The Atkins Diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, weight-loss plan that promises to help people lose weight while improving their health overall. The diet consists of four phases and a strict list of foods that are allowed, with serving sizes and carb amounts designated. As dieters move through the phases, they only need to count carbs. Rutabagas are included on the Atkins Diet, but due to their carb content, their intake allowance is limited. Before you begin any diet, it's always important to first consult your doctor.
The Basics
A rutabaga is a root vegetable that is a cross between a cabbage and a turnip. They are also known as yellow turnips or Swedes and, although they taste similar to turnips, they are sweeter with a brighter orange hue when cooked. Rutabagas are a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant vitamin that helps promote wound healing in the body. The Atkins Diet lists rutabagas as having around 2 grams of carbohydrates per half-cup serving.
Phase 1
Vegetables are allowed on the Atkins Diet as early as the Induction Phase, or Phase 1. However, the diet specifies that you eat only 12 to 15 grams of carbs per day derived from vegetables. Rutabagas fall under the grouping of vegetables described as being "higher in carbs than the salad vegetables," so rutabaga intake should be carefully measured while continuing to tally daily carbs.
Phases 2-4
As the Atkins Diet progresses through the phases, the restrictions are loosened somewhat. At each phase, additional allowed food items are added. Beginning with Phase 3, dieters can eat 10 additional grams of carbs. A list of foods that contain around 10 g of carbs per serving is provided. This additional carb allowance gives dieters the option to add extra rutabaga servings to their menu, if they desire.
Preparation Ideas
Rutabagas are noted by the "Washington Post" as being an unpopular vegetable that relies on preparation techniques to increase its appeal. Rutabagas can be boiled and pureed for soup, cubed for a salad topping or casserole additive, or mashed with carrots for a traditional English side dish. Mashing rutabagas with potatoes creates the traditional Scottish side dish clapshot, also known as "neeps and tatties."
Member Comments