The Atkins eating plan emphasizes the benefits of protein and natural fats - AND nutrient-rich carbohydrates. There is a difference in the quality of carbs. The crux of the matter is in limiting carbohydrates and in selecting the right carbohydrates, those most full of nutrients and fiber and those with the lowest impact on your blood sugar. So, not only is it important to choose foods with low carb counts, it is also crucial to select the most nutrient-dense carbohydrate foods.
The goal is to eat as many "good" carbohydrates as your body can tolerate without interfering with weight loss or getting your blood sugar out of whack. And you will choose healthy, satisfying whole foods, ones that provide nutrients and fiber.
Vegetables, in general, contain "good" carbohydrates, although some are very high in carbs and not as high in nutrient value, and some are the reverse. Most vegetables provide fiber and many healthy phytonutrients (phyto means "plant"), those magical substances found in plants that help us ward off disease. Fortunately, the vegetables that are most dense in nutrients happen also to be those lowest in carbs.
Yes - since Atkins emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods, it does take planning to stay "on plan". And seeing how I am not a good cook, and don't enjoy it, this has been the hardest part to adjust to, for me. But, oh, so worth it!
