The Incredible, Edible Egg!

I love eggs and we go through about 2 ½ dozen every week (and there are only 2 of us!)  We buy them fresh from our farmer’s market and know where the chickens are from, and what they eat (and it's not GMO's!).  We used to purchase conventional eggs at the grocery store, and they can’t compare in the color or taste of cage free organic eggs.  The yolk is a deeper yellow and more solid than an over-processed egg.  There is actually flavor to eggs that haven’t been sitting in the cooler at the store for 3 months.  I don’t know how they call them fresh when it has been close to 6 months since they were on the farm.  The eggs we buy were laid earlier that week and there is a difference!

There is no difference between white or brown eggs that just depends on the type of chicken it comes from.  Eggs can be labeled all kinds of ways, but you really need the ones marked “Organic.”  It is more expensive to buy organic eggs (they are about $4.00 a dozen), but this is one of the situations when it’s really worth it.  When the hens are raised in the pasture their eggs have more Vitamin A, E, beta carotene, and more omega-3’s than commercial eggs.  And not just a little more of those nutrients, they have at least twice as much as their counterparts!   Organic eggs also have less cholesterol and less saturated fat than conventional eggs.  Not to mention they aren’t covered in pesticides or pumped full of hormones and antibiotics which many farmers give to hens to increase their production.  And when you really look at it $4.00 a dozen is much cheaper than quality beef, chicken or fish, and I can get 6 meals out of a dozen of eggs.  Or skip that overpriced latte in the morning and get a whole dozen eggs for the same price and eat those for a week!

My husband & I each have two scrambled eggs every morning and have for over year.  Eggs are full of protein and that keeps you full until lunch.  I don’t have to tell you how important breakfast is, do I?  When you have been sleeping all night your body needs nutrients to get up and going in the morning.  Don’t grab an empty calorie sugar laden donut, cook up 2 eggs!  It really doesn’t take any more time than pulling out some cereal and milk, and it will keep you fuller, longer!

When I have some extra time I will add all kinds of veggies to my eggs.  I like onions, red & green peppers and spinach or kale.  I know Carrie likes to sautee up mushrooms & tomatoes to add to hers.  I like to stir fry up some veggies at the beginning of the week and just add a scoop full when I prepare my eggs in the morning. 

It only takes 2 minutes.  I have a small skillet and put in a spoonful of coconut oil and let it melt.  I crack my eggs and top with sea salt & cracked pepper.  Flip them over and they are almost done.  You can also use butter, but please don’t use margarine or some other over processed product. 

·         Most of the nutrients in the eggs are found in the yolks, so don’t just prepare egg whites, you will be missing out!

·         Eggs don’t raise your cholesterol.  That’s a myth!  There is actually a protein in eggs that minimizes heart-attack risk by making sure your platelets don’t clump together.  Brian used to be on medication for high cholesterol.  He changed his eating habits added in 2 eggs every morning and he is now OFF his medication. 

·         Eggs provide the best source of choline, which plays a key role in your brain health and keeps your circulatory system running strong. 

·         Eggs are a great natural source of Vitamin D, which keeps your bones strong.  Get some sunshine and eat your eggs and you will double that amount!

·         The yolks prevent macular degeneration (a leading form of blindness).

Thick, Rich Organic Yolk on the Left
compared to a Weak, Pale, Conventional Yolk on the Right.