Atkins makes it simple for you - maybe too simple - by giving guidelines for cup measurements of vegetables.

The only foods that don't contain carbohydrates are muscle protein and fats. Everything else has carbs - shellfish, eggs, coffee, tea, dairy and vegetables. Putting a limit on vegetables makes it easy for the first two weeks. Low carbing is a huge learning curve.

If you look at the choices, there are some that are higher in carbs than others. A salad doesn't mean only lettuce. What is 2 cups of lettuce? Usually under 2 grams. According to Dr. A., salad vegetables are also daikon, jicama, mushrooms and peppers. Allowed vegetables that are higher are Brussels sprouts, eggplant, onion, pumpkin, tomato and turnip. You can also eat avocados and olives. It's assumed that you are going to eat from a wide range of foods and not only eat iceberg lettuce, plain meat and broccoli.

Use up your 20 grams a day, eat more fat and enjoy it!

Karen