ARE EGGS GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS? HERE'S WHAT A DIETITIAN HAS TO SAY

You already know eggs are quick, easy and affordable. Can they help you lose weight, too?

Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDNReviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDN

Whether you eat them boiled, scrambled or over-easy, eggs are a favorite breakfast staple for many people. But if an egg (or a few) is a part of your daily diet, you may wonder if eating them can help you lose weight. After all, eggs are full of protein, a nutrient that may contribute to a healthy weight. So, can eating eggs be part of a healthy weight loss plan? 

Read on to learn if eating eggs helps with weight loss, how to incorporate them into a balanced eating plan, and how many eggs you should eat daily. 

Does Eating Eggs Help You Lose Weight?

Weight loss is a result of gradual behavior changes. A calorie deficit is necessary for weight loss, but it’s not the only factor that comes into play. Eating more protein and fiber, exercising, eating regularly throughout the day, and taking time to slow down and enjoy your meals all play a role in weight loss. All in all, losing weight rarely comes down to one thing, like eating a particular food. 

Adding eggs to your diet without any other lifestyle changes will not result in weight loss. Yet, incorporating eggs into a healthy diet may support your weight loss goals. For instance, research reveals that eating eggs instead of cereal for breakfast increased post-meal satiety, meaning that the eggs kept people fuller longer, helping them eat less later on in the day. Why? The protein in eggs takes a long time to digest, which may keep you satisfied longer than quickly-digested carbohydrates. So, they might reduce hunger and help you eat less overall.

Related: The #1 Habit You Should Break to Lose Weight, According to a Dietitian

Why Eggs Are Good for Weight Loss

Although eating eggs isn’t the only requirement for weight loss, adding them to your diet might help. Here are a few reasons eggs may be compatible with a healthy weight. 

High in Protein

A large egg contains 6 grams of protein, which may aid in weight management. However, protein on its own won’t help you lose weight. For instance, research finds that eating eggs may help with weight loss, but only when combined with a calorie-restricted diet.

Low in Calories

Not only are eggs a high-quality source of protein, they contain only 70 calories each. Two eggs have less than 150 calories and 12 grams of filling protein. Include them in your breakfast with some whole grains, like oatmeal or whole wheat bread, and colorful fruits or veggies for a healthy, filling meal. Or ditch your usual protein bar snack and eat two hard-boiled eggs instead. 

Affordable and Convenient

Although the price of eggs is rising, they are still one of the cheapest proteins on grocery store shelves and are available at almost any supermarket. Plus, eggs are easy to cook– you can scramble one in a few minutes flat. Lastly, hard-boiled eggs are a portable protein for healthy snacking. 

Tips for Incorporating Eggs into a Balanced Diet

What happens to your body when you eat eggs every day? Lots of good things, like healthier skin, bones, vision, brain and heart health. Eggs are synonymous with breakfast, but they can also be a healthy part of any meal.

Here are some tasty ways to include eggs throughout the day:

Frequently Asked Questions

How many eggs should I eat a day for weight loss?

There’s no definitive research to say exactly how many eggs you should eat to lose weight. However, research reveals that including them in a low-calorie diet may help with weight loss. (3) Two eggs offer 12 grams of filling protein for about 140 calories, making them a fantastic high-protein ingredient to add to a well-balanced meal.

Is 4 eggs a day too much?

Eggs are a great protein source, yet they do contain cholesterol (207 mg per large egg). While 1 or 2 eggs a day is okay for most people, eating 4 each day might be too much. The American Heart Association says eating 1 egg per day as part of a healthy diet is fine for most people.

Are eggs good for losing belly fat?

Eggs on their own will not reduce belly fat. But research reveals that eating eggs as part of a healthy diet may help you stay full longer, which might help you lose weight overall. That’s why they’re one of the best breakfast foods for weight loss

The Bottom Line

Eggs are convenient, affordable, versatile and easy to cook. And their protein can help you stay full, so they might help you lose weight. However, weight loss isn’t about one single food. It’s about your diet and lifestyle as a whole. If you’re trying to lose weight, go ahead and scramble up an egg or two. It’s the ultimate healthy fast food!

Read the original article on Eating Well.

2024-09-24T17:10:02Z dg43tfdfdgfd