A cut on all carbohydrate from the diet and increased protein and fat intake. Cut on things like pasta, bread, rice and alcohol, yet unlimited amounts of meat, cheese and butter are suggested to eat. That's why sometimes Low Carb Diets claim to be luxurious diets. Low carb diet does not allow foods high in carbohydrate, especially white flour, sugar and starchy vegetables. Therefore, in low carb diet recipes, all these are taken out and replaced with other ingredients. There are many different versions of the low carb diet, such as Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, Protein Power, Neanderthin, The Carbohydrate Addict's Lifestyle Plan, Life Without Bread, and others. All of them, however, have one thing in common - a very strict reduction in the consumption of carbohydrates

The Atkins diet started a revolution in the way that people looked at carbohydrates and the way that they went on diets. From the Atkins Diet food list you'll find that in stage 1 you can eat meats, fish, poultry, and eggs. While the diet says that there is an unlimited amount of these which you can eat, it may be a good idea to eat only moderate servings of these foods. You should however stay away from processed meats as they could contain sugars.

Cheese types surprisingly, are allowed on the Atkins Diet food list. There are certain cheeses that you can eat while you are on this diet. These are full-fat, firm, soft and semi-soft cheese. The Atkins Diet food list also includes aged cheeses as well as cheddars, and cow, sheep or goat's cheese.

You will also find Gouda, Mozzarella, Swiss and Roquefort cheeses on the Atkins Diet food list. In addition other cheese varieties like the Blue cheese types can be consumed and can be found on the Atkins Diet food list.

With this food list handy as you progress through your diet, you'll find that you'll also be learning new and inventive ways to cook these foods as well. Whereas earlier you might have found that your staple foods and main dishes consisted of mainly high carbohydrate foods, with the help of the Atkins Diet food lists, you can be sure to eliminate these from your meals.

I am not a fanatic with diets but I always try to keep an open mind and try stuff out. These are a few of my favorite recipes, I hope you will enjoy them.

Spaghetti Squash alla Carbonara

Serves:6,

CarbsPerServing:9g (1g is fiber)

Prep Time:45-60 minutes

Effort:Easy

Ingredients:

1 large spaghetti squash (4 lb)

1/2 lb bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4 inch pieces

1/4 cup dry white wine

1 cup heavy cream

2 egg yolks1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (worth the extra cost

to get the real stuff!)

1/4 cup fresh Italian Parsley (flat-leaf), finely chopped

black pepper to taste

How to Prepare:

Pierce the spaghetti squash multiple times with a fork. Bake in a

400 degree oven for 45-60 minutes, until tender.

While squash is baking, fry bacon until crisp. Drain fat and set

aside on paper towels to drain.

Add the wine to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on medium until

reduced in volume by about half. Reduce heat to low.

Beat together egg yolks and cream, then slowly stir into wine mixture. Cook on medium-low until sauce begins to thicken (warning:

make sure temperature is not too high or you will end up with

scrambled eggs).

Once the sauce coats the back of a wooden spoon, return the bacon to

the pan and add the parsley. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.

Cut the spaghetti squash in half, scoop out seeds, then pull strands

out with a fork into a large serving dish.

Pour sauce over hot squash. Sprinkle parmesan over all and toss

well.

Add freshly ground pepper to taste.

Chinese Stir-Fried Asparagus

Serves:6 as a side dish,9

CarbsPerServing:3-4

Prep Time:20 mintues

Effort:Easy

Ingredients:

A medium bundle of asparagus

1/4 pound pork loin

And entire head of garlicsalt

MSG

small red chile (optional)

lard

How to Prepare:

Prep: Cut off the tough ends of the asparagus, or peel the lower

portions. Cut the asparagus into bite size pices. Wash them in a bowl of water. Slice the pork into very thin small strips (much easier to do if the pork is slightly frozen). Peel all the garlic cloves and slice thickly.

Cook: Heat the wok. Add at least 3 T. lard. Throw the garlic in and

stir-fry til slightly browned. Throw in the pork and cook until

color changes, the garlic will also hopefully be very browned at

this point. Throw in the chile and about 1/2 teaspoon salt, stir

briefly. Throw in the asparagus, add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon MSG, stir-fry

a few mintues. Put in about 3/4 cup water, cover and cook until

asparagus is just tender. Add more salt to taste. Serve. Be sure to

eat the garlic also!

Broccoli Onion Swiss Quiche

CarbsPerServing:30 total recipe

Effort:Easy

Ingredients:

3 cups chopped broccoli -- cooked, drained, cooling

1/2 cup chopped onion -- favorite color

3 tablespoons butter -- (or less)

1 1/2 tablespoons soy flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

pepper and nutmeg to taste (pinch)3 eggs

1/2 cup heavy cream

with enough water to equal 2/3 cup liquid

4 slices cooked bacon -- crumbled or cut in

small pieces

2 ounces shredded swiss cheese

How to Prepare:

9" pie plate sprayed with non-stick spray

375 degrees, 25 minutes

1. Set aside cooked broccoli

2. Saute onions gently in butter, when tender add soy flour and cook

a couple more minutes.

3. Whisk together eggs, cream & water. Blend in salt and spices.

4. Combine egg mix, prepared vegetables and cheese.

5. Pour into prepared pie plate.

6. Bake until puffed and browned.

Personal notes: Next time I will increase the 2 oz cheese to 4 oz

because I want the swiss flavor more pronounced. Also I think this would make a great appetizer if baked in a 7 x 11" chilled and cut into small squares, served cold or reheated. Very pretty if topped with small strips of pimento or red bell pepper laced through a slice of black olive?

ENJOY