GLP-1 Friendly Foods: Why Eggs Fit the Shift Toward Smaller, Protein-Packed Meals

Smaller Portions, Bigger Nutrition: GLP-1 Eating and The Power of Eggs

About one in eight adults in the United States have used a GLP-1 drug at some point and approximately six percent of adults are currently on the prescription. GLP-1’s, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are changing how many people eat. They were originally created to help treat type 2 diabetes but are now also being used as a weight management drug. With people now eating less, food and beverage companies are looking for ways to provide more nutrition in just one bite. No longer just focusing on calories. This is where eggs, including white eggs, naturally align with the GLP-1 consumer shift, providing a large amount of nutrients including, protein, healthy fats, Vitamin B, Vitamin D, and more. Many people are now seeking GLP-1 friendly foods, high-protein small meals, and nutrient-dense foods to align with these new eating patterns. If you are looking for GLP-1 friendly foods, high-protein small meals, and nutrient-dense foods, here are some packing tips for choosing options that support the GLP-1 lifestyle.

The GLP-1 Shift in Consumer Eating Habits

Consumers on the GLP-1 drug are facing challenges, as their appetite reduces. GLP-1 receptors help slow down how quickly your stomach empties, making you feel full for a longer amount of time. Sending signals to your brain that you’re satisfied. Without an appetite consumers have been finding it difficult to meet the nutritional requirements, rising concerns about maintaining muscle mass during weight loss.

Without strength training or consuming enough protein, GLP-1 drugs are reducing more than just your weight, they are reducing muscle mass as well. It is important to try and not to lose muscle mass while on your weight loss journey since it is a metabolically active tissue that uses calories, your goal should be to keep as much of it as possible. Consumers who have stopped using the drug are now looking for ways to sustain their weight loss, adopting GLP-1 inspired eating patterns focused on portion control, fiber, and high protein intake. Attempting to have adequate nutrition on a calorie-reduced diet with digestive support and muscle mass maintenance.

What does GLP-1 Friendly Foods Really Mean

GLP-1 friendly foods in simple terms means foods that are high in protein and fiber. In general, making sure there are nutritionally packed foods when on the GLP-1 drug. It is recommended to reach for foods like:

  • Fruits and vegetables like leafy greens, apples, and tomatoes
  • Lean protein sources like eggs, fish, chicken, tofu and beans
  • Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and farro

Two nutrients that is important to keep in mind are protein and fiber, as mentioned previously. Protein helps with ensuring that you lose fat instead of muscle. Fiber helps to make sure that you avoid side effects like constipation.

There are some recommended foods to avoid as well. In general, it is recommended to try to avoid:

  • Spicy foods like hot sauce and hot peppers
  • Sources of added sugar like juice, soda, candy, and desserts
  • Refined carbs like white bread, crackers, and white rice
  • Processed food like packaged snacks
  • High-fat foods like pizza and fried chicken
  • Spicy foods like hot sauce and hot peppers

The Retail and Foodservice Opportunity

TThe use of the GLP-1 is expanding beyond diabetes management, gaining the attention of food and beverage industry. Once people realized the weight-loss benefit of these drugs, they grew in demand. Large companies are now jumping on the GLP-1 bandwagon, with some companies revealing an entirely new line of GLP-1 friendly foods. While others are adjusting their product lines to include items with high protein and fiber content, as well as, creating healthier options in smaller portion sizes.

There has also been discussion about adding badges to GLP-friendly meals. Some companies are planning to implement it. Although it is important to remember that sometimes these premade meals tend to be high in sodium, so even if they are portion controlled you can end up consuming more sodium that what is recommended as healthy.

Companies are overall trying to include fiber and protein in their meals since this is one of the concerns many users and past users of the GLP-1 drug are in need of. With wholesale eggs being a great option to add protein to meals.

Why White Eggs Fit into the GLP-1 Eating Model

TEggs are a nutrient rich food that can be incorporated into meals seamlessly. They are high in protein which can help people stay full longer, potentially decreasing overall calorie intake. It is recommended to consume two eggs with a meal to provide 12 grams of protein to assist with muscle maintenance. Eggs are also highly digestible, affordable, and an excellent source of amino acids.

One large white egg contains the following:

  • Calories: 72
  • Protien: 6 grams (g)
  • Saturated fat: 1.5 g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: less than 1g
  • Choline: 27% of the daily value
  • Selenium: 28% of the daily value
  • Vitamin B12: 21% of the daily value
  • Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 16% of the daily value
  • Vitamin D: 6% of daily value
  • Iron: 5% of daily value

Eggs can also be purchased wholesale from a wholesale egg supplier.

GLP-1 Friendly Egg Menu Ideas

Egg and Veggie Muffins | Servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of lightly packed baby spinach
  • ¾ cup of finely diced red bell pepper
  • ¾ cup of finely diced green bell pepper
  • ¾ cup of quartered cherry tomatoes
  • 6 large white eggs
  • 4 large egg whites
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ teaspoon of dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano
  • Pinch ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

Bake for 24 to 28 minutes, until the egg muffins are set. Let cool for a few minutes and then run a butter knife around the edges of each muffin to loosen it. Remove them from the pan and enjoy immediately or let cool on a wire rack and refrigerate or freeze for later.

Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a standard 12 cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.

Divide the spinach, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and tomatoes among the cups.

In a large bowl or large measuring cup with a spout, briskly whisk together the egg whites, salt, basil, oregano, and pepper until well combined.

Carefully fill each muffin cup three-quarters of the way to the top with the egg mixture. Sprinkle the feta evenly over the tops of the cups.

Avocado Egg Salad Toast | Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  • 4 large white eggs
  • 1 large avocado
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or plain yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives, parsley, or dill
  • Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

Stir in the celery and chives, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Place the eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 to 2 inches, heat over high heat until the water comes to a rolling boil.

Cover the saucepan with a lid, cook for 30 seconds, then remove from the heat and let stand for 12 minutes.

Transfer the cooked eggs to a bowl of ice water using the slotted spoon and leave for 5 minutes.

Mash the avocado, mayonnaise (or yogurt), and lemon juice in the bottom of a medium bowl.

Peel and chop your hard-boiled eggs, and then add them to the bowl.

Egg Drop Soup with Vegetables | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of chick stock or broth
  • 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 3 cups other vegetables, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 2 large green onions, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil

Steps:

Stir in chopped spinach to wilt, around 1 minute. Add chopped green onions. Add sesame oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Bring broth to boil in a medium to large pot. Add carrots and ginger. Lower heat to medium and simmer for about 2 minutes.

Cook other vegetables for 2-3 minutes just until tender.

Add cornstarch slurry to the simmering broth. Stir 30 seconds. Broth will thicken slightly.

Stir simmering broth in a circular motion and slowly pour in beaten eggs in a steady stream while continuing to stir. Eggs will become feathery. Turn off heat.

Why Eggs Unlimited?

As one of the largest egg producers in the U.S., Eggs Unlimited is well equipped to face any challenge. That includes increasing demand for eggs, issues with a specific farm, and challenges across the supply chain. As customers explore their egg options, our knowledge, resources, and experience can help them make smart, cost-effective choices. 

At Eggs Unlimited, we partner with farmers and suppliers that care about their animals and the environment. We’re proud to work with farmers who follow robust environmental and ethical practices. Plus, with our global reach, we can take on any challenge for customers all around the world. We always have a way to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. 

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Call: 888-554-3977

eusales@eggsunlimited.com