Foods for the Induction Diet

Foods for the Induction phase of the Atkins Diet consist of high levels of protein and fat. Foods high in carbohydrates--fruit, pasta, bread, cereal, grains, starchy vegetables--are restricted. During the Induction phase, only 20 net grams of carbs are allowed per day. Dieters are to read food labels to ensure they do not exceed that limit. According to WebMD, "The low-carb consumption phase is supposed to jump-start the weight-loss biochemical activity of the diet." The Induction phase of the Atkins Diet is supposed to last for at least two weeks.

Meat

• Foods for the Induction phase of the Atkins Diet include a variety of meats and proteins, such as fowl, fish, shellfish, beef, ham and bacon. Meat may be consumed liberally under the Atkins plan, and there is no requirement to count calories when consuming it. However, pay attention to your body's hunger signals and stop eating when you feel full. Meats that are processed often contain nitrates and added sugar and should not be consumed under the plan.

Cheese

• The Induction diet contains a variety of full-fat cheeses such as blue, American, cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, feta, mozzarella, Parmesan and goat cheese. Cheeses contain a small amount of carbs so dieters should check the carb content of cheese before eating it. The consumption of cheese is limited to 3 to 4 oz. per day. Typically 1 oz. of cheese is equal to a slice of cheese or a 1-inch cube. Low-fat and imitation cheeses are not permitted in this phase.

Eggs

• Eggs are a breakfast staple in the Induction phase of the Atkins Diet. They can be consumed in any style--scrambled, hard boiled, poached, over-easy and sunny-side up. Eggs can be cooked with butter and cheese or eaten plain.

Vegetables

• Approximately 12 to 15 net carbs per day should come from non-starchy vegetables. Aim for a 1-cup serving--the size of a baseball--of vegetables such as broccoli, celery, cucumber, peppers, lettuce, onions, cauliflower, cabbage, tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini, eggplant, bean sprouts, olives and artichoke hearts each day.

Fats and Oils

• Dieters on the Induction phase of the Atkins Diet can add a variety of fats and oils to help flavor food. These items include butter, mayonnaise, vegetable oil, olive oil, canola oil, walnut oil, sunflower, sesame, safflower oil, soybean and grapeseed oil. While there are no carbs in them, fats and oils are limited to 1 tbsp.

Beverages

• There are a variety of beverages that can be consumed in the Induction phase of the Atkins Diet. These include water, broth, herbal tea, flavored seltzer and heavy or light cream. Choose beverages that do not have any added sugar. Coffee and tea may be consumed, but make sure that if you choose the caffeinated type, you can control your cravings.