The Egg Diet

Eggs in wicker basketThe Egg Diet is not a diet consisting of only eggs. However, it does involve eating a larger part of your protein allowance in the form of eggs. The egg diet has its origins in the induction phase of the Atkins Diet, as eggs are one of the healthiest ways to consume a high protein, low carb diet without increasing saturated fats. Eggs are an excellent source of protein and other vital nutrients. They contain all the essential amino acids in the correct proportions and are therefore a good source of complete protein. They are also a significant source of vitamins B2, B12, D, E, and folate, in addition to iron.

The iron in egg yolks, like the iron found in meat, is easily absorbed by the body. Eggs contain other vitamins and minerals in smaller amounts, including vitamins B1 and B6, phosphorus, and zinc. Eggs are also one of the best sources of choline, a substance involved in the transport of fat in the body. Choline is also important for the manufacture of phospholipids, which are the major structural components of cell membranes.

Most of the vitamins and minerals in eggs are found in the yolk, but the white is also a good source protein and contains little fat a no cholesterol.

continued below ....

Eggs are relatively low in calories an saturated fat, in fact egg white does do not contain any fat. Nutritionists used to advise that eating eggs should be limited, but this advice has been revised. Research also shows that there is no link between egg consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease.

Eggs are an almost ideal protein source. Low in saturated fat and calories, but an excellent source of complete protein, eggs provide an inexpensive and nutritious addition to your diet. Before the days of protein shakes, athletes and boxers would simply eat more eggs, often raw with milk, for breakfast.

How Many Eggs Should You Eat a Day?

Cholesterol is not found in large amounts in many foods, except in eggs and in offal such as liver and kidneys. The cholesterol in these foods does not usually make a great contribution to blood cholesterol levels.

It is a common misconception that eggs are unhealthy due to the high levels of cholesterol that they contain. However, eggs mostly contain HDL type cholesterol, which is actually good for us. HDL cholesterol protects arteries, it is the LDL type cholesterol that causes heart disease, and this generally builds up as a result of a diet high in saturated fat.

If you need to reduce your cholesterol levels, it is much more important to reduce the total amount of fat you eat, and to change the types of fat you eat. This is because saturated fat has more of an impact on blood cholesterol levels than eating foods high in dietary cholesterol. Eating a high-fiber diet may also help to reduce the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed into the bloodstream.

There is no limit to how many egg whites you can eat, so look at ways to use more egg whites in your cooking. When cooking eggs, avoid adding butter and cheese, which will add saturated fat.

An ideal egg meal would be a filled omelet. Eggs are a useful source of many important nutrients. An omelet filled with mushrooms and tomatoes will make a quick, tasty, and nutritious lunch.

See also: How Many Eggs Is Too Many Eggs? Are Eggs Good or Bad for Health? and The Benefits Of Protein Powders. Egg is a major ingredient in many protein powders!

Tweet ThisTweet Me!

Recommended Reading

The Healthy Nut Diet
Best Vitamins for Energy
How Many Eggs Is Too Many Eggs? Are Eggs Good or Bad for Health?
Testosterone Diet to Build Muscle and Lose Weight
What is Whey Protein, and How Does it Build Muscle?
Learn to lose weight with this eBook

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Subscribe now for fitness tips & exciting offers each week.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009
By MotleyHealth

12 Responses to “The Egg Diet”

  1. EatEggs

    “A word of warning – eggs are one of the main sources of cholesterol in the average western diet.” – FALSE, Has nothing to do with the cholesterol in our body. Egg cholesterol lowers the bad and increases the good cholesterol in our body.

    #255
  2. MotleyHealth

    EatEggs, you are right, and we actually knew that! Amazing what oddities slip in to our content at times. Will correct asap.

    #256
  3. GILBERT UGHELIE

    IS EATING A LOT OF EGGS, SAY 6 A DAY PREVENT AND CURE DIEBIETES

    #291
  4. MotleyHealth

    Gilbert, I am not aware of any evidence to suggest this. Type 2 Diabetes is generally caused by too much sugar, not a lack of protein. So, I’ll throw caution to the wind, and say no, eating lots of eggs will neither prevent or cure diabetes.

    #292
  5. Aditya

    Hi, I am from India and I read alot of your articles today. I was really happy to read all the content on this website. I Liked the way you reply to the questions or complaints.
    Just wanted to say, “Keep up the good work” :-)

    #420
  6. MotleyHealth

    Hi Aditya, we aim to please! Did you find what you were looking for?

    #421
  7. marinda

    Where can I get a menu for The Egg Diet?

    #447
  8. MotleyHealth

    Hi Marinda, there is not really a menu, you just eat more eggs. Boiled eggs for breakfast, egg salads, etc. etc.

    #448
  9. anne

    What other ideas for menu?

    #451
  10. MotleyHealth

    Well, there are omelettes and scrabbled eggs, egg Florentine, boiled eggs with anything.

    #452
  11. Ashleigh

    Monday: Breakfast: 3 eggs, half grapefruit
    Lunch: 3 eggs, salad
    Dinner: 3 eggs, salad, 2 pieces of dry toast

    Tuesday: Breakfast: 2 eggs, half grapefruit
    Lunch: 2 eggs, salad
    Dinner: 1 piece steak, salad

    Wednesday: Breakfast: 2 eggs, half grapefruit
    Lunch: 2 eggs, salad
    Dinner: half tub low fat cottage cheese, salad and 2 pieces dry toast

    Thursday: Breakfast: 2 eggs, half grapefruit
    Lunch: 2 eggs, salad
    Dinner: 1 piece steak, salad

    Friday: Breakfast: 2 eggs, half grapefruit
    Lunch: 2 eggs, salad
    Dinner: 2 eggs, salad, 2 pieces of dry toast

    Saturday: Breakfast: 2 eggs, half grapefruit
    Lunch: large bowl fresh fruit salad
    Dinner: 2 pieces steak, salad

    Sunday: Breakfast: 2 eggs, half grapefruit
    Lunch: 2 eggs, salad
    Dinner: lean chicken and salad

    No sugar in coffee or tea. Non fat milk. Supplement with vitamins, omega caps, calcium caps etc

    #486

Post Your Message

Sign up to the weekly newsletter for the latest news and tips.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

MotleyHealth newsletter For the latest fitness tips and health news subscribe to the MotleyHealth Email Newsletter - Learn More
Lose weight with the truth about abs  ebook
Motley's Fitness Stores:
US Fitness Store | Canadian Fitness Store | UK Fitness Store