The Different Atkins Diet Foods to Eat for Weight Loss
The Atkins diet is a popular weight loss diet focusing on the intake of high protein and low carbohydrate foods. This weight loss diet program, developed by Dr. Robert Atkins, is composed of four stages. It restricts eating foods which are rich in carbohydrates, and recommends consumption of fats and protein. Those interested in losing weight through this program should know the different kinds of Atkins diet foods to eat in order to implement them in their meals.
Vegetables
In the Atkins diet program, most of the carbohydrates needed by the body usually come from vegetables. The program requires dieters to be conscious of the carbohydrate counts of vegetables. Some of the low-carbohydrate vegetables appropriate for the program are as follows:
- greens such as spinach, lettuce, and chard
- hearty greens such as mustard and collards
- herbs like rosemary, cilantro, and parsley
- broccoli, asparagus, avocado, cabbage, jicama, mushrooms, radishes
- sprouts like beans and alfalfa.
Proteins
Foods that dieters can consume liberally are those that are high in protein, such as chicken, fish, eggs, and meat.
Fats and Oils
Atkins diet foods to eat also require foods rich in fats and oil. The diet focuses on eating foods rich in natural fats and not trans fats. Thus, cold water fishes rich in Omega 3 fatty acids are very much allowed in this diet, as well as foods which are stir-fried. Salad dressing is allowed as long as it contains minimal sugar additives.
Drinks
The preferred beverage for the Atkins diet is water. Dr. Atkins recommends individuals drink at least eight glasses of water daily. He also advises people to drink water first when they are hungry, as it helps suppress the urge to eat. However, the program is not very strict when it comes to other water-based beverages. Carbonated water and soda water are usually allowed, as long as they are free from sugar flavorings. Decaffeinated tea or coffee may also be consumed. Diet soda is allowed, as long as it is sweetened with sucralose.
Other foods
The diet plan encourages eating small amounts of other foods every day, as long as the correct carbohydrate count is observed. These include at least two tablespoons of heavy cream, olives, and a small avocado. Even snack bars can be eaten by those following the diet as long as they are low in carbohydrates.
After Induction
After the induction phase, or the initial stage of the diet, which usually takes about two weeks, program followers may add other foods like nuts, but are limited to two ounces per day. Fresh cheese like ricotta, and seeds like sunflower seeds, may also be eaten. Other foods which are naturally low in carbohydrates include coconut milk, soy flours, and unsweetened soy milk.
These are some of the foods which are frequently recommended for the Atkin’s diet. In order for your diet to be successful, it is important to follow the regimen continuously.
Reference
Weight Control Infocenter: Atkins Diet
AtkinsDietFreePlan.com: Atkins Diet Plan: Foods, Recipes and Menu
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