The holidays are a time when most people indulge a little. But, when January rolls around, most of us have added a few unwanted pounds. Why not rethink your holiday drink this year and replace it with water? It is an easy way to cut back on sugar, save calories and feel better!
Soda
Although soda consumption is on the decline, the average American still drinks 41 gallons of soda per year. That’s a little more than 12 ounces of soda per day. If you are looking to cut back a little this holiday season, try swapping water for your soda. If you are like the average American, you can save about 150 calories a day or 1,800 calories during the month of December.
Coke (12 oz.) | 140 calories | 9.75 teaspoons of sugar
Pepsi (12 oz.) | 150 calories | 10.25 teaspoons of sugar
Mountain Dew (12 oz.) | 170 calories | 11.5 teaspoons of sugar
Wine
While soda consumption is on the decline, wine consumption is on the rise. The U.S. is the highest wine consuming country by volume, and 36% of Americans drink wine. While not as high in sugar, wine does contain empty calories that consumers should avoid if they are looking to avoid holiday weight gain.
Glass of red wine (5 oz.) | 125 calories | .225 teaspoons of sugar
Glass white wine (5 oz.) | 120 calories | .35 teaspoons of sugar
Glass Dessert wine or rosé (3.5 oz.) | 165 calories | 1.875 teaspoons of sugar
Coffee Drinks
Here is where the calories can really add up. Cutting out the specialty coffee drinks over the holidays will really save you calories. Cutting them out all year long will also help you save money. In fact, the average American could save $1,092 per year by brewing coffee at home. Take a look at some specialty coffee drinks below to see how many calories you could save by drinking water instead.
McCafe Peppermint Mocha (small) | 220 calories | 8 teaspoons of sugar
McCafe Caramel Frappe (small) | 420 calories | 13.75 teaspoons of sugar
Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino (tall) | 300 calories | 11 teaspoons of sugar
Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte (tall) | 270 calories | 8 teaspoons of sugar
As you can see, many of our favorite holiday beverages are calorie and sugar-laden. Rethink your drink this Christmas and reach for a healthy glass of water. You will save calories, feel better and avoid the holiday weight gain!
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