Avoid the high calorie treats and packing on the pounds
We all enjoy a taste of the local delicacies when we head abroad on holiday, but do we know how calorific these types of treats really are?
Well now’s the time to take note, as food supplement SkinnySprinkles.com has compiled the definitive list of high-calorie treats from our most popular holiday destinations.
They’ve looked at the number of calories and teaspoons of sugar in our favourite holiday dishes and provided a lower calorie swap.
In Spain, it may be tempting to indulge in some churros and chocolate, but at around 684 calories per portion, you may want to opt for tapas or gazpacho instead.
And although the Italians are known for their desserts, panna cotta and tiramisu both contain over 450 calories each. Instead, it’s recommended to go lighter with gelato.
Jane Hodgson from SkinnySpinkles.com said: “Whilst we all like to indulge a little on holiday, if you’re looking to lose weight, then you need to make sure you’re not overly consuming calories and sugar.
“Holidays are about having fun and a little over indulgence always comes in to that, but if you want to avoid the extra holiday weight then be sure to check out our lighter low-calorie delicacies that you can eat instead.”
Spain – three churros with chocolate dipping sauce – 684 calories
Although it might be tempting to gorge on this sweet Spanish delicacy when sunning yourself in the Mediterranean – be careful. Three churros with chocolate dipping sauce contains a whopping 684 calories and around eight teaspoons of sugar.
If you’re in Spain and would like a Mediterranean delicacy, avoid the sugary snacks and opt for tapas or Gazpacho instead. Gazpacho is generally very healthy and is usually packed with tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, white wine vinegar and a sprinkling of salt. It also contains only 46 calories.
Switzerland – cheese fondue – 492 calories
A ginormous plate of melting cheese and dipping bread may sound like heaven, but a cup of fondue will set you back around 492 calories. There’s also absolutely no nutrition or fibre in this dish, so it doesn’t make it a good evening dinner choice.
Although cheese and chocolate are both specialities from Switzerland, if you’re looking for a healthier dish, a potato rösti with poached egg can make for a great Swiss breakfast.
France – crepes with Nutella and banana – 461 calories
A big plate of crepes with Nutella and banana may sound like a delicious treat when in France, but be cautious of this dish, as it could set you back anything between 200-500 calories (depending on the portion size and the amount of Nutella that is used). This dessert can also contain up to seven teaspoons of sugar.
If you want to indulge in a delicious French crepe, swap a Nutella crepe for a crepe suzette. This is a French dessert that contains caramelised sugar, butter, tangerine and liquor. One crepe suzette contains only 158 calories and 2 teaspoons of sugar.
America – S’mores – 354 calories
S’mores are a fairly modern dessert, but most restaurants in America now offer these as a dessert dish. Each s’more is usually made with two Graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows and they are around 354 calories per s’more. They also contain around seven teaspoons of sugar.
Generally, American foods are known to be packed with sugar and carbs, so if you’re watching your weight, it’s best to avoid the dessert menu altogether. If you’re monitoring calorie intake, most American restaurants are fairly open about the calorie amount in each of their dishes. So, if you’re heading to America for a holiday, be sure to check out what’s on offer and choose something with more nutritional value.
Germany – Black Forest Gateau – 282 calories
A delicious chocolate cherry cake may seem tempting when in Germany, but a slice of this can contain around 282 calories and a whopping eight teaspoons of sugar.
Instead – opt for a lighter and less calorific dessert. Plum dumplings are a famous German speciality and contain just 140 calories and half a teaspoon of sugar per serving.
Italy – Panna Cotta – 507 calories
Avoiding chocolate on the Italian dessert menu may seem like a good idea, but you’re no better off if you opt for a Panna Cotta – as this dessert dish usually contains around 507 calories and a staggering 12 teaspoons of sugar. Tiramisu is just as bad, containing around 492 calories as well.
For a lighter choice, go for a small bowl of vanilla gelato. One cup of this contains around 137 calories and two teaspoons of sugar.
