The meat and egg diet plan can provide a new twist on the Atkins or other low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets. You can find information on this diet plan online at many websites, from bodybuilding sites to those dedicated to weight loss. Check with your doctor before trying this or any other diet plan.
Identification
Eggs are your main source of protein, though you also can eat meat under some versions of this diet plan. The plan also restricts carbohydrates, calling for you to almost entirely cut out this food group. You should avoid all types of soda, including diet soda, according to the Diet Choices website.
Features
Similar to the Atkins diet, you are allowed to eat unlimited amounts of protein and fats. However, most of your protein intake is supposed to come from eggs. You also can eat low-carb veggies in moderation in the least-strict version of this diet, according to the Diet Spotlight website. In the strictest version, you only eat eggs and drink water.
Theories/Speculation
The theory behind this low-carb diet is that eggs are the healthiest source of protein you can consume. Though not an advocate of this diet, Dr. William Sears, clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, says that eggs are a healthy protein source, providing about 6 grams protein apiece. In fact, eggs are second only to breast milk as a healthful protein source, Sears says. They also provide vitamins E and B-12, folic acid, riboflavin, calcium, iron, zinc and essential fatty acids.
Considerations
The egg has a reputation for raising cholesterol and thus risk for heart disease, according to an analysis by Todd M. Schmit and Harry M. Kaiser in "Agriculture and Resource Economics Review." If you eat only egg whites you do not consume the cholesterol, according to the website DietChoices, but you also miss out on some of the egg's nutrients. Saturated fat is also a problem with eggs. An egg has 2 grams saturated fat as opposed to the 7 grams in a small, lean hamburger patty, according to Sears.
Expert Insight
According to the Mayo Clinic website, diets that advise you to eat large quantities of certain foods such as eggs and meat or that eliminate or restrict food groups like carbohydrates can lead to nutritional problems. This can be true even if you are using vitamins or other supplements.
References
- Diet Choices: The Egg Diet
- Diet Spotlight: Egg Diet
- Body Building Tips Guide: Egg Diet for Weight Loss
- Mayo Clinic: Weight Loss---Choosing a Diet That's Right For You
- AskDrSears: Eggs
- "Agriculture and Resource Economics Review"; Egg Advertising, Dietary Cholesterol Concerns, and U.S. Consumer Demand; Todd M. Schmit and Harry M. Kaiser; 1998
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