A growing body of evidence continues to not only suggest, but also recommend the use of eggs in any weight loss plan. Low cost eggs can help achieve weight reduction in three very important ways.

Lean Muscle

In some diet plans some of the weight lost is the reduction of lean muscle tissue. In a perfect diet scenario this would not happen. Leucine is an amino acid in eggs that works to prevent lean muscle loss. The good news is the weight does come off in other areas.

Fat Reduction

We return to the benefits of leucine. The high quality of this amino acid in eggs is useful in the promotion of fat loss in any diet plan.

Glucose Stabilized

One of the greatest threats to humanity is the growing potential for the development of diabetes. The use of eggs is considered a great stabilizer of glucose (blood sugar) and may be useful in staving off the potential of diabetes.

More About Leucine

According to Wikipedia, “Leucine has been found to slow the degradation of muscle tissue by increasing the synthesis of muscle proteins… Leucine is utilized in the liver, adipose tissue, and muscle tissue. In adipose and muscle tissue, leucine is used in the formation of sterols, and the combined usage of leucine in these two tissues is seven times greater than its use in the liver.”

In essence this amino acid builds muscles, reduces fat and aids in utilizing blood glucose for energy.

Other Weight Loss Factors

Eggs are a high protein food that provides improved satiety. When you feel full you eat less. Since eggs are considered a morning meal they are especially beneficial in starting the day with energy and fullness. The result is a metabolism that burns more efficiently while allowing lean muscle mass to be maintained, and excess fat to be burns as stored fuel. Egg whites provide the highest concentration of protein.

Additional Research

Studies indicate it is possible to eat 400 calories less per day if you begin by eating eggs. The overall satiety rate allows you to eat less and lose up to two pounds monthly – even without exercise. Single egg calories stand at about 80 or fewer per egg.

The Egg and Bagel Debate

It has been thought that eating a bagel in the morning may be a positive way to lose weight. As research continues on the relevance of eggs in good health and weight loss it appears that eggs are still the preferred choice for weight reduction in breakfast foods. According to LiveStrong.com a study was conducted among those who consumed eggs for breakfast and those who preferred bagels. “Of those participants who had reduced their caloric intake, those who had eggs for breakfast tended to lose 65 percent more weight than those who had bagels for breakfast. They also reduced their Body Mass Index by an additional 61 percent over the bagel breakfasters, while also seeing a 34 percent greater reduction in their waist circumference,” the report said.

Coincidentally researchers did not see a noticeable change in cholesterol levels.

A Political Connection

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher saw eggs as the key to successfully losing 20 pounds in 2 weeks. The year was 1979 and Thatcher consumed nearly 60 eggs in two weeks and was successful in losing the weight she needed for the public image she desired.

It is probable that health care providers today might suggest more moderation in using eggs in a weight loss plan, however the new consensus seems to be that eggs should be back on the menu and should be considered useful in reaching weight loss goals.

I watched a great movie the other night and highly recommend it.  You can find information about the movie here – Food Inc.

Food Inc. was very eye opening as it exposed the U.S. food system. It discussed how we get food, the way food is highly processed, the horrible conditions for the animals we eat as well as the workers who work in the slaughter houses and food processing plants. There were some disturbing hidden videos shot in a chicken, pig and cow slaughterhouses. For example, cows are usually ankle high in their own manure. Some of that manure ultimately finds it’s way in the meat we eat. I was disgusted.

The purpose of the movie was to unveil practices of the food industry and why we need to clean it up. It was not only informative but entertaining as well.  Needless to say my wife and I shopped at local farmers markets yesterday and will continue to support organic food growers and local farmers.

I added the movie trailer to the right. Take a look at it.

Calories in Steak and Shake Eggs with the Works – Bacon – 876

Nutritional Facts

Calories in Steak and Shake Eggs with the Works – Sausage – 1,076

Nutritional Facts

Calories in Steak and Shake One Egg with the Works – Bacon – 624

Nutritional Facts

Calories in Steak and Shake One Egg with the Works – Sausage – 724

Nutritional Facts

Calories in Steak and Shake Steak and Eggs Breakfast – 1,016

Nutritional Facts

Calories in Steak and Shake Cakes ‘n Eggs ‘n Bacon n’ Sausage – 764

Nutritional Facts

Calories in Steak and Shake Country Scrambler – 1,029

Nutritional Facts