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