The induction phase of the Atkins low-carbohydrate diet is meant to transition your body from a carbohydrate-burning to a fat-burning metabolism in order to break food addictions and curb cravings. This phase lasts at least 14 days, according to Robert C. Atkins' "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution." During this process, you must not go more than six waking hours without eating, limit your carbohydrate intake to 20 grams a day and eat mostly proteins and fats. Most dairy products, breads, grains, pastas and fruits are disallowed during induction.
Seafood
You are allowed to eat any type of fish and shellfish during the induction phase of the Atkins diet. This includes salmon, lobster, tuna, sardines, crab, herring, trout, sole and flounder, according to Atkins. If you are eating canned meat, you will need to check the label for added nitrates, which you need to avoid according to the Dr. Atkins Diet Plan website.
Fowl
Fowl and eggs are acceptable parts of an induction diet. Chicken, goose, duck, turkey, pheasant, and Cornish hen are all fair game. Your eggs can be boiled, fried, poached, scrambled or deviled.
Meat
All meat is allowed as part of an induction diet. This includes beef, lamb, pork, veal and venison. Processed meat is allowed as well, advises the Dr. Atkins Diet Plan website. This includes salami, hot dogs, ham and bacon. However, such meats are not allowed if they have added sugar, so you need to read labels carefully.
Cheese
Certain cheeses are included in an induction diet. You can safely eat cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, blue cheese, goat cheese, Swiss cheese and sheep cheese, but you should avoid aged cheese, cottage cheese and farmer's cheese.
Fats
Fats and oils are allowed, but Atkins notes that some are better than others. Olive oil is listed as an excellent choice. However, butter also is allowed. Atkins warns against using margarine due to its trans fat content.
Vegetables
You can consume a variety of vegetables, including celery, lettuce, jicama, broccoli, cabbage, zucchini, eggplant, tomato, bean sprouts, artichoke hearts, summer squash and turnips when following an induction diet.
Herbs and Spices
You can safely use the herbs and spices you like, just ensure they do not have added sugar, according to Atkins Diet Advisor. Dill, garlic, cayenne pepper, sage, oregano, thyme, cilantro, tarragon, rosemary and ginger are all acceptable, for example.
Beverages
Decaffeinated tea and coffee are acceptable to drink during your induction phase. Diet soda with sulacrose in lieu of aspartame is allowed. Club soda, mineral water, spring water, regular water and herbal teas are good too. Foods and drinks sweetened with sulacrose as well as saccharin, cyclamate and acesulfame-K are acceptable. Broth is counted as a liquid as well, according to Atkins Diet Advisor.
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