Meats will make up much of your breakfast, lunch and dinner on the Atkins low carb diet. Meat is a great source of protein without the influence of carbohydrates. That does not mean any and all meats are acceptable. Certain types of bacon, for instance, is packed with nitrates that have been linked to cancer and are not considered health. Cured meats tend to have a ton of sugar and thus impact carbohydrates dramatically. On the flip side, the Atkins low carb diet allows meats that are high in healthy fats rich in omega fatty acids. Choosing the best meats on the Atkins low carb diet is important to staying healthy and enjoying your low carb weight loss ride.
Salmon
Baked, canned or smoked salmon is allowed on the Atkins low carb diet. This fish is high in omega 3 fatty acids and contains zero (0) carbohydrates. Feel free to wrap a large salmon fillet in aluminum foil with a bit of butter and one tbsp of lemon juice (1.25 “net” carbs).
Boneless / Skinless Chicken Breasts
In older versions of the Atkins low carb diet, it was suggested that dieters eat chicken with skin and fat intact. Today, healthy eating trumps fatty meats. When cooking boneless / skinless chicken, use olive oil which is rich in omega fatty acids. Not much is needed to positively impact heart health and keep you on track losing weight with Atkins low carb diet.
Lean Ground Beef
Many people have the misconception that fatty meats are the only source of protein on the Atkins low carb diet. Lean ground beef is perfectly acceptable and healthy. Increase fat intake with each meal by drizzling olive oil on the meat or serving with a side of 2 tbsp of Atkins low carb diet friendly mayonnaise.
Shrimp
Whether fresh or frozen, shrimp is a zero carb seafood perfect for the Atkins low carb diet. Shrimp can be steamed, grilled, baked and boiled. After cooking, create numerous dishes like shrimp scampi, shrimp salad or shrimp burgers. Fat needs to be added to shrimp on the Atkins low carb diet to maintain ketosis as the seafood has no fat content.
Tuna in Oil
Not everyone has time to cook three meals a day, so once in a while take advantage of the perfect prepackaged meat for the Atkins low carb diet. Tuna packed in oil has zero carbohydrates and all the fat you need. You can drain all the fat off the tuna if you are adding Atkins friendly mayonnaise. If not, leave at least a little of the oil on the tuna and use it to dress salad greens for your meal.
As the Induction phase of the Atkins low carb diet moves into Ongoing Weight Loss and, finally, the Lifetime Maintenance stage, lean meats will become more important. Eating them in the beginning of the Atkins low carb diet makes it easier when moving through the steps. All you have to do is cut back on the added fat when you hit lifetime maintenance.
