Golden Glow Sunday
Egg-cellent adventures…where to find them.. egg alternatives..are they healthy?
Welcome back to another golden Sunday where I dive into all things radiant, restorative, and healthy. Today, I am tackling a topic that's been scrambling (pun intended!) our minds lately: eggs! From their incredible nutritional profile to the great cholesterol debate, and even what to reach for when you want a break or cannot find the incredible edible, I’ve got you covered.
The Great Egg Hunt: Where Did They All Go?
Let's face it, finding eggs lately has felt a bit like a treasure hunt!
But fear not glow-seekers, I have answers for you!
Here are some tips to help you in your search:
Farmers' Markets: These local gems often have a steady supply of fresh, farm-raised eggs. Plus, you're supporting your community!
Local Farms: Check out nearby farms that sell directly to consumers. Often these farms have a more stable supply.
Smaller Grocery Stores: Sometimes, smaller, independent grocery stores have eggs when larger chains are sold out.
Consider Alternatives (for now): While eggs are fantastic, there are other protein-rich options to explore. (More on that later!)
The Egg-straordinary Benefits: Why Eggs Are a Golden Ticket to Health
Eggs are like tiny powerhouses packed with nutrients that contribute to your radiant glow! Here's why they deserve a spot on your Golden Goddess Plate:
Protein Powerhouse: Eggs are a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids your body needs and are essential for building and repairing tissue. They're a must-have for strong muscles and glowing skin.
Rich in Vitamins: They are rich in vitamin B12, riboflavin and vitamin D. These are crucial for energy production, cell growth, immune health and bone density.
Choline: Neither a mineral nor a vitamin, this compound is an essential nutrient, meaning it's required for basic health functions. It's essential for brain health, memory, liver function and your nervous system. Eggs are a top source!
Lutein & Zeaxanthin: These antioxidants are fantastic for eye health, protecting your peepers from age-related macular degeneration.
Cracking the Cholesterol Myth: Friend, Not Foe!
But here's the sunny side: high cholesterol numbers that you read on food labels don’t necessarily convert into a high blood cholesterol count.
Most of the cholesterol in your blood is produced by your liver, not from the cholesterol you eat. If you have elevated cholesterol levels, it is due to your liver function. Your liver produces cholesterol daily and the amount produced adjusts according to your dietary intake. If you consume a lot of cholesterol from food, your liver will produce less. If you do not consume cholesterol, your liver will produce more.
Eggs contain healthy fats, specifically monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that can actually improve your cholesterol numbers.
Egg-cellent Alternatives: When You Want a Change
Maybe you're unsure if it's safe to eat eggs right now, the high prices have you looking for alternatives, you're vegan or want to switch things up. There's been an increase in plant-based egg alternatives. But, as we say, glow-getters, being a label detective is imperative!
Let's take a closer look.
While these alternatives can be convenient, it's essential to scrutinize their ingredient lists. Unfortunately, what may seem healthy isn't. You may be surprised by what you find!
Take, for example, one of the most popular egg replacements, "Just Egg." While it boasts plant-based protein, it also contains ingredients like:
Canola Oil: While some canola oil is fine, processed canola oil can be inflammatory.
Mung Bean Protein Isolate: A good protein source, but isolates are often highly processed.
Potassium Citrate: As many of you know, and as I covered in my previous post, Are You Feeling Sick But Doing Everything Right?, citrate is derived from citric acid, which is produced from black mold. This can be a concern for those with mold sensitivities, autoimmune conditions, and impaired immune systems.
Sugar: Added sugar is something we always want to watch. Reminder: 1 teaspoon of sugar equals 4 grams of sugar. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to no more than 9 teaspoons a day (36 grams).
Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate: This additive is used as a thickener and emulsifier. Studies show it can lead to skin rashes, visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and depletion of minerals in large quantities. Long-term side effects include: toxin build-up, and kidney damage.
The point here isn't to demonize these products, but to encourage you to be a label detective so you know what's going into your body and possible side effects. Many of these ingredients are highly processed, and can contribute to chronic inflammation and even trigger sensitivities for some.
Egg-cellent Alternatives: When You Want a Change-Up
Sometimes, you might want to switch things up. Here are some delicious and nutritious alternatives to eggs:
Greek Yogurt: Packed with protein and probiotics, it's a creamy and satisfying option.
Tofu Scramble: A plant-based powerhouse that mimics the texture of scrambled eggs. Season it with turmeric for a golden hue!
Minimalist Baker’s Southwest Tofu Scramble Chia Seed Pudding: High in fiber, omega-3s, and protein, it's a delightful and easy breakfast or snack.
Oatmeal with Nuts and Seeds: A warm and comforting option that provides sustained energy, healthy fat and fiber.
Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and beans are fantastic sources of protein and fiber.
Nourishing Tip:
Remember, the Golden Goddess Plate is the key to achieving that radiant glow. Incorporate a variety of whole foods, including eggs (when you can find them!), to heal your body from the inside out.
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Supplement of the Week
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home!
As you may know, I'm passionate about researching quality supplements before recommending them to friends and clients. This week's Supplement Spotlight is on Biopure ZeoBind®.
We're constantly exposed to toxins – from everyday cooking with aluminum foil to plastics in our water. Zeolite helps support our body's natural drainage by binding to these toxins in the GI tract, especially important so they do not get recirculated back into the body. It's a key part of my golden glow routine for supporting immune and gut health!
