Author: Crystal Carrazco

We sat down with 2008 Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson to find out what’s behind her recipe for success.
Q: What’s your go-to breakfast?
A: I have 2 that I alternate. One is a gluten free piece of toast with a piece of vegan cheese, two fried eggs and avocado. The other is scrambled egg white with spinach, tomatoes and turkey bacon.
 
Q: We know a lot of athletes like yourself love eggs – in your opinion, why do you think that is?
A: Because eggs are such a healthy option that has high-quality protein. Athletes are always looking for food that’s healthy and something they can utilize in many different ways, because we have to eat such clean meals. There aren’t too many foods we can choose from and with eggs, there are a million different ways you can include them in your diet – it helps keep it interesting!
 
Q: Favorite moment from Rio?
A: Definitely watching the girls gymnastics team win the team medal. I thought that was really special being able to witness it and seeing them come together.
 
Q: What’s something surprising people wouldn’t know about training at your level?
A: With baseball, football and even swimming, most sports have an off-season or downtime. But with gymnastics we don’t at all. It’s 365 days a year your entire life – you don’t really have an off-time until you’re retired.
 
Q: Besides eggs, what’s your favorite meal to cook at home?
A: Besides eggs? I love eggs and cook them so much so this is a tough one! I would say, me and my husband make a good baked salmon and pair it with a baked sweet potato or grilled veggies. We keep it simple.
 
Q: Who’s the better cook – you or your husband?
A: I would say I’m the better cook, he’s the better grill master.
 
Q: What’s your favorite sport (other than gymnastics)?
A: Probably track and field. I used to run track, so it’s fun to watch now.
 
Q: What was your favorite part about growing up in Des Moines?
A: My favorite part about Des Moines is the small community aspect. My entire career and life I had this great community and support around me that really felt like family.
 
Q: We know you’re a talented athlete, any other hidden talents?
A: I love to bake! I love to bake cupcakes – I could spend like 8 hours baking and decorating cupcakes, I just love it.
 
Q: What’s your favorite emoji to use on social media?
A: My favorite emoji is either the monkey covering its eyes or the face with his eyes up.

We sat down with 2008 Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson to find out what’s behind her recipe for success.
Q: What’s your go-to breakfast?
A: I have 2 that I alternate. One is a gluten free piece of toast with a piece of vegan cheese, two fried eggs and avocado. The other is scrambled egg white with spinach, tomatoes and turkey bacon.
 
Q: We know a lot of athletes like yourself love eggs – in your opinion, why do you think that is?
A: Because eggs are such a healthy option that has high-quality protein. Athletes are always looking for food that’s healthy and something they can utilize in many different ways, because we have to eat such clean meals. There aren’t too many foods we can choose from and with eggs, there are a million different ways you can include them in your diet – it helps keep it interesting!
 
Q: Favorite moment from Rio?
A: Definitely watching the girls gymnastics team win the team medal. I thought that was really special being able to witness it and seeing them come together.
 
Q: What’s something surprising people wouldn’t know about training at your level?
A: With baseball, football and even swimming, most sports have an off-season or downtime. But with gymnastics we don’t at all. It’s 365 days a year your entire life – you don’t really have an off-time until you’re retired.
 
Q: Besides eggs, what’s your favorite meal to cook at home?
A: Besides eggs? I love eggs and cook them so much so this is a tough one! I would say, me and my husband make a good baked salmon and pair it with a baked sweet potato or grilled veggies. We keep it simple.
 
Q: Who’s the better cook – you or your husband?
A: I would say I’m the better cook, he’s the better grill master.
 
Q: What’s your favorite sport (other than gymnastics)?
A: Probably track and field. I used to run track, so it’s fun to watch now.
 
Q: What was your favorite part about growing up in Des Moines?
A: My favorite part about Des Moines is the small community aspect. My entire career and life I had this great community and support around me that really felt like family.
 
Q: We know you’re a talented athlete, any other hidden talents?
A: I love to bake! I love to bake cupcakes – I could spend like 8 hours baking and decorating cupcakes, I just love it.
 
Q: What’s your favorite emoji to use on social media?
A: My favorite emoji is either the monkey covering its eyes or the face with his eyes up.

We sat down with 2008 Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson to find out what’s behind her recipe for success.

Q: What’s your go-to breakfast?

A: I have 2 that I alternate. One is a gluten free piece of toast with a piece of vegan cheese, two fried eggs and avocado. The other is scrambled egg white with spinach, tomatoes and turkey bacon.

 

Q: We know a lot of athletes like yourself love eggs – in your opinion, why do you think that is?

A: Because eggs are such a healthy option that has high-quality protein. Athletes are always looking for food that’s healthy and something they can utilize in many different ways, because we have to eat such clean meals. There aren’t too many foods we can choose from and with eggs, there are a million different ways you can include them in your diet – it helps keep it interesting!

 

Q: Favorite moment from Rio?

A: Definitely watching the girls gymnastics team win the team medal. I thought that was really special being able to witness it and seeing them come together.

 

Q: What’s something surprising people wouldn’t know about training at your level?

A: With baseball, football and even swimming, most sports have an off-season or downtime. But with gymnastics we don’t at all. It’s 365 days a year your entire life – you don’t really have an off-time until you’re retired.

 

Q: Besides eggs, what’s your favorite meal to cook at home?

A: Besides eggs? I love eggs and cook them so much so this is a tough one! I would say, me and my husband make a good baked salmon and pair it with a baked sweet potato or grilled veggies. We keep it simple.

 

Q: Who’s the better cook – you or your husband?

A: I would say I’m the better cook, he’s the better grill master.

 

Q: What’s your favorite sport (other than gymnastics)?

A: Probably track and field. I used to run track, so it’s fun to watch now.

 

Q: What was your favorite part about growing up in Des Moines?

A: My favorite part about Des Moines is the small community aspect. My entire career and life I had this great community and support around me that really felt like family.

 

Q: We know you’re a talented athlete, any other hidden talents?

A: I love to bake! I love to bake cupcakes – I could spend like 8 hours baking and decorating cupcakes, I just love it.

 

Q: What’s your favorite emoji to use on social media?

A: My favorite emoji is either the monkey covering its eyes or the face with his eyes up.

Today we’re sharing a blog post from our partners from the Egg Nutrition Center by Executive Director Mitch Kanter, Ph.D.

In a recent article, Bill and Melinda Gates, co-chairs of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, highlighted the many reasons why they believe raising chickens can be a solution to poverty and malnutrition in developing countries,

“It’s pretty clear to me that just about anyone who’s living in extreme poverty is better off if they have chickens,” writes Gates.

He explains how raising chickens is an easy, inexpensive task that can have beneficial payoffs. Farmers can make money by selling chicks, and the eggs from hens can be nutritionally beneficial for children,

“Malnutrition kills more than 3.1 million children a year. Although eating more eggs – which are rich in protein and other nutrients – can help fight malnutrition…”

The high quality protein in an egg is second to none. For people in impoverished countries where sources of dietary protein are often unaffordable or unattainable, foods like eggs can literally be a life saver. Even in the U.S., where folks who live in food deserts may have trouble purchasing nutritious, high-quality protein foods, eggs provide an inexpensive, nutrient-dense solution.

It is laudable that the Gates Foundation recognizes and supports the role of eggs in the diet of people in need. For more information, you can access the full article here.

What makes a perfectly scrambled egg that much better? What tops off the best egg breakfast sandwiches? What makes a frittata extra special? Cheese, of course! We love a good egg and cheese combination, not just for the taste, but also because it’s a great way to add a little more protein to your meal.

If you’re a fan of the egg and cheese combo like we are, you’re in luck. Kraft is offering $1 off a carton of eggs when you buy any two Kraft Natural Cheese products (you can view details herehere). So add it to your grocery list and once you stock up, check out these cheesy recipes that are sure to please:

• Mini Breakfast Egg Tomato Spinach Flatbread Pizzas are delicious. Life is short: Start your day with pizza!
• Go south of the border with Easy Huevos Rancheros. We dig it when the yolk and the cheese ooze together. ¡Que delicioso!
• When we’re on the go, Microwave Egg Canadian Bacon and Cheese Muffin is our go-to. It takes two minutes to make and it takes less than two minutes for us to eat!
• Grilled cheese is a classic. We make ours the ultimate breakfast sandwich by adding scrambled eggs. The tomato and basil adds a flavor that will leave you satisfied.
• California Egg and Cheese Wrap is the next best thing to eating breakfast in California. This handheld breakfast is great when you’re eating on the run!

There are so many other winning egg and cheese combinations. From the different flavors of cheese, to the different styles of eggs, the possibilities are endless. Do you always say “cheese please?” If so, share with us your favorite recipes.

 

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Today many people like to honor Mexico’s win in the Battle of Puebla by eating a few south of the border inspired favorites. We do too and of course we like to start with breakfast to make sure we can celebrate Cinco de Mayo all day long!

There are several simple ways to spice up your breakfast, whether it’s adding your favorite salsa to an omelet, or creating a more authentic experience like Migas, a popular Mexican and Tex-Mex dish.

Adding scrambled eggs to your tacos can give you the best of breakfast with a Latin twist – just check out this breakfast taco recipe. We also love adding chorizo and peppers to make a fiesta frittata!

Don’t forget a Cinco de Mayo party is not complete without a sweet treat. Try your hand at flan, it’s easier than you think! Have a great day celebrating!

Easter might be over, but we’re still making good use of our new Easy-Peel Hard-Boiled Egg recipe. After all the egg festivities, it’s easy to forget how versatile hard-boiled eggs really are. Not only are they great for a grab-and go snack, they’re perfect for lunch or even a great add to dinner.

Something as simple as hard-boiling a dozen eggs over the weekend can easily upgrade your week. Eat one-a-day for a 70-calorie snack that helps you feel fuller longer, or add a few simple ingredients to make a full meal. Here are a few of our favorite recipes that show the versatility of hard-boiled eggs.

For Breakfast: Our Microwave Egg Ham Muffin will get you going in  three minutes flat. It’s a great mix of high-quality protein and complex carbs that gives you the right start in the morning.

For Lunch: We love Buzzfeed’s great recipe section.  It doesn’t get more delicious than Kale Salad with Eggs, Sweet Potato and Honey-Tahini Dressing and Warm White Bean and Kale salad in the Make-Ahead Healthy Lunches post. It’s easy meal prep, plus shows you exactly how to pack your lunch.

For Dinner: A bowl of Brussels Sprouts gets taken to the next level, thanks to hard-boiled eggs! Naturally, Ella’s Hard Boiled Egg and Brussels Sprout Bowl will be ready in less than 30 minutes and it can also be made-ahead. Pre-cooked hard-boiled eggs and your favorite grain and you’ll be ready to go.

And if you’re craving a snack…We shared on Instagram earlier, this easy and filling snack: Take half an avocado, smear your favorite hummus, then add a hard-boiled egg.

How do you eat hard-boiled eggs: do you keep it simple, or add a little egg-stra to other dishes?

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, more people live in urban areas than in rural America.  So for a lot of students, it’s nearly impossible to visit an actual working farm for a school field trip.  That is why Discovery Education will host a virtual field trip at Hertzfeld Poultry Farm on March 14^th.

Teachers, skip the task of collecting permission slips and rounding up chaperones.  Discovery will take your students to a new place without having to leave the classroom. Plus, students can submit questions in real time for an egg farmer to answer

The virtual farm field trip is a great opportunity for students to see where their scrambled eggs come from, with a unique focus on sustainability.  The egg industry has embraced technology to use fewer natural resources to feed the country.  In fact, compared to 50 years ago, egg farmers today use 32% less water and half the amount of feed to produce a dozen eggs.  This segment will show students how technology has improved the egg’s journey from farm to table.

Make sure to register here, and we’ll see you in the classroom on the 14^th!

Dear Breakfast Food,

On Valentine’s Day, we’d like to thank you for being so wonderful. Burgers are fun, Pizza is exciting, but we love you most of all.

We love the effort it takes to make a delicious Eggs Benedict, with zesty Hollandaise, savory Canadian bacon and of course a perfectly poached egg. We love a simple pancake topped with maple syrup and sweet berries. We love crepes, the delicate sister of the pancake. Thin and versatile, you are perfect for Sunday mornings. We love to scramble some eggs, smear some cream cheese and slice salmon to make the ultimate bagels and lox. We even love you on the run – there’s always time for eggs with legs.

You are the best, and one of most nutritious gifts we could ever imagine. To wake up February 14^th with a platter of eggs on our plate is the only thing we will need.  It’s sweeter than a box of chocolates. It is more beautiful than a bouquet of flowers. The memory of someone waking up to make a special meal to start the day lasts longer than any piece of jewelry could. Thank you for being you, breakfast food.

Love,

Incredible Eggs

If you’ve read about the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recently, you know there’s good news when it comes to eating eggs – no limit to daily cholesterol. A recommendation that’s consistent with groups like the American Heart Association and other countries around the world.

According to the results of the Guidelines, eggs are affordable, accessible, nutrient-rich sources of high-quality protein that can help Americans build healthful diets. In fact, the guidelines provided three recommended dietary patterns to follow, each of which includes eggs: Healthy American, Vegetarian, and Mediterranean Diets Here’s a look at each one and the role that eggs can play within them:

Mediterranean Diet: Heavier on protein and veggies, eggs mix well with plenty of dishes. A frittata loaded with spinach, broccoli and peppers is a great way to get in a serving of vegetables and high-quality protein to start the morning. A dish like Shashuka, with origins from the Mediterranean, can make a simple and filling dinner.

Healthy American: This diet consists mostly of fruits and vegetables along with dairy, grain and protein. Fit in a serving of colorful vegetables and protein with our Broccoli Quiche in Colorful Peppers .

Vegetarian: A recent survey conducted by the Egg Nutrition Center suggests 82 percent of consumers may not think eggs are part of a plant-based diet.[i] However, “plant-based” doesn’t mean only plants. It can include protein sources like eggs, too. We have plenty of options to mix up your vegetarian diet, check out our Meatless Collection for inspiration.

What meal plans do you follow, and what’s your favorite egg dish? Post in comments below!

[i] Google Survey conducted online for the Egg Nutrition Center. Survey. Surveyed 1,500 general population respondents in November 2015.  Overall sampling error is +/-3% at the 95% rate of confidence.