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The Holiday season brings bright lights, catchy tunes, cheer, and a whole lot of indulgent treats and snacks. Tackling huge spreads of dip and holiday cookie platters and drinking several glasses of eggnog may feel unavoidable.
Although the holiday season is a time to treat yourself and others, you can still enjoy holiday parties without making a scene. If you’re following a specific eating plan, it’s important to stick to it.
Hold up, though — that doesn’t mean denying yourself a treat at the end of a hard year.
We broke down the nutrition facts of some of your favorite holiday foods to make things a little easier and help you picture what a serving looks like.
You’ll also see other objects in the pictures, like tealights or gift tags. Clearly, we’re not anticipating that you’ll eat those. In fact, we’d recommend against it. But it’ll help you visualize portions for a quick grab and nom.
There is a database run by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) called FoodData Central that has all the nutrition facts we need.
However, they don’t always provide the exact serving size that applies. In some cases, we’ve had to give a rough estimate.
For instance, if FoodData Central gives us information in grams but the serving size is 1 ounce, we’ve figured out the amounts and nutrients/calories based on that.
For those who are none too accustomed with metric measurements, 1 ounce is just over 28 grams. if the closest serving size is 21 grams, we’ll multiply that by the right amount to give you a correct picture of how many calories and fat you’re taking in.
It’s not like you’re going around the gathering with an ultra-sensitive pair of digital scales, anyway. You shouldn’t let portion counting get in the way of an awesome time.
Demystifying Spiral Ham Portions What Does 3 Ounces Look Like?
Spiral sliced ham is a holiday staple that graces many dinner tables. The thin, elegant slices make it easy to serve a crowd. But when trying to control portions, what does a 3 ounce serving of spiral cut ham actually look like on your plate?
In this article we’ll break down how to visualize and measure out proper 3 ounce portions of spiral ham. Whether you’re cooking for a small dinner or a huge holiday feast, we’ve got you covered on getting the right serving sizes. Let’s slice into this tasty topic!
An Introduction to Spiral Sliced Ham
Before diving into portions, let’s start with a quick overview of spiral sliced ham. This popular type of ham gets its name from the way it’s sliced – in a continuous spiral around the bone.
Spiral slicing is usually done by machines before the ham is sold. It allows for very thin, uniform slices that make serving ham to a group fast and easy. You simply slice off circles around the bone as needed.
Most spiral hams are fully cooked or cured. Popular varieties like Smithfield and HoneyBaked are smoked and sometimes coated with a sweet glaze. The spiral cut allows the glaze and smoky flavor to penetrate deep into the meat.
Now that we know what it is, let’s look at recommended portion sizes.
What Does 3 Ounces of Spiral Ham Look Like?
So what should a proper 3 ounce serving of spiral cut ham look like on your plate? Here’s a visual guide:
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Size – 3 ounces of ham is about the size of a deck of cards or the palm of an average hand.
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Thickness – Expect around 2-3 thin, circular slices layered on top of each other.
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Diameter – Each circular slice will be 3-4 inches across.
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On a plate – 3 ounces of spiral ham forms a neat little stack of meat about an inch tall.
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Weight – If you want an exact measurement, 3 ounces of ham weighs approximately 85 grams.
To get a better idea, check the nutrition facts on your brand of spiral ham. Serving sizes are often listed as 55 grams (2 ounces) or 85 grams (3 ounces).
Why Portion Control Matters
Eating appropriate portion sizes of ham provides health benefits:
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Cuts calories – Ham can be high in fat and sodium if overeaten. Proper portions control calories.
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Aids weight loss – Monitoring portions helps manage overall calorie intake for weight management.
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Reduces sodium – Spiral ham is often cured and high in sodium. Smaller servings curb sodium consumption.
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Promotes balance – Enjoy ham as part of a balanced plate with veggies, grains, and other healthy foods.
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Prevents waste – With a spiral cut ham, it’s easy to slice off more than you need. Control portions to reduce waste.
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Enables choice – Understand recommended servings to choose your portion size rather than overeat.
So while ham is delicious, portion control provides better nutrition and waste prevention. But how much raw ham is needed? Let’s find out.
Calculating How Much Raw Spiral Ham Is Needed
When shopping for your raw spiral ham, it’s important to buy the right size to serve your guests 3 ounce portions. Here are some tips:
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Plan for 3/4 pound of raw ham per person. This accounts for some bone weight and shrinkage.
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For every 3 pounds of raw ham, expect to yield around 2 pounds cooked.
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A 10 pound raw ham will provide about 16 three ounce servings.
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For a party of 8, you’ll need around a 6-7 pound raw ham.
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Allow for leftovers by purchasing an extra 1-2 pounds.
Stick to reputable spiral ham brands like HoneyBaked, Smithfield, or Cook’s to ensure quality and accuracy of weight. Avoid very cheap generic hams which may have more water weight.
Before cooking, weigh your raw ham and calculate the total estimated cooked yield using the 3 pound to 2 pound ratio above. This will tell you how many 3 ounce portions you can expect.
Factors That Can Affect Portion Sizes
A few things may alter how much spiral ham you need and what 3 ounce portions look like:
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Number of guests – Allow 3/4 pound per adult, less for smaller children.
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Menu – If serving other main dishes, reduce ham portions.
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Leftovers – Plan for extras to allow for sandwiches, omelets, etc.
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Time of event – People eat more at dinner than lunch.
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Ages of guests – Teens and men often consume larger portions.
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Side dishes – Fill up on lighter sides like salads to control portions.
Considering these factors will help you determine if you need smaller or larger portions than 3 ounces.
Serving Ham and Measuring Portions
When serving spiral ham to a group, accuracy is important for proper portions. Follow these tips:
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Use a sharp ham slicer knife to cut thin, consistent slices.
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Place ham on a cutting board and slice off rounds working around the bone.
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Use tongs to lift slices onto plates for accurate portions.
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If needed, stack slices using tongs for visual portion control.
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For large gatherings, consider slicing ham in advance for easier serving.
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Weighing servings on a food scale also ensures perfect portion accuracy.
Invest in a good carving knife and meat fork for beautiful ham slices. And don’t be afraid to layer the thin slices if needed for easy portion visuals.
Healthy and Delicious Ways to Enjoy Spiral Ham
The great thing about spiral hams is they lend themselves to healthy meals beyond just dinner with lots of leftovers. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy your ham in moderation:
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Breakfast – Add ham slices to omelets or breakfast burritos.
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Lunch – Enjoy 3 ounce portions on sandwiches or salads.
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Snacks – Roll up ham and cheese pinwheels for an easy appetizer.
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Soups – Dice ham for a tasty addition to bean or potato soup.
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Veggie bakes – Layer ham and roasted vegetables for a hearty, healthy casserole.
The options are endless for leftovers! Just focus on proper portion sizes as you incorporate ham into various recipes.
Satisfying Spiral Ham Servings
Understanding what a 3 ounce portion of spiral cut ham looks like makes it easy to serve this holiday favorite to any size crowd. While ham often has a reputation as an unhealthy meat, the truth is you can enjoy it as part of a well-balanced diet when eaten in moderation.
With the visual guidelines and tips provided above, you can confidently buy, carve, and serve the right amounts of delicious spiral ham this holiday season. Just be sure to round out your meals with lighter sides and lots of fresh vegetables for an altogether satisfying and healthier meal.
So this year, don’t stress about your spiral ham portions. Simply use this guide for perfect slices every time. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the flavors of the season with friends and family!
Trail mix with spiced nuts
Serving size: 2 tablespoons trail mix with nuts (roughly the size of 1 heaping shot glass of cranberries)Stats: 168 calories, 14.8 grams of fat
Heart-healthy nuts provide tons of health benefits, from maintaining healthy skin and hair to bringing down cholesterol.
But dousing them in sugary syrups, molasses, or honey doesn’t exactly make them a healthy choice.
Though many varieties of spiced nuts contain different mixtures, sugars, and ingredients, you can count on around 170 calories and 14 grams of fat for just a couple tablespoons’ worth. (Expect those numbers to jump a bit if the mix you’re snacking on contains additions like chocolate or dried fruit.)
You can skip the pre-packaged kind and make your own that is better for you to bring to the next holiday party.
Serving size: 3 ounces honey-roasted, smoked ham (around the size of 1 large Christmas ornament)Stats: Roughly 104 calories and 2.02 grams fat
A lot of families think of honey-baked ham as an important part of Christmas, just like the tree, gifts, and fights.
The suggested serving size for ham is about the size of a deck of cards, which may be smaller than you’d think. However, it’s one of the lower-calorie and lower-fat foods on the holiday spread.
Just remember to keep an eye on the salty stuff. This ornament-sized serving dishes up 767 milligrams of sodium — over a third of your recommended daily salt intake.
Serving size: 2 medium-sized gingersnap cookies (equivalent to around 3 pieces of Hanukkah gelt)Stats: 58.2 calories and 1.37 grams fat
We couldn’t help but compare the traditional chocolate Hanukkah coins, also known as gelt, to gingersnap cookies to show how big they are. Because if there’s one festival that celebrates making portions last, it’s Hannukah.
A couple of cookies seem to be the least calorie- or fat-dense foods on this list at first glance, which is pretty strange.
However, depending on the recipe used and size, gingersnaps can vary quite a bit in the nutrition department. In general, though, two cookies that are about an inch across won’t really add that many calories to your daily total.
Serving size: 3 bite-size sugar cookies (around the same size together as around 1 spool of ribbon)Stats: 90.9 calories and 3.12 grams fat
There is a lot of sweet stuff around during the holidays, and no one wants to be the Grinch at the dessert table.
It’s hard to say which sugar cookies are better than the others because they come in so many shapes and sizes and with so many frostings, sprinkles, and holiday-themed treats. It’s also tough to get someone to stop at just three sugar cookies.
Still, the calorie and fat counts aren’t as imposing as you’d expect — although they do provide 9. 63 grams of sugar, which is pretty full-on and very on-brand.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, after all… just in moderation.
Half a cup of champagne, prosecco, or spumante is a serving, which is about the size of a small party popper. It has 55 calories, though the exact number can change, and 0 grams of fat.
The USDA doesn’t have a specific entry for champagne because it is in the same group as prosecco and spumante, which are also sparkling wines. This is what we had to say about spumante, but it will be different for different types and brands of sparkling wine.
But what’s a holiday party without some bubbly? Also, why worry so much about calories when you’re having fun?
Compared to a mug of eggnog or hot buttered rum, it’s a wiser choice when it comes to calories. Half a 240-milliliter cup of one particular brand of spumante, for example, only adds 55 calories to your tally. So if you partake in a boozy bevvie or two, live a little.
It takes a little more of the New Year’s favorite elixir to pour than most drinks, so be careful not to get your hands too heavy.
Baked brie and crackers
Serving size: Roughly 1 ounce of brie and 3 whole-wheat crackers, equivalent to the size of a small pine cone and 3 gift tagsStats: Around 152 calories and 9.68 grams fat
The recommended serving size for most cheeses is just 1 ounce — the size equivalent of a small pinecone (or about the size of your thumb).
Though cheese does provide some calcium and protein, it’s also pretty high in calories and fat.
Spread this rich, cheesy treat out evenly over three whole-grain crackers to limit how much you eat.
Serving size: 6 carrot and celery sticks with 2 tablespoons ranch dressing, (roughly equivalent to the size of 6 cinnamon sticks and 1 small ornament)Stats: 132–154 calories (depending on whether you lean toward carrots or celery, as carrot are slightly higher in calorie content) and around 13.5 grams fat.
Seems pretty innocuous, right? We’re big on smuggling veggies into any meal. Unfortunately, fresh veggies are usually accompanied by some not-so-healthy dips at social gatherings.
America’s favorite dressing — ranch — often complements the veggie tray with a whopping 129 calories and 13.36 grams of fat per 2-tablespoon serving.
Instead of throwing away the fresh vegetables, which are low in calories and almost fat-free, you could skip the dressing and eat the vegetables as they are.
We’ve also got options for healthier dressings right here.
Serving size: 5 jumbo shrimps with cocktail sauce (roughly equivalent to the size of 5 mini candy canes with a sauce serving the size of 2 tealights)Stats: 140.5 calories, 1.7 grams fat
There are a lot of naughty appetizers to choose from, but the shrimp cocktail platter might be one of the safer ones.
Five cocktail shrimps (sauce applied) have roughly 140.5 calories, similar to other snacks, but only 1.7 grams fat.
This snack is great for you because it has about 17 grams of fiber and less fat than other snacks. 7 grams of protein, which might help you feel fuller faster and lessen your desire to eat everything on the snack table, even the tablecloth.
EASY Honey Baked Spiral Ham | The Recipe Rebel
FAQ
What does 3 ounces of ham look like?
How many ounces are 3 slices of ham?
How big is a serving of spiral cut ham?
How much is 3oz of honey baked ham?
How do you make a spiral ham?
Master the art of making the perfect spiral ham with your choice of two luscious glazes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ham, cut side down, in a roasting pan or a 9×13-inch pan. Pour half the glaze over the ham and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
What is the difference between a half Ham and a spiral sliced ham?
Since patented in 1952 by Harry Hoenselaar of Honey Baked Ham Co., spiral-sliced hams have steadily grown in popularity because they’re so easy to serve: Simply cut the pre-sliced ham away from the bone. Half hams are either butt (rump) or shank portions. The butt comes from the upper part of the leg.
Can a spiral ham be made boneless?
Spiral ham can be made boneless, but butchers typically create a spiral ham cut by slicing a bone-in ham into one big spiral shape. Not only does spiral bone-in ham have a natural and preserved fresh flavor—it’s also a lot easier to cut, because of the extra work done at the butcher’s block.
What is a spiral ham?
Spiral ham is a boneless or bone-in ham that’s fully cooked, sliced, and packaged for ultra convenience. It’s called spiral ham because it’s placed upright on a spiral slicer that rotates and slices the entire ham in one continuous cut from end to end in a spiral motion. This keeps the ham intact even after it’s removed from the packaging.