You probably can't resist a steamy mug of flavored coffee, hot chocolate, espresso or tea when winter's icy blasts chill you to the bone. Some people down them year-round, even in summer, especially on a rainy day. But these warm, comforting beverages often contain unwanted calories.

The good news

We've got a solution that will save you money and let you drink up without gaining extra pounds. Instead of forking over $3 or more for your favorite beverage at the corner coffee shop, just whip up your own delicious low-cal creations at home. Pour one into a thermos, and sip away to stay warm and cozy all day.

Mocha coffee: Most mocha coffee contains about 240 calories, 10 grams of fat and 24 grams of sugar. For a healthier alternative, try this suggestion from Michelle Dudash, RD, of Chef Dudash Nutrition: Pour one packet of a no-sugar-added hot chocolate powder into your coffee mug. Add 10 ounces of hot coffee and stir well. Enjoy the warmth, aroma and flavor for only 50 calories, 1 gram of fat and 7 grams of sugar.

If you want to boost the mocha taste and increase antioxidants, add 1 teaspoon of no-sugar-added baking cocoa, up to 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to 12 ounces of hot coffee for only 10 additional calories. You'd have to drink 24 cups of this delicious beverage to get the same number of calories found in just one coffee-shop cafe mocha.

Eggnog latte: Instead of consuming a whopping 320 calories, 16 grams of fat and 30 grams of sugar, try this healthy eggnog-latte alternative, recommended by Dudash. Pour 4 ounces of light eggnog into a coffee mug. Microwave until hot (about 30 seconds). Then pour in 8 ounces of hot coffee and blend for 15 to 30 seconds until frothy. Garnish with 1/8 teaspoon of grated nutmeg and enjoy, for only 140 calories, 4.5 grams of fat and 19 grams of sugar.