To be honest, I found it was a LOT easier to maintain vegetarianism on a wider variety of foods by using a low carb plan that gave me a higher carb allowance than Atkins induction's 20g. For one thing, diets that are very choice limiting and I have never gotten along very well
. I also really enjoy varied menus, and if you complicate Atkins induction with vegetarianism, varied menus are *really* tough to come up with.
Some folks will point out that induction is only supposed to last two weeks, so if it's hard or the food choices are boring, it doesn't last forever. But mentally, the first two weeks of a new eating plan (or a new 'anything') are the hardest adjustment period anyway, so it was critical to me that I be able to use a low carb plan that seemed doable from the beginning.
Rather than Atkins, I chose Protein Power, which allows up to 40g effective (net) carbs in Phase I (and points out scientifically why going lower than 30g is really not any more effective.) Those extra 20g per day offer a MUCH easier transition into low carb eating, and make it possible to choose vegetarian protein sources like cottage cheese, tempeh, even small amounts of lentils and garbanzo beans, along with a variety of vegetables and fruits that are totally off limits on Atkins induction.
YMMV of course, but if you'd like to check out a low carb plan with more options right from the beginning, visit
www.eatprotein.com