The Holiday Treats You SHOULD Be Eating

Will one sugar cookie wreck your eating plan? No. But if your calendar is filled with company parties, holiday dinners, and cookie swaps, you’ll want to be a bit more selective the next time you load your plate, says dietician Alexandra Caspero, R.D., founder of Delicious Knowledge. "I encourage enjoying your favorite foods over the holidays but prioritizing healthier options." Can you ID the holidays’ not-quite-as-bad treats—and straight-up splurges? See how they stack up in this holiday food face-off.

Winner: Gingerbread Cookie
Sugar cookies are made with more butter than gingerbread cookies, explaining their higher fat content. To avoid sugar overload, keep your gingerbread cookies au natural (a.k.a. icing-free). 

RELATED: 7 Warm, Gooey (But Still Healthy!) Cookie Recipes

 

Winner: Mulled Wine
The labels aren’t going to be much help here since these usually come without them. But consider this: Red wine is rich in resveratrol, a phytochemical with powerful anti-inflammatory properties that helps protect against heart disease and may even reduce your risk of cancer. Mulled wine is also heated with (antioxidant-rich) cinnamon, clove, and citrus fruits. Just make sure not to have too many mugs—and if you're DIYing it, skip the added sugar.

 

Winner: Baked Turkey
Even glaze-less hams are processed, adding a not-so-healthy helping of salt and other preservatives. When filling your plate with turkey, opt for skinless breast meet to lower your caloric and fat intake.

 

Winner: Hot Chocolate
After all, eggnog is egg yolks plus cream! Use real cocoa when making your hot chocolate if you can; it contains compounds that increase blood flow to your brain, lower blood pressure, and improve your energy and mood. If you’ve just got to have a cup of eggnog, choose a lighter version, such as Silk Seasonal Eggnog.

RELATED: 7 Deliciously Brilliant Hot Chocolate Hacks

 

Winner: Candy Cane
It takes a long time to eat an entire candy cane (granted you aren’t a biter), while you can plow through a fist-full of gumdrops in minutes—so you're likely to reach for a second helping much faster.

 

Winner: Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins and vitamin D. Limit how many bites you eat of either app, though—they’re both high in calories and fat.

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