Eggs: the ultimate fuel for growing teens

by Kyla Van Heerden

Who knew something as simple as an egg could be packed with the nutrients busy teens need?

Loaded with high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, eggs help fuel growing bodies and brains through the chaos of teen life. Let’s crack into the details and see why eggs deserve a spot on every teen’s plate.

The power of protein

The teen years bring growth spurts, sports, and late-night study sessions – making protein essential. Eggs provide 7g of high-quality protein and all nine essential amino acids, crucial for muscle growth, repair, and brain development. The best part? Eggs are easy to find, budget-friendly, and perfect for everything from a quick breakfast to a post-sports snack. Talk about a teen-friendly food!

Supercharged immunity

Keeping teens healthy and in the classroom (instead of stuck in bed with a cold) starts with good nutrition. Protein supports immunity, but eggs offer even more – selenium and zinc, two antioxidants that help keep immune systems strong. Adding eggs to their meals is a simple (and tasty) way to help teens stay sharp, active, and ready to take on the day.

Steady energy

The egg-cellent news keeps coming. Eggs help keep teens fuller for longer, providing steady energy for school, sports, homework marathons, and late-night study sessions. Plus, that long-lasting fullness can curb mid-afternoon junk food cravings, reducing mindless and unhealthy snacking.

Building strong bones

Eggs bring the sunshine… literally! Egg yolks contain vitamin D, essential for bone health and growth. Since the teen years are filled with rapid growth and structural changes, getting enough vitamin D is vital. Adding eggs to meals helps lay a solid foundation for strong, healthy bones.

Boosting brainpower

Eggs are great for the body and the brain! They contain choline, a key nutrient linked to memory, learning, and overall nervous system function. Choline supports brain development, focus, and communication between brain cells. For teens juggling school, sports, and social life, eggs are a smart choice to keep their minds sharp and ready to tackle the day.

So, next time you’re looking for a quick brekkie or lunchbox filler, remember that eggs are your teen’s ticket to better energy, stronger bones, and a sharper mind. Whether scrambled, boiled, poached, or baked, eggs are the perfect addition to a healthy, balanced diet.

Follow EGGcellentFood on Facebook and Instagram (@eggcellentfoodsa) for more recipes and nutrition tips. For further information, visit www.sapoultry.co.za.

ULTIMATE EGG SALAD SANDWICH

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Serves: 6 Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

  • This egg salad makes a delicious filling for rolls, baguettes, or health bread. Perfect for lunch boxes or road trips, as it keeps well in a sealed container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
  • • 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
  • • 80ml (1/3 cup) mayonnaise
  • • 10ml (2 teaspoons) whole grain mustard
  • • 5ml (1 teaspoon) fresh lemon juice
  • • ½ stalk celery, very finely chopped
  • • 30ml (2 tablespoons) finely chopped chives
  • • salt and pepper, to taste
  • • paprika, to sprinkle
  • • sliced health bread or baguette, to serve
  • • fresh chives, to garnish

Instructions

1.Roughly chop all the hard-boiled eggs (or only 4, if you want to reserve some whole eggs for presentation) and transfer to a medium bowl. Mash slightly with a fork to break up the yolks.
2.Add mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, celery, and chives. Mix until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper.
3.If using a baguette, slice it in half lengthwise and spread the egg salad on the bottom half.
4.Sprinkle the egg salad with paprika.
5.Garnish with fresh chives and top with the other half of the baguette or a slice of bread.

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