Atkins Diet Foods Restricted
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The Atkins diet is very restrictive on the foods permitted, especially in the first two phases. The premise of the diet is that to limit carbohydrates will induce ketosis, the rapid burning of fat for the body's fuel/energy requirements.
The diet recommends various foods for each phase of the diet and followers are recommended to eat only foods that are on the permitted lists and not others for each phase.
Phase 1: Foods restricted / banned
- All types of fruit
- All cereals - oats, wheat
- All grains - barley, rice, semolina
- Any type of bread
- All types of pasta
- All dairy - except butter, cheese, cream
- All types of nuts and seeds
- All legumes - beans, chickpeas
- Avoid caffeine - coffee, tea, some soft drinks
- All sweets
- All deep fried foods
- All processed snack foods
An example of the two-week induction meal plan can be viewed at the Atkins site
The Atkins diet is very restrictive on the foods permitted, especially in the first two phases
Phase 2: Foods restricted / banned
- Same as in phase1, except nuts/seeds and more dairy allowed
Phase 3: Foods restricted / banned
- All white/processed cereals and grains are not permitted
- No natural foods restricted
- Only carbohydrate content restricted
The Atkins site gives a comprehensive list of the amounts of each food allowed
Phase 4: Foods restricted / banned
- Same as for phase 3
The Atkins site shows a pictorial representation of their recommended food pyramid.