The holidays are an amazing time of year. Christmas trees, lights and wrapped presents are everywhere. But there are also snacks and drinks all around us that can be very tempting - and not very good for our health.
Well, we've got the solution.
If you want to enjoy some of those cozy holiday beverages, you can stay on track and get a taste of that holiday spirit with these delicious and healthy recipes for eggnog and hot chocolate.
Eggnog
12 oz Unsweetened Coconut Milk
2 pasture-raised egg yolks
1 tblsp grass-fed ghee
2 tsp xylitol or stevia (or more to taste, without getting too crazy)
1 tblsp MCT oil
Cinnamon(generous amounts)
Nutmeg (generous amounts)
*Pro Tip: throw in a scoop of your protein after your workout for some powerfully delicious post-workout nutrition
Directions: put the ingredients in a blender and blend to your desired consistency (you can be more strategic about whisking the egg yolk and mixing ingredients in as you whisk, but it may not be worth the extra effort).
What's so good about this recipe? This is an eggnog that those sensitive to lactose and dairy proteins (i.e., the majority of the world) can enjoy without any suffering. It provides that classic taste of the holidays along with with rich nutrients without the sugary glucose spike that comes with regular eggnog (due to the use of xylitol or stevia).
The egg yolks from pasture-raised eggs will be sure to have plenty of omega-3 fatty acids and choline for your brain health. The ghee is rich in vitamin A, butyric acid, and vitamin K2. And the MCT will provide efficient energy to your brain for alertness and meanwhile have a fat-burning effect.
And don't forget the holiday spices: cinnamon and nutmeg. They'll offer the yummy holidays taste we crave this time of year and heighten your insulin sensitivity.
Healthy Hot Chocolate
12 oz Unsweetened organic almond or organic coconut milk
2 tbsp cacoa powder
1 tbsp grass-fed butter or ghee (optional)
2 tsp xylitol or stevia (optional; to taste)
(Organic) cinnamon (optional; to taste)
Directions: Heat the milk in a saucepan over low-medium heat. Once the milk is heated, add in the cocoa powder, optional butter or ghee and optional xylitol or stevia and whisk. Serve in a mug, top off with cinnamon to your liking and enjoy!
What's so good about this recipe? This is hot chocolate recipe that you can enjoy without feeling guilty. You’re getting a bunch of healthy fats from the milk and optional butter/ghee, antioxidants and minerals from the cacoa, and best of all you can stay in ketosis and continue burning fat with this recipe too!
So enjoy the holidays and remember, you can do it without sacrificing your health and fitness goals!
Need some more tips for staying healthy during the holidays? Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our guide to avoiding weight gain during the happiest time of the year.