Appendix 2

MOVING BEYOND INDUCTION

When they’re ready to move on from Induction, most people find it best to add back foods in a certain order. In “Atkins language,” this is known as the Carbohydrate Ladder (see below).When you are following the Atkins Nutritional Approach, weight loss is the primary indicator of when to advance through the four phases, adding additional grams of carbs and broadening your choices among foods that contain carbohydrates. When you follow the ABSCP, correction of metabolic markers such as improved blood pressure control, loss of inches especially around the waist, and improvement in blood sugar and lipid levels, as well as pounds lost, will determine your ability to advance through the phases. (For more detail, refer to Chapters 10 and11.) Following this order tends to minimize blood sugar surges that could reactivate cravings:

CARBOHYDRATE LADDER

  1. More salad and other vegetables on the acceptable foods list
  2. Fresh cheeses (as well as more aged cheese)
  3. Seeds and nuts
  4. Berries
  5. Legumes
  6. Fruits other than berries
  7. Starchy vegetables
  8. Whole grains