The Advent and Christmas season is just around the corner – and with it, sweet treats await us again at every turn: Because cookies, dominoes, stollen and Co. simply belong to the Christmas season. And at the Christmas market, you’d hate to miss out on a cup of mulled wine or a bag of roasted almonds. Unfortunately, however, these sweet treats contain a lot of calories. And hearty dishes like bratwurst or potato pancakes aren’t exactly slimmers either. So that you can still look at the scales after the holidays without a guilty conscience, we present healthy alternatives to the biggest calorie bombs.
Burgundy ham instead of bratwurst
Bratwurst is one of the typical treats at the Christmas market. Every now and then, the snack is quite allowed, but those who access more often must expect negative effects for the figure: Because bratwursts contain lots of fat and calories. If you order ketchup, French fries or mayonnaise in addition to the sausage, such a meal can quickly add up to around 1,000 calories. If you’re in the mood for something hearty, why not try a roll with Burgundy ham instead of a bratwurst? 100 grams of this hearty ham only contain around 280 calories. In addition, Burgundy ham contains little fat compared to bratwurst – but tastes at least as good.
Schupfnudeln with sauerkraut instead of potato pancakes
Freshly fried potato pancakes are one of the most delicious temptations at the Christmas market. Unfortunately, however, they are also among the biggest calorie bombs: a portion of potato pancakes (3 pieces) with applesauce can contain up to 700 calories. The savory pancakes are full of fat. Instead of potato pancakes, why not try a portion of Schupfnudeln with sauerkraut? This will not only save you calories, but will also do your immune system some good, because sauerkraut contains valuable potassium and iron. 100 grams of Schupfnudeln bring it to about 100 calories, plus 25 calories for the same amount of sauerkraut. Alternatively, you can also reach for a corn on the cob or a portion of mushrooms. A salted corn on the cob contains just over 100 calories, so feel free to indulge in a dab of herb butter if you like. Mushrooms are also relatively low in calories, although they are often sold in cream sauce at the Christmas market. A serving then brings it to around 290 calories.
Baked apple instead of glazed apple
Glazed apples – also called apples of paradise – shine at us from all sides at the Christmas market. Apples in themselves are healthy, but the red sugar glaze around the apple makes its calorie content skyrocket: A glazed apple, for example, brings it to about 200 calories, depending on its size. A healthier but no less tasty alternative is a baked apple. The apple itself brings it depending upon size on around 70-80 calories. If some vanilla sauce is added, the dessert contains just over 100 calories. However, if the baked apple is filled with jam, nuts, raisins or marzipan, the calorie content can quickly rise to 200 calories. Then it is best to share the apple, so you do not have to give up anything and still save a few calories.
Hot chestnuts prefer roasted almonds
Roasted almonds or roasted macadamia nuts attract us every year at the Christmas market again with their seductive smell. Almonds and nuts in themselves are healthy, but also relatively high in calories. And the thick sugar crust around the almonds doesn’t exactly make the treat healthier either: a 100-gram bag of roasted almonds, for example, brings it to about 500 calories. So instead of roasted almonds, reach for a bag of hot chestnuts. They taste just as delicious and also contain many healthy fatty acids. However, chestnuts are significantly lower in fat and calories: so you save about 300 calories compared to a bag of roasted almonds.
Peppernuts instead of sprinkles
Cookies are simply part of the Advent and Christmas season, but the sweet treats have it in themselves: mostly they contain lots of sugar and fat. Spritzgebäck, macaroons and Co. you may allow yourself quietly now and then, but only in moderation. A healthier alternative is peppernuts, which only contain about 25 calories per piece. You should also only eat gingerbread from time to time.For example, the gingerbread hearts sold at the Christmas market may look beautiful, but they also contain a lot of calories: A 200-gram gingerbread heart clocks in at around 600 to 800 calories, depending on the decoration.
Better apple cider than mulled wine with shot
A cup of hot mulled wine is definitely part of a Christmas market visit for many adults. But beware: mulled wine is a real calorie bomb! Due to the abundant sugar in the wine, a cup of mulled wine contains around 250 calories. If the mulled wine is served with a shot, it is even around 300 calories. A cup of hot apple wine is a much smaller sin. The sweet wine is in no way inferior to mulled wine in taste, but contains only about 50 calories. So you can have a second cup without a guilty conscience. Other recommended alternatives are a glass of hot orange juice (about 80 calories) or hot elderberry juice (about 80 calories).
Treat yourself
In the Advent and Christmas season, you should once not frantically look at the calorie content of the smaller or larger treats, but quietly treat yourself: If a bratwurst or a portion of potato pancakes tempts you at the Christmas market, go ahead and grab it. But do without dessert or at least choose a healthy alternative. The next day, simply add a little more fruit and vegetables to the menu – the important thing is not to lose the right balance between healthy eating and feasting. Also make sure you get enough exercise during Advent: For example, after visiting the Christmas market, take a short walk or do an extra unit of sport at the weekend. In this way, you can quickly break down the extra calories you’ve taken in.
