Why are Kenyans eating six boiled eggs daily to lose weight and is it safe?

Losing weight is not a walk in the park though a literal walk in the park will help drop that weight fast. Many look for shortcuts or "easier" ways to lose the extra kilos which explains the rise of fad diets.

On X, Kenyans seeking to be lighter when they step on a weighing scale have latched on to one particular diet that was posted earlier in the month by a user who promised that people would shed off the weight without even doing one jumping jack.

The diet combines six boiled eggs, avocado and cucumber which the user said has to be eaten daily. For the clincher, she said that the diet helped her lose weight in just two weeks.

"The purpose of this diet is to avoid sugar and calories which makes it harder to break down fast when insulin is high, break down of fats becomes harder," said Nelimahh. 

“I have lost general body weight. I am sure before I get to one month there will a huge difference,” said Nelimahh.

This was all that Kenyans needed to hear. Her post, published on January 25, 2025, has over 500 RTs, 170 comments, and 5,000 Likes and has been bookmarked over 1,000 times.

The next day, she went ahead and posted pictures of her taken days apart to show the difference and while many comments were making fun of the diet, the majority were interested.

Some said the diet will make them get breakouts on their skin because of excessive eggs.

Others said the diet is a keto diet for those who want to try because it forces the body to undergo ketosis.

On the other hand, other Kenyans questioned the diet. “Why put yourself through this?” “Why are you eating 5+ eggs in one sitting?” “One egg makes me fart all day. Now 6?”

But, is this healthy?

According to Kepha Tai - a nutritionist, the combination of eggs, cucumber and avocado can promote weight loss for several reasons because each food plays a unique role in creating a calorie deficit, keeping you full and nourished.

“Eggs are rich in protein and are believed to increase satiety and this decreases the overall calorie consumption. Avocados contain monounsaturated fats that are good for the heart and also help one reach satiety easily. Cucumbers, on the other hand, are low-calorie vegetables that are rich in water and are ideal for use in a weight-loss diet. This combination of healthy fats and proteins makes a great pair for controlling hunger,” he noted.

Kepha said that to lose weight, one has to consume fewer calories than the number of calories one burns - this is what is referred to as a caloric deficit. The boiled egg, cucumber, and avocado trio make this easier by providing a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal that is low in calories and high in satiety. When you feel full, you’re less likely to snack on unhealthy, calorie-dense foods.

For example, a typical serving of this combination might look like:

• 2 boiled eggs: 140 calories
• 1/2 avocado: 120 calories
• 1 cup of sliced cucumber: 16 calories

This makes it 276 calories for a meal that contains protein, fat, and fibre, which makes you feel full without having to eat more.

He went ahead and provided evidence-based weight loss tips which include;

• Portion Control Matters: even such healthy foods as avocados may cause a calorie overload. Do not take more than half an avocado per meal.

• Variety: although these three foods are healthy, there are vegetables, proteins, grains and fruits that are also part of the balanced diet.

• Exercise: this increases your basal metabolic rate and aids in preventing muscle loss when you are on a weight reduction plan. It is recommended to include both cardiovascular and strength training exercises

“Although the combination has its advantages, an individual should not solely depend on three foods since they may not be able to get other important nutrients such as calcium, iron and vitamin C. 

In addition, no combination can replace the benefits of a well-rounded, balanced diet and regular exercise, Kepha emphasized.

For sustainable weight loss, focus on long-term dietary habits and lifestyle changes rather than short-term fixes.

Weight loss is not about starvation, but about making positive changes in your life that will help you lose weight.