Excess weight is one of the most common and distressing health problems for many people trying to get rid of it. In this context, the boiled egg diet is a weight loss program that involves eating at least one boiled egg in a meal each day, according to the New York Post. But is it really effective? Experts have some opinions about the diet, which claims to help individuals lose up to 25 pounds (about 11 kilograms) in just two weeks. The diet was first described in a book published in 2018 titled "The Boiled Egg Diet: The Easy and Fast Way to Lose Weight!" by Ariel Chandler. The diet is also widely promoted on TikTok, with some celebrities reportedly following it, including Nicole Kidman, who is said to have adopted the boiled egg diet before filming "Cold Mountain."
The diet is not complicated or difficult to follow. Breakfast includes at least two eggs and one piece of fruit, with the option to include low-carb vegetables or protein. Lunch and dinner consist of eggs or lean protein, along with low-carb vegetables. Other foods and beverages such as calorie-free drinks, lean meats, non-starchy vegetables, low-carb fruits, fats, oils, and any preferred spices or herbs are also welcomed.
In this regard, the diet resembles many other low-carb diets. New York City nutritionist Erin Palinski-Wade stated, "This is a version of a low-calorie, low-carb diet that can promote weight loss, but it will not be sustainable in the long term and does not provide your body with balanced nutrition." She pointed out that many foods are prohibited on the boiled egg diet, including:
- Bread, pasta, quinoa, couscous, and barley.
- Dairy products including milk, cheese, and yogurt.
- Potatoes.
- Corn.
- Peas, beans, and other legumes.
- Fruits like bananas, pineapples, and mangoes.
- Sweetened beverages like soda, juice, sweet tea, and sports drinks.
Due to these restrictions, many people may find it difficult to adhere to the diet long-term. Palinski-Wade added, "This is a restrictive and unbalanced way of eating, and it may lead to nutritional deficiencies in the long term; it is not sustainable."
However, despite these issues, individuals who followed the diet reported some short-term success. One person stated on TikTok that they lost 5 pounds in one week. Another commented, "The diet definitely worked." Yet, a common complaint arose from someone saying, "The egg diet will drain you because of the eggs. I did it and succeeded, but now I hate eggs."
Palinski-Wade agrees that dieters may witness some weight loss due to the boiled egg diet being low in both calories and carbohydrates, noting that "the initial weight loss will include water loss, leading to striking results but not a significant actual reduction in body fat."
