I'm so confused about veggies and induction

[prfctlildvl]

I'm trying to do Atkins by the book but I'm so darn confused about the veggie requirements.

I thought you're only supposed to have 2-3 cups from the veggie list and if you have only 2 then you can have 1 cup from the other veggie list but you're supposed to get 12-15 of your net carbs from your veggies.........how do you do this on only 2-3 cups of veggies.

This is what I had today. I had 3 cups of veggies but they only came up to 7 carbs (not even net carbs) so I have 5-8 carbs I need to get from my veggies but I only have 1/4 cup of veggies left. Can someone help clear this up for me, please?

And yes, I smissed a meal today but I wasn't hungry this morning - I filled up on water and had eggs for lunch.

http://www.fitday.com/WebFit/PublicJournals.html?Owner=prfctlildvl

Sorry for so many questions and for being such a pain but I'm trying to do this right.

Thank you!

[ValidRouge]

Re: I'm so confused about veggies and induction

well, if you really want your carbs up, then you'll need to pick veggies that have higher carbohydrate counts. Try all kinds of veggies. Really, there isn't anything wrong with what you have there, but honestly, romaine or iceberg lettuce just doesn't give you a lot of bang for your buck, carbohydrate wise OR nutrient wise. Look at the spring mixes, or just have 1 cup of lettuce and have a full cup of some of the other "salad" veggies like cucumber, peppers, mushrooms, sprouts, etc.

I always like to use my third cup as a veggie from the "Other" list. I really like to have a full cup of brussel sprouts or squash or cauliflower, SPINACH, greens, etc. Higher carbohydrate veggies, but also higher FIBER, higher vitamins and minerals and all kinds of good stuff.

HOWEVER the 3 cup rule does apply. So, if you choose to eat lettuce for all 3 cups and that only gives you 3 carbs. Then, that's what you get. I think that's unfortunate because vegetables are so good and so good for you. AND once you start into the OWL phase and then into premaintenance and ultimately maintenance, vegetables really do become the basis of your diet.
Questions are always good, we are always glad to help.

[prfctlildvl]

Re: I'm so confused about veggies and induction

Thanks again. I like a big salad but I guess I'm going to have to make my main veggies in it broccoli or cucumbers and use just a cup of lettuce.

Thanks again!

[ValidRouge]

Re: I'm so confused about veggies and induction

I love salads too. Do it like this for two weeks (induction) and then move onto OWL rung 1 is just more veggies, so you can have bigger/more salads if you'd like.

My favorite salads would be either spinach salad or a spring mix with mushrooms, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, yellow/red/orange bell pepper, feta cheese, olives and some sort of dressing. mmmmmmm lots of texture and flavor.

[Laurenfra]

Re: I'm so confused about veggies and induction

You can be well into owl and still only hit 20 carbs some days. It is the limit not the required.
Keep the questions coming. It shows you want to this right

[IrishIrish]

Re: I'm so confused about veggies and induction

Depending on only salad vegetables in small quantities is one way to do Atkins, but using the other veggies to get all the nutrients that veggies offer is another way. Lots of us eat the cauliflower and broccoli and green beans and other veggies. They are also a great source of natural fiber (moreso than the salad veggies).