Going to a lot of holiday parties? Interested to know how many calories all those festive drinks have in them? Here is an article that helps answer that question. (Source: SCW Fitness Newsletter 11/28/08 www.scwfitness.com, Click here for a printable version)

“The holidays can really wreak havoc on our routines and our bodies. Most of us who are conscious of our eating know that the ultra rich whipped cream topped pie served hot over double chocolate chip ice cream is a little over the top. We also know that completely depriving ourselves of our most beloved holiday treats is not necessary. Everything in moderation as the saying goes. Fitness enthusiasts have adapted to smaller portions eaten slowly and enjoyed completely sans guilt! However, when it comes to our beverage consumption, some of us are far less aware and diligent. Review this list of nine popular beverages that pack a substantial caloric blow: SURPRISE!

• Long Island iced tea (8 oz): 780
• Chocolate martini: (2 oz each vodka, chocolate liqueur, cream, 1/2 oz creme de cacao, chocolate syrup): 438
• White Russian (2 oz vodka, 1.5 oz coffee liqueur, 1.5 oz cream): 425
• Hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps (8 oz): 380
• Pina Colada (6 oz): 378 calories
• Eggnog with rum (8 ounces): 370
• Mai Tai (6 oz) (1.5 oz rum, 1/2 oz cream de along, 1/2 oz triple sec, sour mix, pineapple juice): 350
• Coffee liqueur (3 ounces): 348
• Godiva chocolate liqueur (3 oz): 310

In order to work off just one Long Island iced tea, one would have to run a 6 minute mile for more than 45 minutes. The other option, of course, would be to cut the 700+ calories from your other consumption, i.e. food; which is one third of what most people eat in a day. The other alcoholic drinks on the list are better, but not terrific in terms of calories ingested. It is therefore extremely important to maintain a normal pattern of exercising while imbibing at holiday parties, which also include calorie laden food probably not part of your every day fare.

For your reference, here are some drinks with a lighter touch:

• Ultra-light beer (12 oz): 64-95
• Mimosa (4 oz): 75
• Mike’s Hard Lemonade (11 oz): 98
• Light beer (12 oz): 95-136
• Wine spritzer (5 oz): 100
• Rum and Diet Coke (8 oz): 100
• Champagne (5 oz): 106-120
• Bloody Mary (5 oz): 118
• Red wine (5 oz):120
• White wine (5 oz): 120
• Port wine (3 oz):128
• Green apple martini (1 oz each vodka, sour apple, apple juice): 148
• Spiced cider with rum ( 8 oz):150
• Martini (2.5 oz): 160

It is important to also know a few things that equate to a rational caloric balance. Most people burn between 300 & 600 calories an hour during exercise depending on everything from style, intensity, conditioning, gender, weight (both body weight and the equipment used), and health. ADDING more bouts of exercise will be difficult in this most wonderful, but busy time of year. Reduce intake where you can to account for the variations in your routine, never drive after drinking even one “extra” drink, and always have a back up plan in case you can’t drive. Choose wisely, but enjoy the festivities of your culture, faith, and/or traditions. This time comes but once a year and being aware is a first step toward guilt free—and added pound free—celebrations. Now you know!”

****calorie references from WebMD