Concoct a Healthy Eggnog Mixture for Your Holidays
By Brandi Goodman
Eggnog is a favorite holiday drink for many. However, it's also a very high-calorie beverage with more fat than you need. Skip the store-bought version and concoct a healthy eggnog mixture for your holidays.
Use Greek Yogurt
Skip the milk and eggs and use Greek yogurt instead for a protein-rich version. This is a great solution when you're trying to make an adult option. Mix it with ginger tea-infused vodka and orange liquor, along with the lemon and honey. It won't be quite the same flavor, but the thickness and flavor will still be ideal for a holiday drink.
Make a Vegan Version
A vegan version of eggnog will really improve the nutrition factor. You're skipping the egg and milk again, instead using coconut oil, organic maple syrup, vanilla extract, pomegranate molasses, ground nutmeg, apple pectin, and unsweetened almond milk.
Substitute Whole Milk and Eggs With Oat and Coconut
Oat milk and coconut milk together can make up the loss of the whole milk and eggs you would otherwise use for eggnog. Add some powdered cinnamon, gluten-free vanilla extract, Himalayan sea salt, and nutmeg to complete the concoction.
Use Egg Whites
You can stick with a traditional recipe. Just use egg whites instead of the whole egg. The yolk is where a lot of the fat comes from, so skipping that part can help take a bit of the excess away from your drink. It will slightly reduce the calorie count as well. You can also use low-fat milk instead of whole fat to reduce the fat and calorie content even further. You'll still get the traditional taste of eggnog with this version.
Buy Low-Fat Eggnog
Some stores do sell a low-fat version of the drink. Look for bottles that specify low-fat or light. These are significantly reduced in fat and calories. You can also find eggnog at a health food store. Although, you'll see a label such as "oat nog" or "nog almond milk" on the bottle. These are much healthier alternatives that still save you the time of having to create a homemade version.
Full-fat eggnog from the store doesn't have to be your go-to. Try your own recipes and find a healthier version you enjoy, or look for alternative solutions from health stores. It will make your holiday beverage even more worthwhile. If you do still prefer regular eggnog from your local grocery store, at least be sure to stick with just one glass.
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