Due to its reputation as a preeminently low-carb diet, you probably already know that the Atkins diet is tough on foods such as breads and pastas. However, you may not be aware that the Atkins diet also restricts certain vegetables. Because some vegetables are "starchy" and higher in carbohydrates, they are forbidden during the early induction phase of Atkins and reintroduced in measured portions during the ongoing weight loss, or OWL, phase of the diet. However, according to Discovery Health, there are some vegetables that are acceptable to eat during all phases of Atkins.
Mushrooms
During the induction phase of the Atkins diet, 12 to 15 g of your 20 g daily net carbohydrates should come from vegetables, reports the Atkins website. Known for their meaty texture and compatibility with salad greens and other side dishes, mushrooms are permitted in all phases of Atkins. A serving size of mushrooms is half a cup, measured raw. Mushrooms contain 1.2 g of net carbs per serving.
Cucumbers
Another delicious, refreshing raw vegetable, cucumbers are also low in calories, high in water content and low in net carbohydrates. A half cup of cucumbers contain 1 g of net carbs per serving. Cucumbers are allowed in all phases of the Atkins diet. When preparing salads, be sure to consult the Atkins diet guidelines regarding salad dressings, toppings and garnishes.
Artichokes
Artichokes fall into the category of slightly higher-carbohydrate vegetables but are allowed in all phases of the Atkins diet, reports the Atkins website. You should be mindful of serving size with the higher-carb vegetables, taking care not to exceed your daily allotment of net carbohydrates. One-fourth of a medium sized artichoke contains 4 g of net carbohydrates.
Water Chestnuts
A favorite in Chinese food dishes, water chestnuts are another vegetable that is included in the higher-carb category of the permissible vegetables list, states the Atkins diet website. A serving size of half a cup canned water chestnuts provides 6.9 g of net carbohydrates, which is roughly half of your allotted carbs from vegetables. When eating foods like water chestnuts, you should be careful to stay within the bounds of your daily carbohydrate allotment.
Lettuce
Lettuce in all forms is considered a "foundation vegetable" and is permitted in both the induction and OWL phases of the Atkins diet, according to the Atkins website. Low in net carbohydrates and calories, this salad staple also provides high water content, which can be very useful to dieters. A half-cup serving of iceberg lettuce provides 0.1 g of net carbohydrates, and a half cup of romaine delivers 0.2 g.
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