
The egg fast stands as a short-term, high-fat, very-low-carb eating plan. It helps low-carb and keto dieters push past weight-loss stalls while sparking fast fat burning. Lasting 3–5 days, it builds on simple foods: eggs, fats, and cheese. When you follow it right, it can boost fat burning for a time, cut cravings, and ease the shift back to a long-term low-carb plan.
This guide shows you how the egg fast works. It explains the key rules and lists ten easy, tasty recipes to make your fast both fun and effective.
What Is an Egg Fast and Why Do People Use It?
An egg fast is a short-term, tight form of a ketogenic diet. In this fast you mostly eat these items:
- Eggs (your main source of protein and fat)
- Full-fat cheese
- Healthy fats (butter, ghee, olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, etc.)
Main goals of an egg fast
- Break stops in weight loss on keto or low-carb diets
- Cut cravings for sugar and refined carbs
- Reset your appetite while keeping your meals simple
- Boost fat burning by limiting carbs
The egg fast is not planned for long-term use. It is a strict short-term step used for a few days. Then you soon move back to regular low-carb eating.
Basic Egg Fast Rules (Read This Before You Start)
Most follow a similar plan with small changes. Here is a common set of rules:
-
Eat eggs as your main protein and fat source.
Try to have at least 6 whole eggs in one day. -
Match every egg with 1 tablespoon of fat.
Use butter, ghee, mayonnaise, coconut oil, or another healthy fat. -
Have up to 1 ounce of full-fat cheese per egg (optional).
Many plans limit cheese to about 4–6 oz daily so you do not stall. -
Eat an egg-based meal every 3–5 hours.
Do not skip meals; eat even if you feel only a little hungry. -
Stop eating 3 hours before you go to bed.
This rule aids digestion and may help you sleep better. -
Keep carbs low aside from eggs, cheese, and small condiments.
Avoid bread, fruit, grains, sugar, and most vegetables during the egg fast. -
Drink plenty of water.
Water, black coffee, or unsweetened tea work well. Use salt and electrolytes when needed to cut headaches and fatigue.
If you have health issues (especially with kidneys, liver, cholesterol, or diabetes), talk with a healthcare worker before you try this tight plan (source: Harvard T.H. Chan – Nutrition Source).
How Long Should You Follow an Egg Fast?
Common time frames include:
- 3 days: A fast reset that shows how you feel.
- 5 days: The most popular length; many report clear changes.
- Up to 7 days: Some experienced dieters try longer fasts. However, going past a week may lead to missing key nutrients and too much sameness.
Do not use an egg fast for more than 7 days. When you finish, move back to a balanced low-carb or ketogenic plan that has non-starchy vegetables and many proteins and fats.
Ten Easy Egg Fast Recipes for Rapid Fat Loss
Each recipe follows the egg fast rules (eggs + fat + optional cheese). They are simple, quick, and let you adjust portion sizes to fit your hunger and time.
Feel free to mix these recipes into your own 3–5 day egg fast plan.
1. Classic Butter Scrambled Eggs
A basic egg fast meal you can make in minutes.
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons butter (or 2 butter + 1 mayo, if you like)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Heat the butter in a nonstick pan on medium-low heat.
- Pour in the eggs and stir gently with a spatula until they are just set and creamy.
- Serve right away. You may top them with a tablespoon of mayonnaise for extra creaminess if you wish.
This meal gives you fat and protein in a simple way and helps keep you full.
2. Cheesy Omelet with Herb Butter
This dish adds variety with cheese and herbs while still following egg fast rules.
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2–3 oz full-fat cheese, shredded
- Optional: a pinch of dried chives, parsley, or Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Beat the eggs with salt, pepper, and herbs (if you choose to use them).
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Pour the eggs in and tilt the pan so they spread thinly.
- When the edges start firming, add the cheese to one side.
- Fold the omelet over the cheese and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Spoon the last tablespoon of butter on top before you serve.
You can swap the herbs or cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, gouda) to keep things new.
3. Egg Fast “Egg Salad” Cups
Great for meal prep or on-the-go lunches during your egg fast.
Ingredients (2 servings):
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
- 6 tablespoons mayonnaise (or 3 mayo + 3 softened butter)
- 2 oz shredded cheese (optional)
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika or mustard powder
Instructions:
- Chop the hard-boiled eggs roughly.
- In a bowl, mix the mayo (and/or butter), salt, pepper, and seasonings.
- Fold the eggs and cheese into the mix.
- If you like it cold, chill for 30 minutes.
- Divide into two parts; eat one now and save one for later.
You can eat these cups with a spoon or spread them on a slice of a cold egg loaf (see recipe #7).
4. Crispy Fried Eggs in Ghee
This recipe brings texture and crisp edges for a change.
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons ghee or clarified butter
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Warm the ghee in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Crack the eggs in the pan and drop the heat a bit.
- Cook until the white parts are firm and the edges turn crispy and brown.
- For runny yolks, spoon a little hot ghee over the tops.
- Add salt and pepper before you serve.
You may flip them for an “over-easy” or “over-medium” result.
5. Egg Fast “Faux Alfredo” Scramble
This rich, creamy scramble gives the feel of pasta Alfredo without the pasta.
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or extra butter/mayo (skip cream if you limit dairy beyond cheese)
- 2 oz grated Parmesan or another hard cheese
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
Instructions:
- Whisk the eggs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
- Pour in the eggs and stir slowly until almost set.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the Parmesan and cream (or extra butter).
- Check and adjust the seasoning before serving.
This dish feels rich while still meeting the egg fast rules.

6. Deviled Egg Boats (Egg Fast Style)
These boats work as a snack or meal and add variety to hard-boiled eggs.
Ingredients (2 servings):
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
- 4–6 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 2 oz shredded cheese (optional, mix into the yolk filling)
- Salt, pepper, and paprika
Instructions:
- Cut the eggs in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks into a bowl.
- Mash the yolks with mayo, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- If you like, mix in the cheese.
- Spoon or pipe the mix back into the egg whites.
- Lightly dust with paprika.
Eat 3 halves (or more according to your egg count) per meal. These last up to 2–3 days in the fridge.
7. Savory Egg Loaf for Toast-Like Slices
The egg loaf offers slices that feel like toast but are fully egg fast approved.
Ingredients (4 servings):
- 8 eggs
- 8 tablespoons melted butter
- 4 oz cream cheese or shredded cheese
- Optional: ½ teaspoon baking powder and a pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small loaf pan or line it with parchment.
- Blend the eggs, melted butter, cheese, and salt (and baking powder if using) until smooth.
- Pour the mix into the pan.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Let it cool a bit, then slice.
You can fry slices in butter to serve as “toast” or top them with egg salad or a fried egg. Just keep track of the egg and fat per slice.
8. Egg Fast “Latte” (Hot Egg Coffee)
This drink mixes hot coffee, eggs, and fat for a filling and warm meal alternative.
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1 cup hot coffee
- 1 whole egg or 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or more butter (optional)
- Sweetener only if your plan allows it (many stick to no sweeteners)
Instructions:
- In a blender, mix the hot coffee, egg (or yolks), and butter.
- Blend first on low then on high for 20–30 seconds until the mix turns frothy.
- Taste and add extra fat if needed.
This latte can count as a meal if you record the egg and butter in your daily intake. Always blend well so the egg cooks a bit in the hot coffee and blends smoothly.
9. Baked Egg and Cheese Cups
These cups are great for busy mornings and can be made in a batch.
Ingredients (4 servings):
- 8 eggs
- 8 tablespoons melted butter
- 4–6 oz shredded cheese
- Salt, pepper, and dry herbs if you like
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or use silicone liners.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the melted butter, salt, and pepper.
- Put cheese evenly in each muffin cup.
- Fill each cup about ¾ full with the egg mix.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until set.
- Let them cool a bit and remove from the pan.
Cut these cups into portions so each gives you the proper eggs and fat. Leftovers last up to 3 days in the fridge.
10. Simple Poached Eggs with Browned Butter
This meal offers soft poached eggs and rich browned butter for extra taste.
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (for the poaching water)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, warm water to a gentle simmer. Add the vinegar.
- Crack each egg into a small cup and slide gently into the water.
- Poach for 3–4 minutes until the whites are firm and yolks remain soft.
- Meanwhile, heat the butter in a pan over medium heat. Let it turn golden and give off a nutty scent (watch carefully).
- Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon, drain them, and plate.
- Drizzle the browned butter on top, add salt and pepper, and serve.
Poached eggs are light on the stomach and help break the monotony.
Sample 3-Day Egg Fast Meal Plan
Below is one way to arrange your recipes into a 3-day plan. Adjust the servings as you need.
Day 1
- Breakfast: Classic Butter Scrambled Eggs (3 eggs, 3 tbsp butter)
- Lunch: Egg Salad Cups (from 3 eggs)
- Snack (if needed): Deviled Egg Boats (2–3 halves)
- Dinner: Cheesy Omelet with Herb Butter (3 eggs, cheese, 3 tbsp butter)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Egg Fast “Latte” + 1 hard-boiled egg with butter
- Lunch: Baked Egg and Cheese Cups (about 3 eggs)
- Snack: Crispy Fried Eggs in Ghee (2 eggs, 2 tbsp ghee)
- Dinner: A slice of Savory Egg Loaf with egg salad on top
Day 3
- Breakfast: Poached Eggs with Browned Butter (3 eggs, 3 tbsp butter)
- Lunch: Faux Alfredo Scramble (3 eggs, Parmesan, butter)
- Snack: Deviled Egg Boats or extra boiled eggs with mayo
- Dinner: Cheesy Omelet or more Baked Egg and Cheese Cups
Drink plenty of water. You can add salt or electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to cut fatigue or headaches during your fast.
Potential Benefits and Drawbacks of an Egg Fast
Possible benefits
- Fast water loss and some fat loss: Low carbs with high fats can drop water weight fast and help start fat loss.
- Simpler meal choices: Fewer foods means less time thinking about what to eat.
- Less strong cravings: Dropping sugar and refined carbs often cuts down your sweet cravings.
- Reveal useful food signals: After the fast, you can add food back slowly and see if some choices slow progress.
Possible drawbacks
- Missing key nutrients: You lose out on fiber and vitamins found in vegetables, nuts, berries, and other proteins.
- Digestive changes: Some have constipation or loose stools; keep up with water and salt.
- Repetition: Eating mostly eggs and fat can feel dull and hard to keep.
- Not for everyone: Those with certain health issues should talk with a healthcare worker before starting.
Use the egg fast as a short tool. The long-term change comes from what you do after the fast.
Safely Transitioning Off an Egg Fast
When the 3–5 days are done, do not jump to high-carb meals. Ease into other low-carb whole foods:
-
Day 1–2 after the fast:
- Add non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, broccoli, zucchini, or cauliflower.
- Bring in other proteins such as chicken, beef, fish, or pork.
- Keep carbs low or moderate.
-
Day 3–5 after the fast:
- Mix in nuts, seeds, and low-sugar berries if you enjoy low-carb plans.
- Keep away from refined grains, sugar, and very processed snacks.
-
Watch your body’s answer:
- Check your weight, energy, digestion, and cravings.
- If weight increases quickly, it may mean water has returned, or carbs and calories went too high too fast.
This phase is your bridge from a short egg fast to a lasting, balanced eating plan.
FAQ About the Egg Fast
1. How does an egg diet fast differ from regular keto?
An egg diet fast is tighter than standard keto. Regular keto lets you eat many low-carb foods (meats, fish, low-carb vegetables, nuts, etc.), but the egg fast limits you mainly to eggs, fats, and cheese. It is meant as a short reset, not a daily habit.
2. Can you do an egg and cheese fast without butter or mayo?
Yes, you can use fats like olive oil, coconut oil, or ghee. You still need fat to follow the rule of 1 tablespoon per egg. Butter and mayo work well as they mix easily with eggs, but you can choose a different fat.
3. Is a 3-day egg fast enough to see change?
Many people see a difference after a 3-day egg fast. They report less bloating, some weight loss, and fewer cravings. Results vary. The key is to follow the rules and then move to a balanced low-carb plan to hold the progress.
If you are stuck on your low-carb or keto path and need a strict but simple reset, try an egg fast. Use these ten easy meals for a 3–5 day plan. Listen to your body and then shift to a balanced, nutrient-rich low-carb way of eating.
When you are ready to start, check your grocery list. Get quality eggs, real butter or ghee, full-fat cheese, and a few simple seasonings. Then pick some recipes above and plan your next 3 days. Your reset can begin with your very next meal.
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