Beware the Liquid Calorie By Ryan Halvorson

I’ve been on a holiday kick with my recent postings and newsletter articles. Reason being is that I, too, am concerned with surviving the holidays with my sanity--and waistline--intact.
As holiday parties lurk around every corner, many people beef up resolve when it comes to avoiding the high-calorie cookie tray or brownie bin. But often overlooked are those liquid calories that go down easily, but add up quickly.

Surveys state that liquids account for 20% of the American diet. Chances are that percentage increases during holidays due to readily-available seasonal peppermint mocha frappe-whatchamacallits, rum-filled eggnogs, or other alcoholic beverages.
Are you curious about how many calories are swimming in your favorite libation? It’s probably more than you think. Here’s a list of popular drinks and their caloric content:

Grande Gingerbread Latte: 320 calories, 13g fat
Grande Peppermint Mocha: 400 calories, 15g fat
One cup (250ml) of eggnog with rum: 350 - 450 calories, 19g fat
5oz glass of red or white wine: 125 calories
12oz light beer: 65 - 95 calories
12oz medium to dark beers: 150 - 165 calories
1.5oz glass of Kahlua: 170 calories
Frozen margarita with 2oz tequila and 4.5oz mix: 250 calories
2oz martini (gin or vodka): 119 calories
12oz rum and coke: 361 calories

And, as always, ride with a designated sober driver or take a taxi if you plan to consume alcoholic beverages.