Eggnog for Pregnant Women

by Chris Shaw
(Oregon)

I was delighted when my youngest daughter informed us that she was expecting her first child. Then as the pregnancy progressed she lost her appetite especially in the mornings. She just couldn't’t look at a heavy breakfast, and most of the lighter foods that sounded good to her were full of unneeded sodium and sugars. She loved eggnog as a child and it had always figured as a top drink during the holiday season however, eggnog should be cooked before a pregnant lady drinks it! There is a danger of salmonella being found in raw eggs.

You are interested in finding the best nutrition for you and your baby. Sometimes in your busy life style that is difficult and costly. When you make your own eggnog at home you can store it for several days in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Eggnog will supply many needed vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B5, B9, plus Zinc, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Calcium, all the required amino acids, folic and Protein. Possibly the most important addition is Choline. According to the Wikipedia,”Choline is a required nutrient for brain development, and is said to also be important for pregnant and nursing women to ensure a healthy development of the fetal brain”

This simply made cooked eggnog is easily changed to fit your diet needs:

10 large eggs
3cans condensed milk
4cups sugar
4packages vanilla sugar (or 5 tablespoons vanilla extract)

In a large cooking pot mix the 10 large eggs, 2 cans of condensed milk and the 4 cups of sugar. If using powdered vanilla sugar you can add it at this time, mix ingredients until the sugar is well incorporated then cook over medium heat stirring constantly until the sugar is totally dissolved and mixture reaches 160 degrees. Remove from heat add vanilla extract and the last can of condensed milk. Refrigerate immediately in a sealed container. Stir once a day.

This is a concentrated eggnog recipe that is an excellent option for pregnant women, children or anyone who wishes to reduce intake of raw eggs or alcohol. It is excellent when mixed with cold or hot milk, hot water and coffee. You can then Top it with a sprikle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an additional tasty treat.

If you are trying to reduce your sugar intake use a sugar substitute and low fat milk is easily substituted for the canned milk.

Another way to boost your nutritional advantage is to make an eggnog smoothie using the concentrate, low fat milk, and fresh berries. You will find many variations for year round use of eggnog at www.eggnog-recipes.com