As the festive season approaches, the air is filled with the delightful aroma of baked goods and savory feasts reminiscent of cherished traditions. Whether your holiday table boasts rich shortbread and succulent turkey, crispy latkes served during Hanukkah, or delectable Peking duck with sweet rice balls, there’s no shortage of indulgent dishes vying for your attention during this joyous time.

However, enjoying these seasonal specialties doesn't mean you have to abandon your healthy eating habits. To help you navigate the world of holiday treats with an eye on nutrition, we've created a fun quiz to test your knowledge about the festive foods you love!

Take the Holiday Eating Quiz

1. **True or False:** The average person gains five pounds during the holiday season. - **Answer:** **False.** A review of studies indicates that individuals only gain about 1.5 lbs during festive periods. Nonetheless, it’s essential to manage your eating habits year-round to prevent holiday gains from lingering into the summer!

2. **Which glass of holiday cheer has the fewest calories?** - a. Mulled wine, 5 ounces - b. Cosmopolitan, 3 ounces - c. Virgin eggnog, regular, 5 ounces - d. Craft IPA beer, 6.5%, 12 ounces - **Answer:** **b.** The Cosmopolitan is the winner at 145 calories, while mulled wine comes in second at 180 calories. Did you know that champagne has only 80 calories per four ounces?

3. **Which cheese on your holiday charcuterie board is highest in calcium?** - a. Cheddar - b. Blue - c. Brie - d. Parmesan - **Answer:** **d.** Parmesan leads the pack with 335 mg of calcium per ounce, offering not just calcium but also a protein boost.

4. **Which nut provides the most omega-3 fatty acids per ounce?** - a. Almonds - b. Pecans - c. Walnuts - d. Pistachios - **Answer:** **c.** Walnuts are champions in omega-3 fatty acids, offering 2.5 grams per ounce, contributing to heart health.

5. **True or False:** Sticking to light turkey meat instead of dark saves you significant calories. - **Answer:** **False.** The calorie difference is minimal—22 calories separate the two, but dark meat provides numerous essential nutrients.

6. **Which vegetable adds the most beta-carotene when cooked?** - a. Carrots - b. Brussels sprouts - c. Spinach - d. Green beans - **Answer:** **a.** Carrots win with an impressive 6.5 mg of beta-carotene per half-cup, which is important for eye health.

7. **Which condiment is also packed with antioxidants?** - a. Applesauce - b. Cranberry sauce - c. Almonds - d. All of the above - **Answer:** **d.** All three condiments are rich in antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.

8. **True or False:** It’s safe to eat raw cookie dough. - **Answer:** **False.** Raw cookie dough can carry risks due to raw flour and unbaked eggs containing harmful bacteria. Always ensure thorough baking for safety!

9. **How long can cooked holiday leftovers be safely kept in the refrigerator?** - a. 2 days - b. 3 to 4 days - c. 7 days - d. 2 weeks - **Answer:** **b.** Cooked leftovers should be eaten within 3 to 4 days for optimal safety.

10. **True or False:** To improve your diet in 2025, it’s better to set a small goal. - **Answer:** **True.** Setting manageable, small goals can lead to greater success and motivation on your health journey.

### How Did You Fare? Congratulations if you aced the quiz! You're well on your way to enjoying a nutritious holiday season. Even if you didn’t score perfectly, don’t fret—there’s always room to learn and improve!

Remember, balancing indulgent holiday eating with mindful choices can make this season enjoyable and healthy. Happy holidays and may your celebrations be filled with joy and wellness!