This Creamy Eggnog Recipe Is A+ For Brain Health (2024)

Advertisem*nt

This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

Close Banner

Advertisem*nt

This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

Recipes

Author:

December 20, 2020

Functional Medicine Practitioner

By William Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C.

Functional Medicine Practitioner

Will Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C., is a leading functional medicine practitioner with a certification in natural medicine and a doctor of chiropractic degree.

This Creamy Eggnog Recipe Is A+ For Brain Health (3)

Image by Nadine Greeff / Stocksy

December 20, 2020

During the holiday season, most of my patients in mytelehealth functional medicine clinichave the same question. They want to know what treats they can eat without derailing progresstoward their health goals. And my answer always seems to surprise them.

There are actually a variety of substitutions and alternative recipes for almost all of the traditional holiday favorites. Plus, when these new versions are made well with quality ingredients, most of my patients discover they actually enjoy them evenbetterthan their old counterparts—and more importantly, theyfeelbetter afterward.

One of my all-time favorites is eggnog. With a few simple swaps, you can make a delicious homemade version that is alsoketotarian(my term for a clean, mostly plant-based keto way of eating). So next time you are craving the holiday classic, whip up this recipeinstead. Ditching conventional sweeteners and adding more brain1- and metabolism-supporting2 fats like coconut milk and MCT oil may even help boost your energy during this season. Yes, I still include egg yolks in the recipe since they can be a wonderful source of beneficial omega fats and brain-supporting nutrients like choline.

Ketotarian Eggnog Recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 organic egg yolks
  • 1 cup almond milk, unsweetened
  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk, unsweetened
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1 tsp. MCT oil
  • Natural low-carb sweetener to taste (such as stevia, monk fruit, allulose, or xylitol)

Method

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks and sweetener of your choice with a handheld or stand mixer until they lighten in color and are creamy. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl stir together the almond milk, coconut milk, MCT oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  3. Heat this plant milk mixture and bring to a boil until foamy.
  4. While the plant milk mixture is still hot, use a ladle to slowly add into the yolks. Keep whisking continuously or the mixture can curdle.
  5. When you have added about half of the plant milk mixture, pour everything back into the pot with the remaining plant milk mixture.
  6. Continuously whisk and cook until the eggnog is thick and creamy. Temperature should be around 160°F.
  7. Pour into a large carafe or Mason jar and place in the fridge to chill. Good for around 2 days.
  8. Serve chilled.
This Creamy Eggnog Recipe Is A+ For Brain Health (4)

William Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C.

Will Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C., is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the globe, starting one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Dr. Will Cole provides a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is the host of the popular The Art Of Being Well podcast and the New York Times bestselling author of Intuitive Fasting, Ketotarian,The Inflammation Spectrum, and Gut Feelings.

Read More About William Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C.

More from the author:

Functional Nutrition Training

Check out Functional Nutrition Coaching

A cutting-edge nutrition deep dive taught by 20+ top health & wellness experts

Learn more

More from the author:

Functional Nutrition Training

Check out Functional Nutrition Coaching

A cutting-edge nutrition deep dive taught by 20+ top health & wellness experts

Learn more

This Creamy Eggnog Recipe Is A+ For Brain Health (5)

William Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C.

Will Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C., is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the globe, starting one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Dr. Will Cole provides a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is the host of the popular The Art Of Being Well podcast and the New York Times bestselling author of Intuitive Fasting, Ketotarian,The Inflammation Spectrum, and Gut Feelings.

Read More About William Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C.

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

Nutrition | Rich Roll

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Related Videos (

10

)

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

What to Eat Before a Workout

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

Advertisem*nt

This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

More On This Topic

Recipes
This "Everything Skin Smoothie" Is Jam-Packed With Nutrients Sans Added Sugar

Hannah Frye

Functional Food

Jennifer Northrop

Functional Food

Jamie Schneider

Functional Food
Most People Aren't Eating Enough Of This Carb — 7 Ways To Get More

Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN

Functional Food

Jason Wachob

Functional Food

Hannah Frye

Recipes
This "Everything Skin Smoothie" Is Jam-Packed With Nutrients Sans Added Sugar

Hannah Frye

Functional Food

Jennifer Northrop

Functional Food

Jamie Schneider

Functional Food
Most People Aren't Eating Enough Of This Carb — 7 Ways To Get More

Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN

Functional Food

Jason Wachob

Functional Food

Hannah Frye

more Food
Advertisem*nt

This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

Popular Stories

How To Make Your Hair Grow Faster: 8 Natural Hair Growth TipsTypes Of Yoga: A Guide To 11 Different StylesK-Beauty—What Is Korean Beauty

Advertisem*nt

This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

This Creamy Eggnog Recipe Is A+ For Brain Health (2024)

FAQs

What does eggnog do to your body? ›

Eggnog may not be considered a "health food," but the drink does have some nutritional benefits including certain vitamins and protein. Traditional eggnog is also high in sugar and fat, and for that reason, it's best to drink in moderation as a dessert.

Is eggnog good for weight loss for diabetics? ›

3. Skip sugary drinks. Beverages such as soda, punch and eggnog contain high amounts of sugar, which will also raise your blood glucose. To ensure you're staying hydrated while also keeping blood sugar levels in mind, choose water, herbal tea, coffee or diet soft drinks.

How long does homemade eggnog last? ›

The more liquor you add, the longer it will keep — non-alcoholic eggnog should be consumed within 1 day; eggnog with 1/2 to 1 cup of liquor will keep for several days; and eggnog with 1 1/2 cups of liquor will keep for several weeks and continue aging and thickening quite nicely.

Can I substitute half and half for heavy cream in eggnog? ›

If you're wanting to make eggnog without cream, it's important to note that you'll end up with a less-creamy, thinner holiday drink. You can substitute half and half, or skip any type of cream and whipping, and follow the rest of the instructions as they are.

Is eggnog anti-inflammatory? ›

The spices can be anti-inflammatory- Eggnog commonly contains nutmeg, which has anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Downing a glass of it isn't the same as popping an Advil, but it's something. And now for the downside- Any health benefits in eggnog are undone by the alcohol, according to registered dietitianLiz Weinandy.

Is eggnog good for the kidneys? ›

Eggnog can be considered a higher potassium and phosphorus food. Due to these nutrients, this drink food may be limited for those with kidney disease who are on a low potassium, low phosphorus diet.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 6078

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.