The Atkins diet is a popular way to lose weight, and one of its principles is low carbohydrate consumption. Particularly in the beginning, or what is called the induction phase, you will be restricting your carbohydrates to less than 40 grams a day. This early restriction will help reduce carbohydrate cravings, and help you be more successful with your diet over the long term. After the induction phase, you can reintroduce carbohydrates back into you diet, usually in the form of healthy fruits and vegetables. While it takes a bit of planning, there are many Atkins diet food choices available to help you be successful.
The main cornerstone of the Atkins diet is protein. Its best to get protein from lower fat sources, such as chicken, beef, tofu or fish. While cheese and diary products also contain protein, they can often be too heavy, and should be eaten in moderation. Leaner choices are more versatile and won't contain unnecessary carbohydrates.
After a few weeks, you can also start incorporating a wider amount of fruits and vegetables into your diet. After protein, your next mainstay will be vegetables. High fiber, lower glycemic vegetables like spinach, broccoli and salad greens will help you feel full and aid digestion. Fruits can also be added to your diet for a treat or desert, after you're out of the induction phase. Grains, such as breads, rice, and pasta, should be eaten very sparingly, and do not make up the bulk of an Atkins plan diet.
A good way to stay focused on what is allowed with the Atkins plan is to carry a cheat sheet with you, so you can refer to it if you're out for a snack or meal, or are out grocery shopping. Relying solely on food packaging will not give you all of the information you need. Sometimes, items labeled 'low-carb' may still not be the best choice on the Atkins diet. If you have a quick list to refer to, it makes it much easier.
Snacking regularly is also a good way to avoid hunger pangs and overeating. Atkins diet-friendly snacks include items like jerky strips, low carb soy chips, string cheese, and more. One thing to avoid is giving in to high carb temptations, like bread or potatoes. By stocking your cupboards with low carb foods, you'll be more apt to stick to your diet.
While the Atkins diet can feel limiting, especially at the beginning, there are a wide variety of food you can eat. By keeping the bulk of your diet protein and high fiber vegetables, you'll feel full, and lose weight. An occasional treat like nuts and fruit can help round out your diet. With a little planning, you will find a wide variety of foods to eat.
