Save Calories with Party Food Swaps

The spread at a typical holiday party isn't usually comprised of diet-friendly fare. But by making a few switches among the foods on offer, you can choose the lesser of the "evils" and save yourself serious calories. Check out these easy ways to save calories with party food swaps:

Swap: Fruitcake
For: Fudge, 1 oz.
Save: 69 calories

Swap: Cheese (2 oz.) on crackers (6)
For: Shrimp, 10 and cocktail sauce, 1 Tbsp.
Save: 145 calories

Swap: White Russian, 5 oz.
For: White wine, 5 oz.
Save: 238 calories

Swap: Hot cocoa with whole milk, 1 c.
For: Sugar free hot cocoa made with 1% milk, 1 c.
Save: 100 calories

Swap: Potato chips (2 oz.) and onion dip (1/4 c.), 430 calories
For: Pistachios (1 oz. or 50), 162 calories
Save: 248 calories

Swap: Chocolate cheesecake (580 calories)
For: Chocolate truffles, 3 (312 calories)
Save: 268 calories

Wondering how many calories your favorite holiday fare packs in? Check out About.com's Calorie Count, where you can search for foods or browse by food type.

Get your new year's weight loss efforts off to a great start by signing up for our free Weight Loss 101 e-Course.

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