What You Can Drink During Induction on the Atkins Diet

Induction on the Atkins Diet is the most stringent part of the plan. Dr. Atkins specifies a number of foods and beverages that must be avoided during Induction; you may be left wondering what you can have during this part of the diet. Here is a brief look at some of the beverages you can drink during Induction on the Atkins Diet.

It is important to drink enough water while following any low-carb diet. Dr. Atkins advises those on the Induction phase to consume eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day in the form of tap water, spring water, mineral water, and filtered water.

You can also choose other specific beverages you find listed in the Induction phase guidelines portion of the Atkins book or on the Atkins Web site. The following is an excerpt from that list:

Beverages Allowed During Induction

• Club soda
• Coffee
• Tea
• Diet soda (some varieties)
• No-calorie flavored seltzer
• Herbal tea (with no added barley or fruit sugars)

Caffeine

Caffeine isn't allowed for some Atkins dieters because Dr. Atkins suggests it may affect blood sugar or appetite in some people. If you experience cravings or symptoms of hypoglycemia after consuming beverages with caffeine, you should eliminate them, according to Atkins.

Diet Sodas

Certain artificial sweeteners are off-limits during Induction on the Atkins plan, so some diet sodas are not allowed.

Alcohol

Alcohol is not allowed during the first 14 days of Induction. If you remain on Induction longer than two weeks, you will be allowed some alcohol, but Atkins warn that consuming it might slow down your rate of weight loss. Alcoholic beverages allowed during an extended Induction phase may include one glass of wine, one low-carb beer, or a small amount of spirits mixed with water or club soda (avoid mixers that contain carbs such as fruit juice) once a day.

_Source:

_{Atkins, Robert C., MD. Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution. New York: Avon Health, 2002.}