Should I Do an Egg Fast for Weight Loss?

Inside: Recently I went on an egg fast for weight loss with some rather interesting results. Read on to find out how it went and if I shed any pounds.

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A basket of eggs for doing an egg fast. — If you do an egg fast, you’re going to need a lot of these! *Photo by Mike Moore.*

What Is an Egg Fast?

Earlier last month I went on an egg fast for weight loss. Though the idea wasn’t new to me, it had been a while since I’d followed the plan. The truth of the matter is that I’ve wanted to take off some pounds for some time. Back in 2018 I’d lost around 22 pounds, only to gain nearly everything back last year with periods of emotional eating. The beginning of this year I tried a couple of different eating routines, without much success. I’ve been around this dieting thing a long time now–long enough to know that what worked for me when I was in my twenties, thirties, and forties does not necessarily work in my fifties.

Except (or should I say “egg-cept”?) the egg fast.

So what is an egg fast? It’s a diet consisting of eggs, cheese, and healthy fats followed for a short period of time, usually three to seven days. Basically, for every egg consumed, you eat a tablespoon of fat such as butter, mayonnaise, coconut or olive oil. You can also eat up to an ounce of cheese (full fat) per egg. While that might sound limiting to the palate, if you do a search on the topic in Pinterest, you will find many creative recipes other egg fasters have come up with that are actually pretty good. Think spices, extracts, and hot sauces for flavoring.

Is an Egg Fast Right for You?

Apparently it’s right for me–and many others. Both egg fasts and fat fasts are great for breaking a stall in weight loss. While I’ve lost weight on fat fasts (getting 80 percent of your food from fat), I found the going to be rough because I was hungry a lot. With the egg fast, I was more satisfied. My body does well on protein. (The farm girl genes, I think.)

Maybe the easier route is to tell you who shouldn’t do an egg fast. Obviously if you are allergic to eggs or dairy, this fast is not a good idea. And if you’re not a fan of eggs or cheese, I’d say pass this one up. If you have never eaten keto before, jumping headfirst into an egg fast is also not recommended. Try a simple keto plan for beginners instead. You’ll need help navigating what’s called “keto flu,” which isn’t an actual flu but it can feel like one! Admittedly, I never experienced this, and by following the advice of those who’ve gone before you, you can likely avoid this as well.

It’s probably a good time to mention here that I am not a medical professional or a nutritionist. Just a woman who has done research and has tried different foods and diets for weight loss. So I’m relating my experiences only, not dispensing medical advice.

Where to Find an Egg Fast Plan

While plans and information on egg fasting abound, I recommend the blog I Breathe I’m Hungry by food blogger Mellissa Sevigny. She explains the diet in more detail and offers an egg fast meal plan with shopping lists if you are interested. I’ve tried lots of good recipes from this blog, both egg fast and keto, so you’re in good hands with her. She has a knack for creating great recipes. In fact, her book Keto for Life is on my wish list.

As to her egg fast meal plan, I followed most of it as written and really liked the food. With recipes like Snickerdoodle Crepes and Salted Caramel Custard, I was plenty satisfied for the five full days and two transition days I was on the plan. The recipes were simple to prepare, and, as I said, delicious. I had my doubts about the simple lunch of mayo on a cream cheese pancake with a slice of cheese, but I really liked this, too!

Oh, and did I mention, I lost five pounds?

Basket of eggs next to begonias. — Eggs fashionably posed for a photo op. *Photo by Mike Moore.*

My Simple Egg Fast Chai

One thing I did differently was substituted my egg fast chai for the bulletproof coffee. (Incidentally, it’s one of my top searched posts, and for good reason. It’s easy and delicious!) I love it because the flavor reminds me of egg nog, though it’s nice and hot like a cup of coffee. Good any time of the year, really, and I’ve used it as a quick out-the-door breakfast. I had one this morning, and being nearly out of chai, I used this orange spice tea instead and liked it just as well! (Kroger has excellent teas in their Private Selection brand.)

So, basically, breakfast on the plan has been two eggs either fried or scrambled in butter and one egg fast chai. Very satisfying.

To Egg Fast or Not to Egg Fast?

So should you go on an egg fast for weight loss? Only you can determine that. Do your research online and check out various websites and recipes, including I Breathe I’m Hungry which also has more information on the subject. Maybe give it a test run–you can always abort the mission.

As for me, did I mention I’m doing another egg fast this week? So if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to get a string cheese from the fridge and think about supper in a couple of hours. Something with eggs, of course.