The Incredible, Edible Egg...and Your Waistline?
Don't come for my huevos. And I meant that on many, many levels.
Gather ‘round, gals! As the old jingle goes, “I love eggs, from my head down to my legs.” We’re talking EGGS today—yes, those little protein-packed orbs of morning glory that can be scrambled, poached, or fried to perfection. But (plot twist!) a new study is throwing a curveball at our breakfast plates, suggesting that egg consumption may be linked to weight gain in postmenopausal women. Say what now?! You gotta be kidding me. (cue lots of cuss words)
So, here’s the deal: Researchers found that women in their postmenopausal years who ate more eggs had a higher risk of weight gain over time. Now before you go side-eyeing your omelet, let’s crack open the facts.
Eggs: Friend or Foe?
Eggs have long been hailed as a nutritional powerhouse. They’re packed with protein, vitamins, and that golden yolk goodness (hello, choline and healthy fats!). But this study hints that women in midlife who consume eggs regularly may be more prone to weight gain, which is really chapping my hide.
Why? Well, postmenopausal bodies don’t metabolize food the same way they did in our 20s. Our hormone shifts mean our metabolism slows, insulin resistance can creep up, and muscle mass declines (unless we’re actively fighting against it—which we totally should be!). So, what once was a perfectly balanced breakfast may now be tipping the scale in unexpected ways.
Should We Ditch the Eggs?
Hell to the no! Well, not necessarily. This is where context matters. The study doesn’t say eggs cause weight gain, just that there’s an association. Could it be that women who eat more eggs also eat more bacon, toast, and other sneaky calories? Or that they have less physical activity? We don’t know.
But here’s what we DO know: ✔ Protein is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and satiety. ✔ Nutrient density matters. Eggs are loaded with good stuff our bodies need. ✔ Balance is key. A diet that includes eggs, plenty of fiber, and strength training is probably A-OK.
What’s a Midlife Queen to Do?
Instead of swearing off eggs forever (because let’s face it, I could never), let’s get strategic:
✅ Pair your eggs wisely. Load up on fiber (veggies, leafy greens) and healthy fats (avocado, olive oil). I love mine with a bed of arugula or asparagus.
✅ Watch the extras. Ditch the hash browns and opt for whole, unprocessed foods. ✅ Move that body! Strength training helps maintain metabolism and keep weight in check.
✅ Mix up your proteins. Try plant-based options like tofu, beans, and nuts to diversify your intake.
My Final Takeaway:
Eggs aren’t evil—I will die on that hill—but our bodies are changing, and our nutrition needs to change with them. The real culprit behind weight gain isn’t a single food—it’s the big picture of how we eat, move, and support our metabolic health. So enjoy your eggs, be mindful, and keep rocking midlife like the queen you are! 👑
What’s your go-to breakfast these days? Here’s one of my favorite egg recipes.
Oeufs Cocotte: The Effortlessly Chic French Breakfast You Need in Your Life
There’s something undeniably luxurious about a dish that feels fancy but requires minimal effort. Oeufs cocotte—French-style baked eggs—are exactly that. They’re elegant, creamy, endlessly customizable, and come together in less time than it takes to make a cup of good coffee.
I first fell in love with this dish on a crisp morning in Paris (or at least, I like to imagine I did. I was actually at home wearing sweats). It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re in a sunlit café, wrapped in the warmth of a slow morning, even if you’re just trying to get the kids out the door or sneaking in a few minutes of peace before your day explodes.
Ready to bring a little French flair to your breakfast (or brunch, or even dinner—no judgment here)? Let’s make some Oeufs Cocotte.
What You’ll Need:
(Serves 2, but can easily be doubled or adjusted)
2 large eggs
¼ cup heavy cream (I haven’t tried coconut cream but I would imagine it could work? I’m not Ina Garten.)
2 teaspoons butter (divided)
¼ cup grated cheese (Gruyère, Comté, or good Parmesan, aka not Kraft)
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but so worth it)
Fresh herbs (chives, thyme, or parsley—your call)
Crusty bread, for serving
How to Make It:
1. Prep Your Ramekins
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter two small ramekins generously (I got two Le Creuset ramekins at Homegoods for like $5). The butter isn’t just for preventing stickiness—it adds to that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. I mean… it’s BUTTER.
2. Build the Flavor
Pour 2 tablespoons of cream into each ramekin, then sprinkle in a little of the grated cheese. This creates a dreamy base for your eggs.
3. Crack & Season
Gently crack an egg into each ramekin, trying not to break the yolk (but if you do, don’t panic—it’ll still be delicious). Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg. Nutmeg sounds fancy, but trust me, it adds a subtle warmth that makes the dish even more addictive.
4. More Cheese, Please
Top with the remaining grated cheese. At this point, you could also add a tiny extra dab of butter—because, well, why not? Julia Child would be proud!
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This bain-marie (water bath) helps cook the eggs gently, giving them that ultra-silky texture.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the whites are just set but the yolks are still a little jiggly. Remember, they’ll keep cooking for a minute or two after you pull them out. I learned this the very hard way.
6. Finishing Touches
Sprinkle on some fresh herbs and serve immediately with warm, toasty bread for scooping. A drizzle of truffle oil or a pinch of flaky salt wouldn’t be out of place here either.
Why You’ll Love Oeufs Cocotte
No-fuss elegance – Minimal ingredients, maximum impact.
Endless variations – Add smoked salmon, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, or a dollop of crème fraîche.
Perfect for brunch (or a solo breakfast treat) – It looks fancy enough to impress guests, but it’s also quick enough for a weekday indulgence.
Serve it up, take a deep breath, and pretend you're sipping espresso in a cozy Parisian café. But wearing SWEATS! Bon appétit!
It pulled right up for me via google, BUT as a physician i have access to the entire article: here's the link!
https://www.mdedge.com/obgyn/article/271181/preventive-care/eggs-weighty-matter-postmenopausal-women
such a great post on our friends the eggs...glad we can still eat them! And, love a great recipe from our Cambridge gal, Julia!