10 Atkins Diet Foods To Eat

By: Brandi Macon

Break Studios Contributing Writer

People have been losing their extra pounds with these 10 Atkins Diet foods to eat. The Atkins Diet was started in 1963 by Dr. Robert C. Atkins. He designed a diet plan that limited the refined carbohydrates you eat. His method claims that you'll burn more fat without these types of carbohydrates in your diet. The Atkins Food Pyramid suggests eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein. You start from the base of the pyramid and steadily go up. Here's a list of diet foods to get you started.

  1. Fish: Fish is placed high on the Atkins Food Pyramid. Fish has omega-3 fatty acids, one of the good fats and oils. Fish is a no-carbohydrate food that you can eat as much as you want. Tuna, salmon and flounder are three of the fishes mentioned in the Atkins Diet.
  2. Chicken: Chicken contains lean protein. Without the skin it can be a very nutritious Atkins food. It's place in the fowl category on the Atkins Food Pyramid.
  3. Turkey: Turkey is another lean protein meat the Atkins Diet recommends. It's one of the fowl groups. This meat is great on sandwiches or as a main meal.
  4. Crab meat: Crab meat is one of the shell fish you can eat on the Atkins Diet. Crab is naturally low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals.
  5. Meat: Although there's been much debate about eating red meat, lean beef is placed on the Atkins Diet. You can also eat white meat like veal and pork as long as they are free of fat and oils. You should limit processed meat, such as bacon and ham. Cold cuts and other processed meats are not allowed in the diet plan.
  6. Brussel Sprouts: This vegetable may not be a favorite of many people, but it is an Atkins that is recommended as it is loaded with vitamins and minerals. A quarter cup of brussel sprouts has only 2.4 carbohydrates.
  7. Spinach: Spinach is one of the best foods on the Atkins Diet to eat. A 1/2 cup of raw spinach has only .2 carbohydrates. It's great in a salad or alone.
  8. Eggplant: A 1/2 cup of eggplant has 1.8 carbohydrates. It's commonly prepared as a vegetable, but eggplant is a part of the fruit family. The nutrition obtained from eggplant is beneficial for your health and weight management. You can stew, bake, grill or boil this fruit. It also has potassium, a necessary nutrient for maintaining the salt, mineral and water content in your body. All of these important things can affect your weight and overall health. Potassium is especially needed for maintaining your digestive system. A properly working digestive system helps your body absorb the nutrition in your food.
  9. Broccoli: Broccoli is more nutritious when eaten raw. However, you can steam broccoli as well. Try to leave off the butter and salt. The sodium in salt leads to high blood pressure and water retention. Unless the butter is a low-calorie or low-fat brand, it can add unwanted pounds. It's recommended by the Atkins Diet to eat both of these condiments in moderation. If you choose to use butter, remember that one tablespoon of butter equals one serving.
  10. Asparagus: Asparagus is one of the vegetables you can eat on the Atkins Diet. Six spears of asparagus is equal to 2.4 carbohydrates. This veggie is best when eaten steamed, boiled or sauteed.
Posted on: Jan. 04, 2011