When choosing a diet, the foods you are allowed to eat may play a big role in your final decision. The Atkins diet is no different, and you may be wondering what you will be able eat when following this plan. This diet, developed by Dr. Robert Atkins, is considered a low-carbohydrate diet, with weight loss being the ultimate goal.
The Atkins diet is made up of different phases in which carbohydrates are strictly regulated. This means that all of your meals will be primarily made up of foods high in protein. Foods that you can eat include meat, eggs, and certain vegetables. The idea is to promote ketosis in the body by using up all of the glycogen stored. This leads to stored body fat being burned off as the primary source of fuel.
Diet Phases
In phase one of the diet, your carbohydrates will be limited to 20 g per day. An additional 5 g of carbohydrates are added per week. The first phase is structured to help your body burn more fat, and the following phases are structured to maintain the loss in weight. As you progress through the diet, you will be able to add certain foods. Meat, poultry, and eggs will be the main course with most of your meals.
Meat, Poultry, Eggs
These three foods are what make up the bulk of the Atkins diet. You want to be sure to eat foods that are high in protein and low in fat. Grilled chicken is a popular choice if you decide to follow the diet. Baking your food is another healthy option, so you can prepare a baked pork loin any time you want. Any dish that includes beef is acceptable as well, so feel free to eat your favorite meal that includes beef.
Vegetables and Other Foods
Although you want to stay away from foods high in starch, there are certain vegetables that you are allowed to eat when on the Atkins diet. Steaming your vegetables is the preferred way to prepare them, and you must be aware of the portion sizes when on the diet. Eggplant, cabbage, stringed beans, and broccoli are just a few of the options you have with the Atkins diet. Some artificial sweeteners such as Splenda are acceptable, as well.
Considerations
Low-carbohydrate diets are not for everyone, so it's important to know your nutritional needs. If you are an athlete it may not be a good idea to follow the Atkins diet because athletes require more carbohydrates for physical activity. There are plenty of great food options with this diet but you must keep track of everything that is going into your body. A well balanced diet is often the best option for most people, so be sure to consult a physician before starting any diet plan.
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