Everyone knows that fruits and vegetables are good for us and provide valuable nutrients to our bodies. Because of this, along with being low-carb, fruits and vegetables are included in each phase of the Atkins diet.
During Atkins 20 Phase 1 of the program, you’re encouraged to eat 12-15 grams of carbs from vegetables per day. Depending on what vegetable you are eating, this can be up to several servings. In Phase 2, melons, cherries and berries are all on the approved food list. Phase 3 allows for a wider variety of fruits, as well as starchy vegetables, to be eaten.
Finally, during Phase 4, which is more of a permanent lifestyle, you are encouraged to be eating all of these fresh and healthy low carb vegetables and fruits.
8 Recommended Low Carb Fruit & Veggies for Summer
This is even easier during the summer when several of these great foods are in season. Check out this list of great summer fruits and vegetables:
Avocados
Not only are these approved for each phase of the program, but they are often considered a super food! Avocados are great because they are extremely versatile. You can use them in a dip like guacamole or use them as a substitute for butter or mayonnaise to add some flavor to a dish.
Bell Peppers
Red, green, orange and yellow, peppers are a great low carb snack and are approved for all phases of the program.
Cucumbers
Nutrients provided by cucumbers include electrolytes, vitamin B, vitamin C and water. The silicon it contains is good for your hair and lignans in the vegetable have been linked to reducing the risk of cancer.
Cherries
In season from May until August, cherries are one of the sweetest low carb fruits nature has to offer. Cherries have been reported to help with arthritis pain, fight cancer and aid with sleeping.
Cantaloupe
Approved for phases 2, 3 and 4 of the diet, cantaloupe is a great source of vitamin A and C.
Green Beans
Some people consider this summer vegetable to be one of the healthiest foods in the world! They’re in season during the summer and approved for each Atkins phase.
Strawberries
While they are mostly grown in California and Florida, colder areas that grow strawberries come in season right in the middle of the summer.
Carrots
While carrots are generally harvested all year, true baby carrots can be found in the summer.