It also depends on what you want to gain from your breakfast meal. If you're looking to boost muscle gain and weight loss, go for the eggs, but if it is convenience and satiety you're chasing, you may want to opt for that bowl of breakfast bowl.
The study, by researchers in Boston, shows that we should be starting our day with a big bowl of cheerios - as they're a healthier option than protein-based meals such as eggs. Huh? If you're as baffled as us - here's how they came to their conclusion.
That matters, because if you're weighing the choice of eating eggs or cereal for breakfast, most cereals are very high in carbohydrates. However, as the USDA notes, a single boiled or poached egg has about 12.5 grams of protein and 9.4 grams of fat, and less than 1 gram of carbohydrate.
Pack a bowl with cooked whole grains (like farro, quinoa, rice, barley), roasted vegetables, greens, legumes. Top the grain bowl with an egg or some shredded chicken if you want and you're good to go.
According to USDA, a breakfast with 2 medium eggs will yield approximately 13g Protein and 1.1g Carbs whereas a bowl of oatmeal will give you 2.4 g Protein and 12g Carbs. So if Protein is your priority for breakfast then the clear choice is Eggs.
A number of studies suggest that about one egg a day has no adverse effect on health outcomes. A study in my lab found that eating two eggs daily for six weeks also had no harmful effects in healthy adults, and we are even seeing similar results in people with high cholesterol.
Th Bottom Line. Eggs are an affordable and super-nutritious protein, and can provide some health benefits if you enjoy them every day. They are packed with protein, vitamins and nutrients that help you feel full and fueled for whatever your day holds.
“Scrambled eggs are less processed than a diet cereal and have important nutrients such as choline for brain [health],” says Thomas. “Eggs are one of the most complete sources of protein nature has to offer.”
Oatmeal + fruit + nut butter.
The best breakfasts have carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and fiber. In this combo, the oatmeal gives you complex carbs and fiber, keeps your blood sugar under control, and helps maintain an ideal balance of bacteria in your gut. The nut butter adds protein and healthy fats.
Eggs naturally became a breakfast staple because chickens and most other birds lay their eggs in the morning, and it made sense for farmers to eat the eggs at their freshest. As discussed earlier, breakfast began as a meal for menial workers, meaning it was mostly farmers and laborers eating breakfast anyway.
Throughout its history, breakfast has been the domain of the worker. Those who could afford to eat more lavishly, later in the day, often did. Workers needed protein and fat— slow-metabolizing energy sources—to get them through the day, and eggs provided a cheaper alternative to meat.
Eggs are a superfood rich in nutrients that can provide many health benefits including improved muscle growth and repair and weight management. They also have immune system support and enhanced brain function. They are also good for your heart and bone health.
Weet-Bix is a good source of B vitamins including B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin) for energy, as part of a balanced diet. Weet-Bix is high in folate! This B vitamin helps support healthy blood cells and immune system, fights fatigue and maintains a healthy mind, in combination with a balanced diet.
Cottage cheese, chia-seed pudding, and congee are just a handful of breakfast options that may not be your traditional first choice for breakfast but are (arguably) better for you than an overcooked plate of lifeless scrambled eggs.
Wholegrain toast with peanut butter, or avocado and tomato or baked beans. Porridge with fresh fruit. Fresh fruit, muesli and yoghurt. Wholegrain cereals with reduced fat milk.
A balanced breakfast can be a mix of carbohydrates, fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals. These can be found in many foods and one can pick different breakfast food groups namely cereals, fruit/vegetable and dairy. One serving from each of these good groups can provide a good start to the day.
For example, eggs typically are eaten with other foods high in salt, saturated fat and cholesterol, such as bacon, cheese and butter. These foods are known to increase heart disease risk and should be eaten sparingly. Most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week without affecting their heart health.
Eating eggs leads to elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as the “good” cholesterol. People who have higher HDL levels have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke and other health issues. According to one study, eating two eggs a day for six weeks increased HDL levels by 10%.
A Nutritionally Balanced Pair
Eggs provide a source of protein and fat, while toast is a source of complex carbohydrates. Together, this triple whammy offers good nutrient diversity, which is fundamental for a healthy breakfast that keeps you full for longer.
The American Heart Association recommends up to one egg a day for most people, fewer for people with high blood cholesterol, especially those with diabetes or who are at risk for heart failure, and up to two eggs a day for older people with normal cholesterol levels and who eat a healthy diet.
Two eggs give you 12 grams of hunger-satisfying protein. Although 2 eggs does not complete your daily protein needs, it's a great start. Eating two eggs in the morning ensures you are on the right track to hit your protein consumption goal by the end of the day.