List of Things to Eat While on the Atkins Diet

It can sometimes be difficult to know what to eat on the Atkins diet. The popularity of the diet plan has resulted in a number of products on the market now that are suitable for use on the diet. It is not necessary to buy these products, however. There are a lot of choices available for you on the Atkins diet.

Meat Choices

All lean meats, poultry, fish and seafood are fine to eat on the Atkins diet as long as there are no fillers added. Luncheon meats and ham often contain sugar and nitrates, so check the label carefully before eating these. Meatloaf-type products often contain fillers and should not be eaten unless you know that they are carbohydrate free.

Steak, bacon, and other high-fat meats that would not be allowed on most diets are allowed on the Atkins diet in moderation. Eggs are allowed prepared in many different ways. Cheeses are allowed, in moderation. Cheese does contain carbohydrates, so limit your portions to stay under your recommended daily carbohydrate count.

Vegetables

Vegetables should be the source of most of your carbohydrates. During induction, aim for approximately 15 g of carbohydrate a day, definitely no more than 20. Leafy green vegetables contain only negligible amounts of carbohydrates, but other salad ingredients such as carrots, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and even broccoli contain carbohydrates that need to be counted in the daily limit.

Salad dressings, mayonnaise, ketchup and other condiments can be hidden sources of carbohydrates, usually in the form of hidden sugars. Check the label carefully to find carbohydrate-free versions, or make your own dressings with healthy olive oil and vinegar.

Snacks

After the induction phase, you will be able to enjoy nuts, seeds, olives, cheese, strawberries, blueberries and cantaloupe. Many packaged snacks are available in the form of Atkins snack bars and shakes. Just be sure to count the carbohydrates and stay below your daily limit.

During the induction phase, alcoholic beverages are not allowed. After the first 2 weeks, low-carbohydrate beer, wine and alcoholic drinks are allowed as long as you do not use sugary juice or mixers.