Need A Reason to Eat Eggs?

As you know, I will begin my Breakfast Challenge on Monday. I’m hoping you’ll be joining me. If so, let me know, because we can help keep each other on track.

You know, eggs really are a great choice when it comes to affordable and nutritious foods… They truly are incredible! Eggs even play a role in weight management, muscle strength, healthy pregnancy, brain function, eye health and more. Here are some facts I think you may be interested in hearing about eggs…

1. Protein Powerhouse
   Eggs are all natural and one of the highest quality protein foods available, providing all nine essential amino acids. Research indicates that in addition to helping kids and active adults build muscle strength, high-quality protein may promote weight management and help older adults prevent muscle loss.
2. Eggs-cellent Vision
   Lutein and zeaxanthin are two antioxidants found in eggs that may help prevent macular degeneration, a leading cause of age-related blindness. Though eggs contain a small amount of these two nutrients, research shows that the lutein and zeaxanthin from eggs may be more bioavailable than from other sources.
3. Breakfast Booster
   Eggs can help you to feel fuller for longer and provide sustained energy throughout an active day. In fact, recent research shows that eating eggs for breakfast as part of a reduced-calorie diet can help adults feel energized and better able to manage their weight.
4. Bouncing Babies
   Eggs are an excellent source of choline, an essential nutrient that is particularly important for developing fetuses. Pregnant women can help reduce the risk of certain birth defects by getting enough choline in their diets.
5. Powerful Nutrient Package
   Eggs are packed with a number of nutrients. One egg has varying amounts of 13 essential vitamins and minerals, high-quality protein, healthy unsaturated fats and antioxidants, for only 70 calories.
6. Brain Food
   Choline, an essential nutrient found in the yolk of the egg, is necessary for normal functioning of all cells including the brain and nerve function, memory, liver metabolism, and transportation of nutrients throughout the body. Recent research published in The FASEB Journal has also associated choline with a 24% reduced risk of breast cancer. One egg contains 125 milligrams of choline, a quarter of the recommended daily amount.
7. Perfect Portions
   At just 70 calories, eggs are nature’s original form of portion control. Hard cook eggs to make them travel-friendly and convenient.
8. An Egg a Day is OK
   More than 30 years of research have demonstrated that healthy adults can enjoy eggs without significantly impacting their risk of heart disease.
9. Egg-onomical
   Eggs are very affordable compared to other high-quality protein foods. At $0.15 each, eggs are the least expensive form of high-quality protein in today’s marketplace.
10. Easy Does It
    An egg breakfast is quick and easy. Simply beat an egg in a small bowl or coffee mug, place on high heat in the microwave for 60 seconds and add it to a toasted whole grain English muffin. Top with low-fat cheese and a slice of tomato for a balanced meal.
11. Refrigerator Essential
    Eggs have a long shelf-life compared to other fresh, all-natural foods. Fresh shell eggs can be stored up to five weeks beyond the carton’s pack date, which means you can easily keep your fridge stocked with eggs for a satisfying meal in a pinch.
12. A Family Favorite
    Eggs are the perfect choice for the entire family. They can be prepared quickly in a variety of ways to suit everyone’s tastebuds – and they have a variety of essential nutrients that are important for kids, parents and grandparents alike.

Wow, what a great list of reasons to eat eggs! If you weren’t already planning on accepting my challenge, my hope is that this would have changed your mind…

I may even have a few surprises in store for you along the way!