The year-end holiday season is always associated with warm, sweet drinks, from eggnog, hot chocolate to flavorful latte. However, according to nutritionists, many traditional holiday drinks contain high sugar and calories, which can easily overload the body if consumed regularly.
According to Ms. Elizabeth Barnes, a registered nutritionist at the Barnes Nutrition Consulting Nutrition Center (USA), as long as the ingredients are adjusted, users can still enjoy the festive atmosphere without negative health effects.
Traditional Eggnog, should reduce eggs, lose fat: Eggnog is a familiar Christmas drink but is often rich in fat and sugar. Ms. Barnes recommends replacing whole eggs with egg whites, or using unsweetened oat milk and almond milk. Cinnamon and nutmeg still help preserve the characteristic flavor without increasing excess energy.
Hot apple alcohol instead of apple peel tea: Instead of sugary hot apple alcohol, apple peel tea is a lighter choice. Apple peel and core when boiled with cinnamon, ginger, and salmon not only create a natural fragrance but also add fiber, limiting sugar intake.
Ginger Latte, switch to herbal ginger tea: Latte mixed with whole milk and syrup is often high in calories. Herbal ginger tea, add a little skim milk or unsweetened plant milk, helps keep you warm and comfortable without causing an overload of energy.
Peppermint Mocha, switch to peppermint latte tea: Peppermint mocha is attractive but has a lot of sugar and fat potential. According to experts, soaking herbal peppermint tea in almond milk or skim milk is a similar, lower-calorie flavor, suitable for people with weight control.
Hot chocolate, choose a light spicy version: Homemade hot chocolate made from cocoa or dark chocolate over 70% helps reduce sugar and increase antioxidants. Adding cinnamon, vanilla or a little cayenne pepper not only enhances the flavor but also limits the need for refined sugar.
Little changes in holiday drinks can make a big difference in long-term health, emphasized Ms. Elizabeth Barnes, recommending prioritizing natural, less processed ingredients at the end of the year.
