Top 5 Fruits for the Atkins Low Carb Diet

When following Atkins, you will not consume fruits for the first two weeks on Induction. The Atkins low carb diet moves from Induction to Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL) after the first two weeks and some fruits are allowed. Moving from OWL into Lifetime Maintenance on the Atkins low carb diet means even more healthy fruits can be incorporated into your daily menu. Fruits tend to be high in natural sugars like fructose, but there are a few that have enough fiber to counteract most of the carbohydrates in the fruit.

California (Haas) Avocado

Most people include the California Haas Avocado in the vegetable category but avocados are fruits. ON the Atkins low carb diet, avocados are allowed during Induction and throughout OWL and Lifetime Maintenance. California Haas Avocados have 6.0 grams of carbohydrates and 4.2 grams of fiber for ½ an avocado. The "net" carb impact, the only carbs counted on the Atkins low carb diet, are 1.7 per ½ an avocado.

Fresh Raspberries

The wonderful, bright flavor of a fresh raspberry is a welcome boost for dieters following the Atkins low carb diet. Fresh raspberries have 7.1 grams of carbohydrates and 4.2 grams of fiber per ½ cup serving. The "net" carb impact is 3.0 carbs per ½ cup - perfect for use on Induction, OWL and Lifetime Maintenance on the Atkins low carb diet.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a unique fruit with an extremely low carb count. A ½ cup serving of Rhubarb contains 2.8 carbohydrates and 1.1 grams of fiber. The "net" carb impact for dieters following the Atkins low carb diet is just 1.7 carbs.

Fresh Whole Strawberries

Whether blending up a low carb green smoothie or enjoying a serving of whipped, sugar-free cream on top of a sweet fruit base, strawberries are acceptable on the Induction, OWL and Lifetime Maintenance phases of the Atkins low carb diet. Fresh whole strawberries have just 5.1 grams of carbohydrates and 1.7 grams of fiber. Total "net" carb impact is a minimal 3.4 grams of carbs.

Guava

In the OWL and Lifetime Maintenance phases of the Atkins low carb diet, more than 20 grams of carbs (Induction level) are allowed. Guava offers an excellent source of fiber for a relatively low "net" carb impact. Just ½ cup of Guava contains 9.8 carbohydrates and 4.5 grams of fiber, leaving the "net" carb impact at 5.3 grams per ½ cup serving.

Fruit is not something dieters following the Atkins low carb diet will have to give up forever. Some fruits are just plain terrible for low carb dieting and others offer a good source of fiber to keep constipation, common with low carb dieting, at bay and menu plans bright, colorful and tasty.