Can a vegetarian follow the Atkins Nutritional Approach?
While scientific research supports the advantages of consuming a diet that incorporates healthy quantities of poultry, fish, pork and beef, many individuals are committed to vegetarianism for a wide range of reasons. Atkins is a viable option for vegetarians – especially those who consume excess starch (refined grains, pasta, potatoes, crisps and other snack foods). By following a controlled carb vegetarian approach, individuals benefit from a more satisfying, nutrient-rich way of eating. Proteins, such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, eggs and cheese, nuts and seeds can be substituted for meat, poultry and fish. In addition to low-glycemic vegetables and fruits, lentils and other legumes, nuts and seeds are encouraged, depending on one’s carbohydrate tolerance, known as the Atkins Carbohydrate Equilibrium (ACE). During Induction, vegetarians should pay special attention to their fat intake, being sure to use generous amounts of olive oil and other fats and enjoying appropriate foods, like avo
Animal proteins are a vital component of Atkins. Atkins cannot be done as successfully without them. They contain many essential fatty acids that cannot be found in any other sources. There are patients at The Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine, however, for whom we derived a modified ovo-lacto vegetarian diet; they can eat eggs, cheese and tofu for their protein (although it is usually necessary for a person to be able to also eat fish for Atkins to be enjoyable). Many low carbohydrate food products such as Protein Bars and Shakes can also be used as occasional meal replacements.
