A hard-boiled egg can be a good source of protein that takes the edge off hunger, but the new “boiled egg diet” takes things a little too far. That’s what two dietitians believe, as a restrictive new weight-loss trend is said to be gaining momentum on social media. What exactly is the boiled egg diet? Here’s important insight you should know.
Keep reading to learn a major side effect of going on the boiled egg diet, and sign up for the Eat This, Not That! newsletter for the nutrition news you need. Also, don’t miss This Gone-Viral Way to Cook Eggs Is Dangerous, Say Experts.
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Women’s Health has reported on the boiled egg diet, which apparently is stirring buzz online. This diet isn’t exactly what it sounds like (fortunately). While it is composed of boiled eggs, that’s not all that’s on the menu. According to WH, the boiled egg diet also includes a list of lean proteins (fish, pork, poultry minus skin), non-starchy vegetables (think leafy greens, broccoli, bell peppers, asparagus, and carrots), a very select handful of fruits (berries, lemons, grapefruit and watermelon), and minimal fats (butter, mayonnaise, and coconut oil).
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The boiled egg component of the diet generally comes in as the diet calls for an individual to eat two eggs with fruit at breakfast, then vegetables with eggs or another lean protein at both lunch and dinner, according to registered dietitian and nutritionist Erin Palinski-Wade.
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Anytime you subtract all the carbohydrates from your diet, it’s going to help you lose weight—but not in a healthy way. Palinski-Wade says the problem with the boiled egg diet is that it doesn’t provide your body with all the nutrition you need.
To this point, WH also cites Keri Gans, another registered dietitian and nutritionist, listing the foods that are off limits on the boiled egg diet: “[…T]he diet suggests avoiding all processed foods, and even other veggies like potatoes, corn, peas, and legumes. You’re also asked to avoid some fruits: bananas, pineapple, mango, dried fruits, and sweetened beverages.”
Just one example of why this isn’t ideal for your health comes from a brand-new study that’s stressing why eating whole grains is so important to cardiovascular health, and how whole grains can even help you lose weight.
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A couple hard-boiled eggs are a good snack now and then, but several a day? It wouldn’t be sustainable for most people to diet successfully, Palinski-Wade suggests.
Also, it’s important to remember that while eggs have some super health benefits, they’re also a source of cholesterol and saturated fat. If you’re not egged-out, peek at One Major Side Effect of Eating Too Many Eggs, Says Science.
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