Eggs and Weight Loss
Newsletters
Hoping to find a few Easter eggs this Sunday? They could be good for you.
According to research reported by the Rochester Center for Obesity, eating eggs (or better yet, just egg whites) for breakfast can help limit your calorie intake by 400 calories during the day. That's a substantial number when you're looking to lose weight.
When compared to a breakfast consisting of only carbohydrates, a breakfast that includes a lean protein, such as egg whites, may leave you feeling less hungry during the day. If you have trouble controlling your food intake, this may help you keep to smaller portions and fewer snacks.
An egg delivers a variety of nutrients including protein, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, D, E and B12. A whole egg contains about 75 calories, 5 g fat, and 212 mg cholesterol. But an egg white contains a mere 17 calories, 0 g fat, and 0 mg cholesterol. Your doctor may advise you to limit egg yolks to a few per week, but egg whites play no role in increasing cholesterol levels and are usually not limited.
Not just eggs, but any low fat, high quality protein source should produce the same benefits. This includes lean meats, low or non-fat dairy products, and soy-based protein foods and drinks.
Adding a lean protein to your morning meal is easy. Enjoy your eggs or other protein choice with a whole grain cereal such as oatmeal, or whole grain toast, and fruit. But remember to keep calories low by not frying or adding cheese or other high calorie condiments.
If you celebrate Easter, enjoy all the hard-boiled eggs this year. Just watch out for the candy ones!
Healthy regards,
Megan Porter, RD
