Consuming these foods in excess can contribute to weight gain, as well as decrease consumption of more nutritious foods. Use the Nutrition Facts Label to compare the amount of sugar in various products. Holiday foods also tend to be high in salt. Salt is the main source of sodium in foods. It is added during food processing or cooking.
Alcoholic beverages are plentiful during the holidays.
They supply calories but few nutrients. Taking more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men can raise the risk of motor vehicle crashes, other injuries, high blood pressure, stroke, violence, suicide and certain types of cancer. Even one drink per day can slightly raise the risk of breast cancer. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases risk of birth defects. Heavy drinkers also are at risk of malnutrition because alcohol contains calories that may substitute for those in nutritious foods.