The Great Egg Challenge: Joseph Everett’s Experiment in Bulking Up

The Challenge: 30 Eggs a Day for a Month

In a bold and unconventional experiment, Joseph Everett, the creator of the popular YouTube channel “What I’ve Learned,” decided to test a claim made by bodybuilding legend Vince Gironda. Gironda had suggested that eating 36 eggs a day could be as effective for bulking up as taking a steroid shot. Intrigued by this assertion and recognizing the lack of definitive scientific research on the topic, Everett embarked on a month-long journey of consuming 30 eggs daily to see how his body would respond. Over the course of 30 days, Everett downed an impressive 900 eggs, documenting his progress in a video that would go on to amass over 783,000 views.

Everett’s experiment was not just about eating eggs; it was a comprehensive test of their impact on muscle growth, overall health, and physical performance. Alongside his egg-heavy diet, he incorporated a weightlifting routine, tracking his strength gains and monitoring his health through blood tests. His diet was not exclusively eggs, however; he also included rice, beef, yogurt, fruit, honey, and the occasional protein bar to round out his nutritional intake. This combination of diet and exercise was designed to simulate the conditions under which Gironda’s claim might hold true, allowing Everett to draw meaningful conclusions about the effectiveness of such a diet.

The Nutritional Powerhouse: Eggs as a Source of Protein and More

Eggs are widely regarded as one of the most nutritious foods available, offering a rich mix of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like choline, iron, and vitamins A, B12, and D. Despite their nutritional density, eggs are relatively low in calories, making them an attractive option for those looking to build muscle without excessive caloric intake. Everett’s decision to include both egg-white omelets and raw yolk smoothies in his diet was strategic, as it allowed him to maximize the nutritional benefits while keeping his overall calorie count manageable. His goal was not just to consume large quantities of eggs but to do so in a way that supported his bodybuilding efforts.

Everett’s diet was not without its challenges, however. Consuming 30 eggs a day required a significant amount of planning and creativity. He experimented with different preparation methods, including raw egg smoothies and cooked egg-white dishes, to keep his meals varied and palatable. Despite the monotony of eating eggs daily, Everett found the challenge relatively manageable, although he did experience some digestive issues along the way. His commitment to the experiment was unwavering, driven by a curiosity to understand whether eggs could truly serve as a viable alternative to steroids for muscle growth.

The Physical and Health Outcomes: Muscle Gain and Cholesterol

By the end of the month, the results of Everett’s experiment were nothing short of impressive. He had gained 13 pounds of muscle mass, a significant increase that underscored the potential of eggs as a tool for bulking up. His strength gains were equally remarkable, as he was able to lift 44 more pounds than when he started the challenge. These physical changes were not the only positive outcomes, however; his blood tests revealed some unexpected results. Despite concerns about the high cholesterol content of eggs, Everett’s “bad cholesterol” levels showed minimal changes, while his “good cholesterol” levels actually increased. Additionally, his triglycerides, a type of harmful fat linked to heart disease, dropped significantly.

These results were particularly notable given the American Heart Association’s recommendation that healthy adults consume no more than one egg per day. Everett’s experiment seemed to challenge this conventional wisdom, suggesting that eggs, when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, may not pose the same risks as previously thought. However, it’s important to note that Everett’s diet was not solely composed of eggs; he also included other nutrient-dense foods to ensure he was getting a well-rounded intake of vitamins and minerals. This balanced approach likely played a role in the positive health outcomes he experienced.

The Behavioral and Testosterone Impact: Feeling Stronger, Focused, and Driven

Beyond the physical changes, Everett noticed a significant shift in his behavior and overall sense of well-being. Around day nine of the challenge, he began feeling more focused, energetic, and driven, both in and out of the gym. His libido also increased, which he attributed to a potential rise in testosterone levels. These changes were so pronounced that he speculated whether the fats and cholesterol from the eggs might be contributing to increased testosterone production, which in turn could be supporting his muscle growth. Strength training, of course, also plays a role in testosterone levels, and Everett’s regular weightlifting routine likely compounded any potential benefits from his diet.

Interestingly, when Everett had his blood tested at the end of the challenge, his testosterone levels showed no significant changes. This result was somewhat surprising, given the noticeable shifts he had experienced in his behavior and energy levels. While the exact cause of these changes remains unclear, it’s possible that other factors, such as improved sleep quality, reduced stress, or the psychological impact of the challenge itself, may have played a role. Regardless of the cause, the positive effects on his mood and energy levels were undeniable, adding another layer of complexity to the story of his experiment.

The Digestive Struggles: Learning from the Setbacks

While the overall results of Everett’s experiment were largely positive, there were certainly some challenges along the way. One of the most notable setbacks occurred on day five, when he experienced severe gas and bloating, which made it difficult for him to sleep. His girlfriend even asked him to sleep on the couch due to the constant flatulence, a humorous yet relatable moment in an otherwise intense regimen. These digestive issues persisted and even worsened as the challenge progressed, particularly when he began drinking all 30 eggs raw each day. By day 20, the situation had become dire, with Everett experiencing severe constipation, cramping, and even bouts of nausea.

After some trial and error, Everett traced his digestive problems to the high levels of trypsin inhibitors in raw eggs, which can interfere with protein digestion and cause stomach discomfort. Once he returned to cooking the egg whites, his digestive issues began to subside, allowing him to complete the remainder of the challenge without further complications. This experience underscored the importance of proper food preparation, particularly when consuming large quantities of eggs. While raw eggs may offer certain nutritional benefits, their potential drawbacks on digestive health should not be overlooked.

The Verdict: Eggs as a Tool for Bulking, but Not a Magic Bullet

In the end, Everett’s experiment yielded a mix of compelling results and important lessons. While he did not prove that eating 30 eggs a day is as effective as taking steroids for bulking up, he did demonstrate that eggs can be a valuable component of a muscle-building diet. His significant muscle gain and improved cholesterol levels suggest that eggs, when consumed in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can support overall health and fitness goals. However, the challenge also highlighted the potential drawbacks of relying too heavily on a single food source, particularly in terms of digestive comfort and overall well-being.

Everett himself remains uncertain about whether the egg-only approach is truly as effective as steroids for bulking, but he is open to revisiting the experiment in the future. If he does, he plans to make some adjustments, such as swapping out egg whites for red meat, in an effort to optimize the results and minimize the digestive challenges he faced. For now, his experiment serves as a fascinating case study on the potential benefits and pitfalls of extreme dietary regimens, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in exploring the role of eggs in their own fitness journey.