Tuesday, December 9, 2014

This Eggnog Coffee is Low in Fat, Calories, and Cost!

A Guilt Free Holiday Coffee Beverage!

Holiday flavored lattes and other coffee drinks can be expensive and high in both fat and calories. Learn this easy way to create an inexpensive, low-calorie and low-fat version right in your own kitchen!

Usually I prefer my brewed coffee to be an unflavored dark roast, with the addition of a little milk or half-and-half. During the holidays though, it can be enjoyable to drink something a little more festive. Pumpkin spice or eggnog lattes abound in coffee shops, but I have discovered an inexpensive and healthy option, easily made at home!



To give my brewed coffee a wonderful holiday boost, I substitute my usual half-and-half with an equal or lesser amount of low-fat eggnog. By using "light" instead of regular eggnog, the beverage is not highly caloric or laden with fat. It is slightly sweeter than the way I usually drink my coffee, but as a result I usually don't even add quite as much eggnog as I would half-and-half. (If it is your habit to add sugar to your coffee, you will probably find you won't need as much of this either.)


When I compared the nutritional values on the cartons of half-and-half and low-fat eggnog currently in my fridge (both Lucerne brand from Safeway), the result surprised me.

The nutrition facts on the cartons are as follows:



Note, though, that the serving sizes are different!  Some math is needed to make an accurate comparison:
  • There are 8 tablespoons in 1/2 cup. The above information is comparing 4 times as much eggnog to the half-and-half!
  • Therefore, if we divide the values for Lucerne Light Eggnog by 4, we can compare 2 tablespoons of each to see how nutritionally they compare:

My mother once told me that when she worked as a nurse, eggnog was a beverage often served to malnourished patients to "fatten them up". I have been leery of this holiday favorite ever since! The comparison above, however, provides proof that light eggnog contains less calories and fat per serving than half-and-half! 


I had assumed the eggnog would be lower in fat - but expected it to have more calories! 


Now I know that choosing a low-fat eggnog, and only consuming a small amount (such as a few tablespoons in coffee) won't cause the numbers on the scale to soar.


Adding low-fat eggnog to your cup of coffee is not only festive - it can be a healthy choice!



Irresistible!


Do you usually buy your coffee or make it yourself?

Reminder: In less than a week I will be giving away a prize to one lucky blogger! Stop back on Dec. 15th to enter!

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog. Check them out!

This is not a sponsored post - all opinions are entirely my own.

10 comments :

  1. I don't drink coffee, but I do love eggnog! I always limit myself to just a little bit over the holidays - but maybe I should try the light version instead!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would have never thought egg nog to be a healthier choice. You learn something new every day!
    I've always loved egg nog. Although, it's been a long while since I've actually had some.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I guess it makes sense - a glass of eggnog is still pretty caloric, but we wouldn't drink a glass of half-and-half!

      Delete
  3. I don't drink coffee and it is years since I have had egg nog. Lots and lots of years. You have reminded me of something I had forgotten all about - thank you. Something to consider...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do they sell cartons of eggnog in your grocery stores EC? They have become quite available here during the holiday season.

      Delete
  4. Thank you SO much Susan for linking up to the Wonderful Wed. Blog Hop! I really appreciate you joining through my blog and cannot wait to see what you bring to show us next week. Carrie, A Mother's Shadow

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the Wonderful Wed blog hop Carrie - and your blog! I seem to be behind with lots of blogging tasks this month, but will get there whenever I can!

      Delete
  5. Thank you so much for doing the conversion and sharing the results. As soon as reduced fat eggnog is available I add a dollup or six to my morning coffee. A cup is on guard by my left elbow right now in fact. However, I'm always leery about how many extra calories I'm taking in by doing so. You've relieved my mind greatly. As for whether I buy coffee or make it I have to say I make it in the morning always. And two cups is my daily limit. However, once eggnog latte is on the menu at SB I do treat myself to a couple of talls a week. Love it. Also - it gets my SB stars numbers up so I can earn more freebies. Which is a good thing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was so surprised when I calculated the difference! Like you - my coffee is always pretty light and milky in color ... so the added fat and calories can accumulate! This makes one less thing to feel guilty about though!

      Delete

If you enjoyed this post, I would love it if you share it on your social media sites and with your friends!