When it comes time to enjoy traditional holiday cocktails, many people abandon any efforts that they maintained to stay healthy at other times of the year. However, by choosing the right foods and drinks to consume during this time of year, and by maintaining portion control so that you don't overeat, you can enjoy all of the traditional holiday favorites without putting your health at risk. Read on for some of the most popular holiday cocktails that also happen to have ingredients which are good for you.

Apple cider is a delicious and healthy fruit drink. It comes in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, and both contain antioxidants. Natural apple ciders oftentimes also contain unrefined sugars, which are healthier than highly processed sugars are. A popular cocktail is Spiced Apple Cider, which contains apple cider and rum or another equivalent liquor. You can boost the healthiness of this particular drink by adding cinnamon into the mixture. Cinnamon is widely popular because of its effects as an antioxidant and also for its ability to help regulate your blood sugar levels. This can be especially helpful at holiday occasions, where there may be many different types of sugary foods available.

Sangria is a popular drink all throughout the year, although it is also very commonly consumed at holiday times. Red wine is one of the primary ingredients in this cocktail, and the health benefits of red wine are many and varied. Red wine has been proven to have antioxidant effects, and it also helps to lower blood pressure when consumed in small quantities. It can also reduce bad cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots, and provide a range of other cardiovascular benefits as well. Many sangrias are also made with fresh fruit, which can provide many other nutrients and health benefits, too.

One of the most iconic holiday drinks is the festive concoction of milk, cream, eggs and liquor known as eggnog. Eggnog has the potential to be very unhealthy. However, by choosing low-fat versions of the drink, you can avoid the potential health risks and enjoy all of the benefits of this drink at the same time. Eggnog is rich in calcium and high in protein as well. Be sure to drink only pasteurized or treated eggnog, as consuming raw eggs may cause a variety of health risks.

Cocktails made with cranberries and cranberry juice are very timely for the holiday season. Cranberries are slightly bitter berries that are full of antioxidant benefits and vitamin C, among other nutrients that are beneficial for you. Basing your cocktail on cranberry juice can have beneficial effects on your digestive and urinary tract as well as other parts of your body, too.

The key to maintaining a healthy diet over the holidays, including with healthy cocktails, is to enjoy everything in moderation. By maintaining high levels of activity, you'll ensure that you stay fit and healthy throughout all of the year.