What Do You Know About Holiday Sweets and Treats?

Although palm oil contains no cholesterol, it is high in saturated fatty acids. These fatty acids can raise your level of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, which increases your risk for heart disease.

As a hard candy, candy canes are the best of the lot when it comes to fat—because they don't have any! Of the rest on the list, a small slice of any of them would be acceptable, if your diet permits.

Yes, some margarine contains trans fatty acids, which raise your blood cholesterol in the same way that saturated fats do. But margarine contains no cholesterol itself; butter is rich in both cholesterol and saturated fat. Because of that, the AHA says that margarine is still preferable to butter. Pick a tub margarine that has no trans fat, no more than 2 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon, and lists liquid vegetable oil as its first ingredient.

It's better to cut back on both. If possible, replace the butter with a margarine low in saturated and trans fat. Keep in mind that some margarines used for baking will produce more acceptable results than others.

If Nicole's fruitcake has a Nutrition Facts Label, then definitely read it for nutrition information. Whatever the fat content of the fruitcake, however, you're always better off taking a small slice rather than a large one. (As for answer c, if you can't stand fruitcake, you might offer it to a friend rather than throwing it away.)

Using as little oil as possible when cooking will decrease the fat and calories of latkes. If you want them the traditional way, then limit how many you enjoy.

A baked doughnut will have both less calories and fat than a fried doughnut of the same size. Buying low-fat doughnuts from a store sounds healthier, but make sure you check the Nutrition Facts Label. Low-fat doughnuts may have more sugar or another carbohydrate instead of the fat and a similar amount of calories as a regular doughnut. If you stick with regular doughnuts or fritters, eat only one. Offer other healthy choices at the party.

Can you say pina colada? Or, how about Irish coffee? Yes, some alcoholic drinks do have fat and/or sugar. And even if you choose one that doesn't, drink in moderation. Don't overindulge, and don't drink and drive. Also keep in mind that alcohol has 7 calories per gram compared with carbohydrates (4 calories per gram).