New Year's resolutions: They're made with the best intentions, but most are quickly forgotten or abandoned. If you're determined to follow a controlled-carbohydrate lifestyle but find it hard to stay on track, some preparation is in order.
The key to success is setting realistic goals.
"If you attempt too many significant lifestyle changes all at once, it will only damage your resolve," said Atkins Nutritionals' Executive Editor Christine Senft, who is also a nutritionist. "Instead, prioritize your resolutions and approach each with care until you have integrated good habits into your lifestyle. If you make your initial goals small and easy to attain, they will be no less significant, but will give you the sense of accomplishment you need to stick with them."
If you want to maintain a low-carb eating plan, remember to read nutrition labels carefully. The carbohydrate counts in canned and packaged goods vary greatly.
There are now lower-carb alternatives to a variety of foods. For instance, if you love bread, try Atkins Bakery Sliced Bread, which is a good source of fiber.
For your morning cereal, consider Atkins Morning Start Cereals, which have no added sugar and no trans fats. In addition, they are high in fiber, protein and folic acid.
For a satisfying meal, try this low-carb recipe for chicken cacciatore.
CHICKEN CACCIATORE
(Makes 4 servings)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 (3 to 3 1/2 pounds) chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1/2 cup dry white wine
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups canned plum tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown chicken in two batches, about 8 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate. Add onion, garlic and rosemary to pan; cook 4 minutes, until onion is softened. Add wine and bring to a boil, stirring to loosen any browned bits. Add salt and red pepper flakes.
Return chicken, skin-side up, and accumulated juices to skillet. Boil until almost all the wine has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Boil sauce 2 minutes to thicken; spoon over chicken.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Bake/cook time: 35 minutes
Nutritional information per serving: 6.5 g carbohydrates; 5 g net carbs; 1.5 g fiber; 49.5 g protein; 34.5 g fat; 560 calories. - NU
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