The question of who created the egg diet has no single answer, as the term encompasses several different dietary fads with separate origins over many decades. What began as a bizarre, short-term cleanse in the mid-20th century has evolved into a viral online sensation, with different people popularizing various versions.
The Keto Egg Fast: A 21st-Century Online Phenomenon
Perhaps the most recognizable modern version is the Keto Egg Fast, which was developed by health blogger and former podcaster Jimmy Moore in 2010. Moore designed this plan to help individuals break through weight-loss plateaus while following a ketogenic diet.
Core Principles of Moore's Keto Egg Fast
Moore's plan is a highly structured, short-term program that relies on eggs, cheese, and butter to induce a state of ketosis. The main rules include:
- Consuming at least six whole eggs per day.
- Eating a tablespoon of butter or healthy fat per egg.
- Limiting intake of non-egg foods, though some versions allow a small amount of cheese.
- Following a strict eating schedule with no snacking.
- Restricting beverages to water, black coffee, or diet soda (though the latter is now often advised against).
The Keto Egg Fast is meant to be followed for only three to five days due to its restrictive nature. While it can trigger rapid weight loss by forcing the body into ketosis, most experts do not recommend it for long-term health or sustainable weight management.
The 1970s Wine and Egg Diet
Long before the internet and the ketogenic craze, a much wilder version of the egg diet gained traction. First appearing in Helen Gurley Brown's 1962 book Sex and the Single Girl, it was later featured in a 1977 issue of Vogue magazine, bringing it wider—and more ridiculous—attention. This diet promised fast weight loss through a highly unusual combination of foods.
The Bizarre Regimen
- Breakfast: One hard-boiled egg, a glass of dry white wine, and black coffee.
- Lunch: Two hard-boiled eggs, another glass of wine, and more coffee.
- Dinner: Steak, the rest of the bottle of wine, and coffee.
This diet was designed to last only three days. Modern health experts view this as extremely unhealthy and dangerous due to its high alcohol content, severe nutritional deficiencies, and lack of fiber. It is a prime example of an unsustainable and risky fad diet from a bygone era.
Modern Boiled Egg Diet Variations
Since the surge in popularity of low-carb and keto diets, simpler boiled egg diet versions have gained a following, particularly through social media and books. Unlike the Keto Egg Fast, these often do not require additional fats like butter and cheese but are still extremely restrictive.
Key Components of Modern Boiled Egg Diets
- Focus on lean protein: The primary food is hard-boiled eggs, supplemented with lean protein sources like chicken or fish.
- Non-starchy vegetables: Allowed foods include leafy greens, broccoli, and peppers.
- Limited fruit: Some plans permit small amounts of low-carb fruits like grapefruit or berries.
- No snacks or sugar: Most versions prohibit snacking and all forms of added sugar.
These diets typically last for one to two weeks and are popular for their promise of rapid weight loss due to the severe calorie restriction. However, the restrictive nature makes them unsustainable, and any weight lost is often quickly regained.
Comparison of Egg Diet Variations
To better illustrate the differences, consider the characteristics of the three main types of egg diets.
| Feature | Keto Egg Fast | 1970s Wine & Egg Diet | Modern Boiled Egg Diet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creator/Popularizer | Jimmy Moore (2010) | Helen Gurley Brown (1962, via Vogue 1977) | No single creator, popularized online |
| Core Components | Eggs, butter, cheese | Eggs, wine, coffee, steak | Boiled eggs, lean protein, non-starchy veggies |
| Duration | 3-5 days | 3 days | 1-2 weeks |
| Key Goal | Break weight-loss plateau via ketosis | Rapid, short-term weight loss | Rapid weight loss through calorie restriction |
| Nutritional Risks | Nutrient deficiencies, fatigue | Severe nutritional gaps, high alcohol intake | Lack of fiber, vitamins, and minerals |
| Sustainability | Very low, not intended for long-term use | Not at all sustainable | Very low, high risk of rebound weight gain |
The Verdict: No Single Creator for All Egg Diets
Ultimately, the varied history shows that no single individual created the entire concept of the egg diet. The idea of centering a diet around eggs has been independently developed and popularized multiple times in different forms, from magazine fads to online weight loss challenges. While the core appeal lies in the rapid weight loss potential, experts consistently warn about the health risks and unsustainable nature of these highly restrictive plans.
Conclusion
While different people created specific versions, the modern egg diet is a loosely defined trend, not a single, scientifically-backed program. The Keto Egg Fast by Jimmy Moore and the notorious wine and egg diet from the 1970s represent the most well-documented origins. For those considering an egg-centric diet, it is crucial to understand that these are extreme, short-term measures with significant downsides, including nutritional deficiencies, lack of energy, and a high likelihood of regaining weight. For a healthier, more sustainable approach to weight management, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian, who can help create a balanced eating plan that includes eggs in moderation rather than relying solely on them. The long-term health risks associated with highly restrictive diets far outweigh the promise of quick weight loss. Learn more about the specific risks of the Keto Egg Fast on Healthline.
