As we approach New Year’s Eve this week, not to mention chilly temperatures where we crave warm goodness, all of us need to check-in on what and how much we are drinking. Holiday drinks can add up in the calorie department and you may not even realize it’s happening! From cozy warm holiday drinks to fancy to sparkling New Year’s Eve party drinks, you have to be careful. Here are five tips to lighten up your favorite sip:

1. Cozy Coffee Beverages: Our favorite coffee shops are loaded with peppermint mochas and pumpkin spice lattes this time of year which are full of sugar and calories due to syrup and whip! Just a grande size of one of those drinks can be 450-500 calories. First, a way to lighten up your drink is to use low-fat milk. Next try a misto, which is half coffee/half steamed milk and ask for a pump of your favorite flavor. Then cut the whip and added syrup. In the blink of an eye, you are only drinking 100-150 calories and still feel satisfied. 
2. Tasty Holiday Alcoholic Drinks: Hot buttered rum, white Russians, and eggnog can top off at 350-400 calories for only 8 oz! Trying light eggnog or using less cream in your holiday drink can help lighten up these beverages. Or you can simply drink a smaller serving. These are beverages to taste, not drink!
3. Be Careful On the Cold, Fruity and Sparkly: Fruit flavored martinis, punches and New Year’s margaritas are full of sugar! Some margaritas top the charts with over 400 calories for 8 oz and those tiny little martini glasses can have close to 200 calories if it is full of sugar and alcohol. Using sugar-free mixes can help reduce the calories. Or try sipping on 5 oz of red wine. With only 100-110 calories, 5 oz of red wine is satisfying, significantly less calories, and you typically sip it a little slower. Sipping on beverages can help you consume less.
4. Oldie But a Goodie: Even a warm glass of hot chocolate can cost you a lot of calories if you are not careful. Some versions made with whole milk, chocolate syrup and whip can hit 300 calories fast! Using low-fat milk, a light syrup, or light whipped topping can help lower the calories.
5. Don’t Forget H2O: Consuming water in between your favorite beverages can help you drink less and feel better later. Water helps you fill your tummy while also hydrating your body. Try to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before a New Year’s party where alcoholic beverages are involved. Drink up…just on the right stuff!