Incorporating Eggs Into a Plant-Based Diet - American Egg Board (2024)

Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD

June 3, 2019

Nutritious Dietary Patterns

Incorporating Eggs Into a Plant-Based Diet - American Egg Board (1)

Featured article in the Spring2019 Issue of Nutrition Close-Up; written by Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD

If you ask two different people to define “plant-based eating,” you will likely get two different responses. Because this term isn’t defined by any governing body, it’s up for interpretation.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) says that plant-based diets include vegetarian and vegan diets1, while U.S. News & World Report describesplant-based diets “as an approach that emphasizesminimally processed foods from plants, with modestamounts of fish, lean meat and low-fat dairy, and redmeat only sparingly”2. Regardless of the definition,the common denominator among all descriptions ofa plant-based diet is, well, plants!

The rise in popularity of plant-based diets isaccompanied by many health benefits. Researchsuggests that eating mostly plants can preventobesity3, decrease the risk of developing diabetes4,and lower mortality rates5. Plant-based dietsare also associated with lower rates of heartdisease6and cancer7. The majority of these studiesobserved vegetarian diet patterns, which includeplenty of fruits, vegetables and meatless proteins,like eggs, dairy, whole grains, nuts, seeds and soy.In other words, plants were paired with proteinsources, like eggs, to make a nutritious and well roundedmeal. Eggs can and should be part ofa plant-based diet, and these five suggestionsshowcase how easy it is to incorporate theincredible egg into your plant-forward dishes.

Frittatas

This baked egg dish is best with whatever seasonalveggies and herbs you have on hand. Simply beateggs, your favorite vegetables, herbs and spices in abowl. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium high heatand pour in the egg mixture. Cook for 5-10 minutesor until eggs set and remove from heat. Try differentflavor variations, like sun-dried tomato, parmesancheese and basil for a Mediterranean flair orasparagus, radish and goat cheese for a spring twist.Both options contain protein to keep you full and anassortment of vitamins and minerals.

Stuffed Veggies

Did you know that eggs make a great addition to stuffed veggies? Peppers, tomatoes and squash make great vehicles for stuffing. Cut the veggie in half, scoop out the seeds, fill with your favorite whole grain, like rice or quinoa, and top with an egg. For an extra hit of heart-healthy fat, cut a ripe avocado in half and top with cheesy scrambled eggs for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Put An Egg On It

Whether you’re revamping leftover veggies for a quick dinner or looking for a protein boost on your pizza, there are so many reasons to #putaneggonit. Eggs make a great addition to pasta or frozen veggies, too.

Salad Protein

The base of any good salad is vegetables, but thepart that fills you up is the protein8. Next time you’re at the salad bar, load up on as many veggiesas you want and top the whole thing off with ahard-boiled egg. Each egg you add will provide sixgrams of protein and several nutrients, includingvitamin D, lutein, riboflavin and choline. Plus, eggsnot only provide the carotenoid lutein, but researchhas found that consuming eggs can help increaseabsorption of carotenoids from other foods9, andadding eggs to a salad means higher absorption ofvitamin E – 7 times as much10!

Snack On Eggs

Research suggests that including protein at snack time canimprove appetite and hunger control, which can preventovereating later in the day11. That makes eggs the perfectaddition to your midday plans. Hard boil a batch of eggsearly in the week to enjoy as a quick snack. Pair an eggwith a side of fruit or veggies and a handful of nuts to geta good balance of protein, carbs and good fats.

Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD is a NYC-based media Dietitian, food and nutritionwriter, national spokesperson and owner of Nutrition à la Natalie, a successfulsports nutrition blog. Natalie has a Master’s of Science in Nutrition andExercise Physiology from Columbia University.

References

  1. Melina V, et al. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2016;116:12:1970-1980.
  2. U.S. News. Best Plant Based Diets. 2 Jan 2019. Internet: https://health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/how-us-news-ranks-best-diets
  3. Tonstad S, et al. Type of Vegetarian Diet, Body Weight, and Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2009; 32:5: 791-796.
  4. Ley SH, et al. Prevention and management of type 2 diabetes: dietary components and nutritional strategies. The Lancet. 2014;383:1999-2007.
  5. Orlich MJ, et al. Vegetarian Dietary Patterns and Mortality in Adventist Health. Study 2. JAMA Intern Med. 2013;173:13:1230.
  6. Crowe FL, et al. Risk of hospitalization or death from ischemic heart disease among British vegetarians and nonvegetarians: results from the EPIC-Oxford cohort study. Am J Of Clin Nutr. 2013;97:3:597-603.
  7. Huang T, et al. Cardiovascular Disease Mortality and Cancer Incidence in Vegetarians: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Ann Nutr Metab. 2012;60:4:233-240.
  8. Westerterp-Plantenga MS, et al. Dietary protein – its role in satiety, energetics, weight loss and health. Br J Nutr. 2012;108:S2:S105-S112.
  9. Kim JE, et al. Effects of egg consumption on carotenoid absorption from co-consumed, raw vegetables. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;102:75-83.
  10. Kim JE, et. al. Egg Consumption Increases Vitamin E Absorption from Co-Consumed Raw Mixed Vegetables in Healthy Young Men. J Nutr. 2016;146:2199-2205.
  11. Ortinau LC, et al. Effects of high-protein vs. high- fat snacks on appetite control, satiety, and eating initiation in healthy women. Nutr. J. 2014; 13:97.
Incorporating Eggs Into a Plant-Based Diet - American Egg Board (2024)

FAQs

Is it okay to eat eggs on a plant-based diet? ›

In other words, plants were paired with protein sources, like eggs, to make a nutritious and well rounded meal. Eggs can and should be part of a plant-based diet, and these five suggestions showcase how easy it is to incorporate the incredible egg into your plant-forward dishes.

How to incorporate eggs into your diet? ›

Here are 10 of our favorite easy ways to use eggs.
  1. In a frittata. A frittata is an Italian egg dish slow-cooked in a skillet on the stovetop or in the oven. ...
  2. Scrambled in stir-fry. ...
  3. Poached in shakshuka. ...
  4. Boiled on top of a salad. ...
  5. Stuffed in a burrito. ...
  6. In a veggie hash. ...
  7. Added to savory oatmeal. ...
  8. Mixed into egg salad.
Aug 3, 2022

What diet includes eggs in addition to plant products? ›

Ovo-vegetarian – people who do not eat meat, seafood and dairy foods, but include eggs and plant foods.

Do raw eggs have more nutrition than cooked eggs? ›

But drinking or eating raw eggs offers no major advantages over eating poached or boiled eggs. Despite raw eggs containing slightly more nutrients, the nutrients in cooked eggs are in fact easier for your body to digest and absorb.

What is the downside of a plant-based diet? ›

Plant-based diets carry some risk of inadequate protein, vitamin, and mineral intake. But these risks are readily overcome by choosing the right vegetarian foods and, when necessary, supplements.

Why are there no eggs on the WFPb diet? ›

Eggs comes packaged with a sizable portion of cholesterol, around 200mg, and more saturated fat than plant foods, 'nutrients' we don't really want to be consuming.

Are eggs good for losing belly fat? ›

Proteins are more satisfying than fats and carbohydrates. Eating eggs will not magically remove your belly fat and extra weight, but by keeping you from feeling hungry for longer, eggs contribute to your weight loss success. Eating a high-protein diet is one strategy for losing weight.

What is the healthiest way to eat eggs in the morning? ›

The bottom line

Overall, shorter and lower-heat cooking methods cause less cholesterol oxidation and help retain most of the egg's nutrients. For this reason, poached and boiled (either hard or soft) eggs may be the healthiest to eat. These cooking methods also don't add any unnecessary calories.

How many eggs can you eat a day on the egg diet? ›

Following a 3 day egg diet may seem simple, however, there are some specific rules some claim are crucial in order to get the maximum benefits. The following is a list of requirements: Consume a minimum of 6 whole eggs every single day making sure to eat every 3 to 5 hours (hard boiled eggs are allowed)

Can I eat cheese on a plant-based diet? ›

Following a plant-based diet means saying goodbye to all animal products — including lean meat and dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream.

What is the difference between Just Egg and egg? ›

Just Egg resembles real liquid eggs with its golden color. The product's ingredients include water, mung bean protein isolate and canola oil, plus a variety of spices, natural flavors and thickeners to yield an egg-like texture. (Mung bean is a legume.) A 3-tablespoon serving of Just Egg equals one egg.

Can I eat bread on a plant-based diet? ›

Multigrain breads, whole grain breads, and breads that use sprouted grains, such as ezekiel bread are packed with health benefits and are great for a plant-based diet. Breads made from refined flours do not contain the fiber and protein that whole grain, multigrain, or sprouted grain breads offer.

Why do Japanese eat raw eggs? ›

The most distinctive characteristic is the use of “raw” eggs. Compared to other countries, eggs in Japan are considered to be much less contaminated by salmonella, one of the causes of food poisoning, and therefore, raw eggs can be eaten without worry. The most popular way to eat raw eggs is “Tamagokakegohan” (TKG).

Why is a scrambled egg more calories than a raw egg? ›

One boiled egg contains approximately 78 calories and one poached egg has 71 calories. In contrast, fried eggs, scrambled eggs and omelets have the most calories at about 90. Why? These methods use cooking sprays, oil or butter, which can add 20 or more calories to your dish.

What happens if I eat eggs for breakfast every day? ›

You Might Feel More Full and Energized

Though they come in a small and affordable package, eggs pack an impressive nutritional punch. The yolk, in particular, is a source of important nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D and choline, which are all important for helping our bodies process food into energy we can use.

Can you eat bananas on a plant-based diet? ›

A whole-foods, plant-based shopping list. Fruits: berries, citrus fruits, pears, peaches, pineapple, bananas, etc. Vegetables: kale, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, peppers, etc. Starchy vegetables: potatoes, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, etc.

What foods can you not eat on a plant-based diet? ›

Vegans don't eat any foods made from animals, including:
  • Beef, pork, lamb, and other red meat.
  • Chicken, duck, and other poultry.
  • Fish or shellfish such as crabs, clams, and mussels.
  • Eggs.
  • Cheese.
  • Butter.
  • Milk, cream, ice cream, and other dairy products.
  • Mayonnaise (because it includes egg yolks)
Nov 3, 2023

Can you eat pasta on a plant-based diet? ›

Is Pasta Vegan? Unfortunately, not all pasta is vegan. We've found pastas of all varieties, from spaghetti to lasagna noodles, with eggs in the ingredient lists. But don't worry—there are widely available vegan pastas that don't involve eggs or dairy and don't skimp on the texture you've come to love.

References

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