Healthy Holiday Drinks

I have disappointing news for you that just might ruin your holiday season, but a girls’ gotta know! Those delicious, delectable and super yummy holiday drinks you google over every year aren’t the best for your tummy or overall health.

Admit it— you’re obsessed with Pumpkin! From pumpkin lattes, beer, candy, pancakes, to bread. You simply look forward to this time of year so you can munch on some delectable pumpkin treats.  I hate to break this to you, but, if you’re one who cannot live without a steamy pumpkin latte in the AM before you head into work, in the end, your belly won’t be so thrilled.

“Frankly, I don’t want to spend my calories on drinks and don’t want to ingest a lot of added sugar that way,” says Sally Kuzemchak, MS, RD, a registered dietitian, educator, and blogger at RealMomNutrition.com. “Some of those drinks have a meal’s worth of calories and a lot of sugar. “

When it comes to Pumpkin spice lattes, Sally has a reminder for all of us.

“Remember that they're not selling "pumpkin lattes"--just pumpkin spice, which typically is cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and all spice,” says Sally.

In regards to making those holiday drinks healthier, Sally provides some tips.

1. Order the smallest size.

2. Hold the whipped cream.

3. Ask for "just one pump" of flavoring

4. Order skim milk instead of 2% or whole—which is usually the default— to save calories. Soy won't help you save calories if that's your goal

5. Make your own at home using pumpkin pie spices or peppermint extract, which you can buy in the baking aisle.

Instead of spending big bucks every morning on a Starbucks run, why not save yourself some calories and make your own fall treat?

“(Making drinks) are so much more economical and chances are you won't load your drink with as much sugar as found in coffee shop drinks and most of us don't keep canisters of whipped cream on hand!” says Sally.”If you love these pricey coffee drinks, invest in a simple milk frother. You can get one on Amazon for about $10. Or at least, make these coffee shop drinks an occasional treat, not an every day thing. “

So, when opting for one of these beverages, just be health-conscious and opt for the smarter choice. Your mind might be telling you to add that extra whipped cream, but let Sally’s advice soak in before you give in! 

About Guest Blogger Hope Kumor
Hope Kumor graduated Temple University May 2013 with a BA in English and also attended Bucks County Community College and earned her AD in Journalism in 2010. 
She's had internships with Family Circle and Good Housekeeping Magazine in New York City as well as 1490 WBCB and Bucks County Courier Times. She has a background in social media, writing, newspapers and PR. 

Most of her writing centers around health & fitness since she was the Health & Fitness Staff Writer for Her Campus Temple. She freelances for various websites, but still makes the time to hang with her boyfriend, family, friends and workout.
 

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