Festive Red Wine

Coming in at number five is the ever-popular red wine. A single 5 oz glass has about 150 calories, which sounds modest. But holiday parties have a funny way of turning one glass into three, and just like that, you’re sipping your way to 450 calories. Enjoy it, just know how quickly it adds up.

4. Mouthwatering Honey-Glazed Ham

At number four, we’ve got honey-glazed ham. One serving can pack around 460 calories. The sweet, savoury flavour makes it hard to stop at just one plate. It’s a classic holiday centre piece, but if you’re watching your intake, a smaller slice might be the move.

3. Juicy Turkey Leg

Taking the third spot is the juicy turkey leg. Half a leg delivers about 480 calories and a solid 68 grams of protein. It’s filling, no question, but also calorie-heavy. If you love turkey, consider switching to the leaner breast to get that festive flavor without the extra load.

2. Decadent Pie Selection

Coming in second is the holiday pie lineup. Pumpkin pie sits around 310 calories per slice, but pecan pie shoots up to 500. No holiday meal is complete without a slice of something sweet, so choose wisely or balance it out with a lighter main course to enjoy your dessert without the guilt.

1. Festive Eggnog

Number one goes to the holiday heavyweight champ: eggnog. Two cups of this creamy classic can land you at 700 calories, thanks to whole milk, cream, sugar, and sometimes a little bourbon. It’s rich, delicious, and sneaky. If you love it, try a lighter version with reduced-fat milk and less alcohol to enjoy it without blowing your calorie budget.

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed. So go ahead and savor your favorites. Just keep portions in check and balance things out where you can. If you need help with fitness or nutrition as we head into the new year, I’ve got your back.

Cheers to a strong finish to the year.

Emmanuel Ofori

Your friendly neighbourhood fitness professional