Does eggnog add seasonal flavor to holiday parties? Does hot buttered rum warm you up on cold December nights? Then enjoy. But before a few sips become a few cups, consider this: True eggnog has 340 calories (from sweeteners and fat) per cup. From egg yolks and full-fat milk, much of its 20 fat grams per cup is saturated. Mix in a 1/2-ounce jigger of brandy or rum, and calories soar to 440—per cup!
For hot buttered rum, check the recipe! Its belly-warming flavor and calories come from the butter, brown and confectioner’s sugar, rum, and sometimes ice cream.
Enjoy healthier versions of holiday beverages in place of dessert.
- For eggnog
Buy lower-fat versions or soy eggnog. They have dramatically fewer calories, fat, and saturated fat.
Buy the small carton—to ease temptation for more.
Lighten up! Mix any store-bought eggnog with evaporated fat-free milk.
Make over homemade eggnog recipes. Use evaporated fat-free milk instead of cream; for safety’s sake, use pasteurized egg substitute in place of egg yolks.
- For hot buttered rum: Substitute tub margarine (less saturated fat and no cholesterol) for butter; reduce sugar; reduce alcohol— 1/2 to 1 teaspoon rum extract for 2 tablespoons rum; replace ice cream with frozen yogurt.
- Mull cider with a cinnamon stick instead of making hot buttered rum!
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