Atkins Induction Breakfast: Delicious & Low-Carb Ideas

Most dieters dread the beginning of a new diet, as visions of strict rules and tasteless food loom large. On the Atkins Diet, however, the first phase (the Induction) offers dieters a wide variety of foods that can be eaten anytime. Avoid falling into the a breakfast rut by getting creative and finding new, low-carb substitutes for favorite breakfast dishes.

Egg Dishes

• High in protein, eggs are an ideal food for those in the Atkins Diet Induction phase. However, don't just limit yourself to scrambled or over-easy. For the classic American breakfast, try two eggs sunny-side up with a side of bacon, also an Atkins-approved Induction food. For an elegant brunch with friends, consider a classic frittata with goat cheese, artichoke hearts, onions, mushrooms and fresh herbs. Accompany this dish with a side of steamed asparagus, dressed lightly in olive oil and lemon zest. To start your morning with a little more kick, improvise an Atkins-friendly version of huevos rancheros by ditching the tortillas and serving eggs over a bed of sauteed bell peppers. Top with cheese, sour cream, chorizo, homemade salsa and olives.

Soups

• For those cold mornings where you find yourself reaching for the oatmeal, consider a low-carb soup instead. Try a creamy, comforting pumpkin soup made with fresh pureed pumpkin, cream, chili and a dash of nutmeg. Awake your senses with chicken broth spiked with mushrooms and ginger --- perfect for clearing the sinuses when a cold strikes, and excellent for your digestion anytime. Avoid winter squashes like butternut squash, as they are high in carbohydrates and sugars.

Wraps

• Lettuce may not usually inhabit the breakfast table, but wide-leaf lettuce is an excellent option for making fast, low-carb breakfast wraps. Use mild butter leaf lettuce to make a wrap using tuna, mayonnaise and slivered almonds. Try sturdier hearts of romaine to hold hot scrambled eggs, meat and veggies. For mornings at home, try salmon-and-cream-cheese roll-ups dotted with capers and served with sliced tomato and avocado for the gourmet bagel experience without the carbohydrates.