Atkins Carbohydrates: Introduction

Atkins Carbohydrates: Introduction

As you may know one of the key elements to success on the Atkins diet is controlling your carbohydrate intake. Many different types of foods like fruits, vegetables and grains contain what are considered "good carbohydrates". When you are starting the first phase of the Atkins diet, known as the induction phase, it is important that you eat only these types of food.

Vegetables
Most vegetables are an excellent source for good carbohydrates. What you are looking for is vegetables that are high in fiber and nutrients. Once you have entered the final stage of the Atkins diet, known as the lifetime maintenance stage, you will be able to eat any kind of vegetable as long as it is in moderate portions. However when you are first starting the Atkins diet, known as the induction phase, picking the right vegetables is crucial. While not complete this list has some of the more commonly available vegetables with "good carbohydrates".

Fruits
Fruits are another source for good carbohydrates. However there is on problem, fruits contain a large amount of sugar. When you start the Atkins diet you will be in what's called the induction phase and sugars aren't permitted. As you progress to the second phase OWL, Ongoing Weight Loss, you will be able to re-introduce fruits into your diet. Some fruits with good carbohydrates are:

Grains
Grains are another type of food that contains a lot of carbohydrates. As was mentioned earlier when you start the Atkins diet, and are in the induction stage, you aren't allowed to eat any foods that are high in carbohydrates. Once you are in the OWL, Ongoing Weight Loss, stage you will be able to include sensibly sized portions back into your diet. Foods in this group include the following: