Egg Diet

egg dietThe Egg Diet has become increasingly popular due to reports that some well-known people and celebrities have successfully lost weight by eating only eggs.

Apparently Nigella Lawson’s husband Charles Saatchi, lost over sixty pounds by eating nine eggs a day for ten months.

There is also discussion that Adrian Brody lost 30 pounds in six weeks in preparation for his role in the Pianist by following the Egg Diet. He has since explained that he actually followed a variation of the diet where he ate…

  • Eggs for breakfast.
  • A small piece of grilled chicken for lunch.
  • A small piece of fish with steamed vegetables for dinner.

Egg Diet Basics



There are several versions of the Egg Diet that are circulating on the Internet.

Traditional Egg Diet

The most popular version of the diet does not actually consist of eating only eggs but it does involve getting the majority of your protein from egg.eggs

This diet is basically a variation on the Atkins diet where the focus is on restricting carbohydrate intake. In this version of the diet you eat….

  • Two or more eggs for breakfast along with, grapefruit, low carbohydrate vegetables or lean protein.
  • Lunch includes either another serving of eggs or a small portion of lean protein such as fish or chicken.
  • Dinner includes either another serving of eggs or a small portion of lean protein such as fish or chicken.

Salads and low carbohydrate vegetables are usually allowed as desired.

  • Fruits are generally limited to one to two serves daily.
  • Carbohydrate foods such as bread, pasta and potatoes are strictly limited.

Egg and Grapefruit Diet

Another version of the diet is called the ‘Egg and Grapefruit Diet’ and this involves eating half a grapefruit with each meal. The rest of the diet plan is very similar to that outlined above.

Extreme Egg Only Diet

The most extreme version of the diet involves eating only hard-boiled eggs and drinking water or crystal light drink mix.

This version should be avoided!

How to Make Great Scrambled Eggs

Recommended Foods

Eggs, lean protein, low carbohydrate vegetables, grapefruit, and crystal light.

Sample Diet Plan

Breakfast

2 boiled eggs
½ grapefruit

Lunch

Roast chicken without skin
Green Salad

Dinner

2 egg omelet with spinach and tomato

Find other Healthy Meal ideas here.

Exercise Recommendations

Exercise is not a requirement for following this diet plan.

Costs and Expenses

This is a relatively inexpensive diet plan and the only cost may be that the grocery bill is slightly increased due to the need to purchase extra lean proteins and fresh vegetables.

Pros

  • High protein, low carbohydrate diets help to reduce appetite.
  • High protein diets increase the rate of calorie burning.
  • Eggs are a good source of protein and vitamins.
  • Studies show that eating eggs for breakfast increases weight loss.

Cons

  • Not a healthy or balanced approach to eating.
  • Eliminates entire food groups and many vegetables.
  • Lack of carbohydrates will make it difficult to engage in strenuous physical activity.
  • Many people experience fatigue and nausea during the first few days of the diet as the body adapts to a reduced intake of carbohydrates.
  • Eating a lot of eggs can cause constipation, flatulence and bad breath.
  • Dietary boredom may reduce ability to stick with the program.
  • Not sustainable as a lifestyle plan for healthy weight management.
  • Likely that any weight loss will be regained upon a return to normal eating.
  • Eggs are high in cholesterol but their is debate to their effect on blood cholesterol.

Just Another Fad Diet

The Egg Diet is essentially a crash diet, especially the version that does not allow for nutritional variety. Although rapid weight loss will probably occur it is most likely that all of this weight will be regained upon the completion of the diet.

Obviously eating eggs alone is not a healthy way to lose weight and the extreme version of this diet is very dangerous for health. Dieters risk not only nutritional deficiency but also severe disruption to their health and well-being.

See Also:

The Super Skinny Grapefruit and Egg Diet which retails for $4.99.

161 Comments

  • Holly Apr 30th 2013

    Hello, I’m 42 yrs old & seriously need to shed some weight as 210lbs is too much for me the Dr says. I have started the egg & water diet today. Wish me luck! How successful is this diet? How much water should I drink per day? Please email me with any support & suggestions. Thank you!

    Reply
  • grizz88 Apr 29th 2013

    I’m going to try this diet Thursday as I love eggs.I need to lose about 180lbs. I did the atkins diet about 4 years ago and lost 150lbs. In 8 months. So I know high protein diets work..

    Reply
  • Heaven Smith Apr 24th 2013

    i started after i had my baby 7 months ago having coffee all day and for dinner eggs all differnt ways and i snack in between on low cal. snacks and i was down from 170 to 118 in 4 months. Plus i eat what ever i want on the weekends never over doing it though:)

    Reply
  • Neva Apr 12th 2013

    I am starting this diet tommorow, going to grocery store to stock up right now,anyone want to email for support. I need to lose 25-30 lbs,:)

    Reply
  • Mari Apr 12th 2013

    Start the hard boiled egg diet today,im eating 2 eggs for breakfast,lunch,dinner and snack and a cup of coffee each time that i eat them.I dont have a scale with me but im going to use my size 14 to know if im loosing weight.Good luck to everyone!!!

    Reply
    • Nee Apr 29th 2013

      I started this today and its ok so far! I was wondering are your allowed to season food at all when cookin chicken/ fish? Like with lemon juice or pepper etc?

      Reply
  • Evon Apr 8th 2013

    I was on the high protein diet for the past 3 months its working but slowly my starting weight was 101kg n im now 89 so ill try the egg diet as from tomorrow wish me luck my goal weight is 75kg.

    Reply
    • Mari Apr 12th 2013

      Good luck to you! Report your progress.

      Reply
  • Dr. Vasant Mar 17th 2013

    Hi all
    I am a physician and I like to suggest the following with egg diet which has proved to be very effective in most of my patients (minimum of 5-10 kg weight loss guaranteed in 3-4 weeks)
    1. Don’t jump directly into high protein diet suddenly. Since your body is used to carb diet all these days, it will not accept high proteins suddenly ( medically it is known as ‘carbohydrate addiction.’ Hence u have to deaddict it first from carbohydrates. Otherwise u will crave for carbs intensely, don’t get sleep, feel weak, etc,etc,
    2.Gradually reduce carbs over about 4-5 days.
    3. Reduce your carbohydrates by one third daily i.e. rice, wheat, and other grains in your daily food, along with sweets daily and substitute it by vegetables and fruits (any)
    4. If u are uncomfortable, or feel sleepless, or crave for carbs, drink a cup of milk, preferably ice cold , as many times as required initially, it reduces acidity, comforts stomach and gives feeling of satisfaction.
    5. drink at least 2-3 litres of water, and 2-3 cups of green tea.
    7. From 5th day onwards, add proteins gradually , i.e. egg whites (boiled or omelettes etc ) increasing by two eggs per day.
    8. Add vegetables daily requirement (minimum 200 grams daily spread over through out day, otherwise you’ll have constipation, gas and stomach upset.) 
    9.you must take following supplements 
                   Vit A, (omega fatty acid  or fish or flaxseed oils), Calcium, preferably milk calcium as shell calcium may cause kidney stones, Vit E, and trace elements,
    10. Importance of water cannot be over emphasised as dehydration can damage kidneys especially by ketones produced by fat burning. Drink lot of it.
    11. Those who are strict vegetarians can substitute chicken and fish by cooked soya preparations. About 100-150 grams daily. (caution -never use soya without cooking it in wet heat or pressure cooker  after soaking for 4-6 hours, since raw soya contains a substance, poisonous to human beings)
    12. You must have 50-100 grams of food every 2-2.1/2 hours, so that there is no burden on you body insulin, failing which, your body starts accumulating fat again.
    13. Get at least 45 minutes exercise on alternate days.  Fast walking till you feel slightly breathless is good. Or alternate day HIIT (high intensity interval exercise with weights or anaerobic exercises especially if you are below forty ) is best which will get a beautifully shaped six pack body for you. ( See Internet for HIIT)
                 Don’t do intense exercises or walking daily as it damages your muscles. The ‘rest day’ after exercisen will help muscles to grow.
    An ideal day egg diet for vegetarians would be
               On rising ( 6 a.m.)- 1/2 apple
                8 a.m – 2 boiled egg whites, & green tea & 50 grams cooked vegetables
                10 a.m.-    2. Boiled egg whites  or 100 ml skimmed milk with sugarless protein drink, & daily vitamin+mineral supplements.
                 12 noon-  2 boiled egg whites & 50 grams cooked soya & 100 grams cooked vegetables & 1 slice of wheat bread.
                 2 p.m green tea @ may be a protein bar
                 4p.m -2 boiled egg whites
                  6 p.m. 1 cup of skimmed milk
                  8 p.m.- 2 boiled eggs & 50 grams of cooked soya & 50-100, grams of vegetables.
     ( NON VEGETARIANS CAN USE FISH OR CHICKEN MEAT (not lamb or beef) INSTEAD OF SOYA)
      In brief 
    1. Switch to egg diet gradually
    2.drink lot of water
    3.drink green tea, it reduces weight by itself
    4.alternate day (not daily) exercise is a must.
    5. Eat every 2 (if not at least 2.1/2) hours. Long gap between foods makes u hungry and burdens body insulin, produces fat.
                   Note- boiled egg white may be omelette or any egg preparation withou yolk
    Happy weight loss & have a great body.

      

    Reply
  • cc Mar 2nd 2013

    hiya i wanna start the egg diet could i eat 1 egg for breakfast 1 egg for dinner and grilled chicken with veg for tea and drink only water would this make me lose weight? also when i eat the hard boiled eggs do i eat the egg white and egg yolk or just the egg white? thanks

    Reply
    • Alyssa Mar 27th 2013

      Just eat the egg whites mostly;
      You can have one or two egg yolks a day, not all of them, as they are moderately high in cholesterol.

      Also, most of the “good stuff” is in the whites – high protein ratio, and low, low calories.
      If oyu have the white only, its about 15 calories; with the yolk, it goes up to 90, or about the same as an apple.

      So you can eat almost non stop egg whites and have very low calories BUT high protein that will make you feel full

      Reply
  • Tracie Feb 18th 2013

    I am starting this diet tomorrow as things have gotten out of control. It is time to get serious as I would love to lose 55 lbs before summer. Any support would be awesome.. Good luck everyone!!

    Reply
    • Simon Mar 22nd 2013

      Me too, best of luck!

      Reply
  • Madison Feb 10th 2013

    Hi. I am wanting to loose about 20 pounds. I heard if you just eat hard boiled eggs, tomatoes & drink grape fruit juice before you eat those, you would loose approx. 10 lbs in a week? Does that sound about right?

    Reply
  • Basma Feb 10th 2013

    Started off today, hope to stick to it. Have gained 10 kgs during pregnancy, hope to shed those off. With this diet i hope to go from 83 to 79kg in my first week.

    Reply
  • Ratna Feb 8th 2013

    some people making negative newz about egg.. don’t believe in all such stuff..include atleast 1 egg in your daily diet..you can take 1-3 eggs a day..this is what my doctor told me..indeed egg makes your mane thick and helps it to grow sooo fast..and your helps your skin to glow like a gold..it is usefull to each and every part of your body..especially hair and skin..it has almost all protiens, vitamins, and others like zinc, calcium and soooooooooooooo many……..

    Reply
  • Ratna Feb 8th 2013

    yessss………….egg, for sure makes your calories to burn soooo fast…within a week you can experience the result…i have been keeping egg in my daily diet for years.. i’
    m 5’4″- 52kgs.. it’a a perfect and ideal match of height and weight…i seriously believe that this is all cause of egg.. i eat 1 egg a day..whenever possible, i.e; morning, afternoon or night time.. so do follow my tip and be happy with your weight..good luck….

    Reply
  • E..Edwards Jan 24th 2013

    Hey I have been doing this diet for 7 days so far and I’m 4ft11″ and I have lost 6.5 pounds so far in total I am hoping to lose 1.5 stone in 4weeks and at this rate I’m hoping to achieve my goal :D

    Reply
  • joe davis Jan 23rd 2013

    eggs are very tasty

    Reply
  • A. nonymous Jan 15th 2013

    Those are NOT great scrambled eggs–way overcooked, dry, and
    not fluffy at all. This guy needs a lesson on how to actually cook
    great scrambled eggs….

    Reply
  • lynette Jan 15th 2013

    Hey all

    On boiled eggs only diet, day two. Weight:80, will update you all next week. Lots of water too, don’t have time to execisem

    Reply
  • Dominica Jan 8th 2013

    I have a different version. Lost 1 stone 2lb in 2 weeks.

    Reply
    • Joyce Apr 21st 2013

      Yes, what is your version, please?

      Reply
    • Sonia Feb 2nd 2013

      What version do you have?

      Reply
  • Anne Jan 5th 2013

    diet sounds very promising going to start it soon myself

    Thanks for your help

    Reply
  • Sandy Dec 27th 2012

    I would love to have the diet plan. I need to lose 30 kg by Mar 13. If not my job is at risk. Sasa

    Reply
  • Sue Dec 26th 2012

    I want to start this diet the first of the year I have put on so much weight since I had my last child 3 yrs ago I never use to have a problem gaining alot of weight but since I had my child the weight hasnt shed and I weigh more now then when I was pregnant. I am very depressed and desperate would like to lose 45 pounds before Summer hits I just pray I can stick to this diet plan. I have a treadmill and a couple exercising machines I just pray I can keep the motivation to lose this weight!!

    Reply
  • Yalda Dec 15th 2012

    Hi ! I’m 30 years old and my weight is 80
    My height is 5,60 I try lots to loss weight but it’s not working
    Please help me i am worried about it .

    Reply
    • Sachiko Dec 19th 2012

      Are you serious? I hope you made a typo and left out a digit in your weight, because if you really are 80 pounds, you need to focus on gaining weight, not losing it.

      Reply
      • John Dec 22nd 2012

        Ever heard of kilograms, genius?

  • Barbara Dec 13th 2012

    I am a diabetic and need to loose 100 pounds. Will you help me?

    Reply
  • hapa girl Dec 6th 2012

    what happens if you have a vodka crystal light cocktail on this diet? Will is severely screw it up? I’m just trying to lose 6 lbs

    Reply
  • Marie Chambers Nov 16th 2012

    Plz can you e-mail this diet to me thanks;-)

    Reply
  • Phil Oct 29th 2012

    I’ve done this diet periodically over the years and it does work. However everyone should know that this diet is pretty hardcore. You need serious determination to stay on this longer than 2 weeks.
    Good luck to everyone.

    Reply
  • dheybert parungao Oct 22nd 2012

    I’m excited to try this diet!!! :)

    Reply
  • Terri Oct 20th 2012

    HERE IS THE ONE I AM ON…LOST 3KG ON DAY 6
    CHEMICAL 7 DAY DIET

    The basis of this diet is chemical. If you follow the diet to the letter for one week you should lose 14 pounds (and possibly up to 20 pounds) 6kg!

    Day 1 Breakfast 1 slice dry toast and grilled tomatoes
    Lunch Fresh fruit (any amount)
    Dinner 2 hard boiled eggs, salad, grapefruit

    Day 2 Breakfast Grapefruit, 1 boiled egg
    Lunch Roast chicken (any amount) & tomatoes
    Dinner Grilled steak and salad

    Day 3 Breakfast Grapefruit, 1 boiled egg
    Lunch 2 boiled eggs and tomatoes
    Dinner 2 Grilled lamb chops, celery & cucumber

    Day 4 Breakfast 2 slices dry toast, 2 poached eggs
    Lunch fresh fruit (any amount)
    Dinner 2 hard boiled eggs, salad, grapefruit

    Day 5 Breakfast 1 slice dry toast, 2 poached eggs
    Lunch 2 poached eggs & tomatoes
    Dinner Fresh or tinned fish and salad

    Day 6 Breakfast 1 boiled egg, 1 glass grapefruit juice
    Lunch Fresh fruit (any amount)
    Dinner Roast chicken, cabbage, carrots

    Day 7 Breakfast 2 scrambled eggs, grilled tomatoes
    Lunch 2 Poached eggs& spinach
    Dinner Grilled steak & salad

    NOTE

    Abstain from anything not mentioned.
    Eat only what is shown or do without.
    No substitutions allowed.
    No eating between meals
    No alcohol
    No butter milk or fat

    Drinks = black tea, black coffee, lemon tea, grapefruit juice, tonic, soda or water only
    Salad = lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes and celery only

    DO NOT DIET FOR MORE THAN ONE WEEK AT A TIME.

    Reply
    • Crystal Rogers Feb 8th 2013

      Hi Im inteested in starting this diet.. Can you put salad dressing on your salad and do you season the meats?

      Reply
    • Angela Nov 29th 2012

      Hi Terri

      I am interested in your diet, however I’m a veggie – what would you suggest rather than the chicken and steak. Also the tinned fish, can that be tuna in brine ?

      Reply
  • Dada Oct 16th 2012

    I will try it as it sounds good

    Reply
  • Jay Oct 11th 2012

    Plz tell me exact diet plan as u ppl saying some lost 40 kg n some 16 :/ plz I wana lose 18 kg

    Reply
Date Last Reviewed: April 30, 2013