Acceptable Foods for the Atkins Diet

The bottom line regarding foods that are acceptable to eat on the Atkins Diet is that they must be extremely low in carbohydrates. Proponents of this plan believe when people consume an excessive amount of carbohydrate-rich foods, their bodies can only turn so much of that into energy and the rest becomes stored fat. Followers think that when you consume fewer carbs, your body can get back to its basic job of burning fats. Obviously, you should not eschew bread and only eat cheeseburgers all day, but rather you should choose a well-rounded variety of foods that are lower in carbohydrates. As with any drastic health changes, consult your own doctor for a professional assessment of the best way you can lose weight. In the meantime, choose foods that are low in carbs and calories and full of healthy fats and protein.

Eggs

• Eggs are treasures on the Atkins Diet. You can eat them prepared any way and you can eat them as often as you like. Scrambled, poached or fried, eggs are an inexpensive way to keep you satisfied and still keep your diet within the safe boundaries of the Atkins regulations. The good news is that even though they have trace amounts of carbs, they offer up a bevvy of other health benefits. One egg offers up nearly 7 g of protein, 67 mng of potassium and a 100 mcg of Vitamin A.

Nuts

• If you are following this diet, you won't be grabbing just any random jar of mixed nuts. For example, peanuts and pistachios have more than 10 g of carbohydrates in a 1/2 c. serving. Cashews have a whopping 22 carbs in an equivalent size. Followers of the Atkins Diet can munch without guilt on almonds (1.4 g), macadamia nuts (.9 g) and pecans (.6 g), because they contain healthy fats, protein and essential vitamins.

Meat

• For hard-core carnivores who never imagined they would find a diet they didn't starve on, the Atkins Diet is right up their alleys. Meat is absolutely acceptable on a low-carb meal plan. Followers can enjoy breakfast meats like bacon and sausage. Sandwiches and burgers can be consumed with gusto if you hold the bread. Keep in mind the quality of the meat you are buying. Stick with lean cuts and minimize your portion size, so you don't overdo your fat intake, which has been linked to heart disease.

Fruit

• Not all fruit is acceptable on the Atkins Diet so beware the fruit trays at breakfast meetings. Per piece, blackberries have .2 g of carbohydrates, passion fruit 3 g and plums have 6 g. Apples have 10 g and they are acceptable because they contain fiber and Vitamin C. Cherries are low in calories, sugar and carbs and high in antioxidants so they are acceptable as well. Stay away from bananas.

Vegetables

• Depending on how you prepare them, most vegetables are safe to eat on the Atkins Diet. Baby broccoli is loaded with fiber, Vitamin C and it's low in calories and carbohydrates. Kale is another potent powerhouse because of its high ranking on the antioxidant list. It also boasts Vitamins A and C, protein and iron. Richly colored peppers are encouraged on this diet. They are low in calories and carbs, and they also boost your Vitamin C and potassium levels.