1. Are Hormel 0 carb pepperoni slices okay?

2. What about packaged sliced deli meats, like smoked turkey breast?

3. Should I be looking for special kinds of bacon or is whatever is handy okay? Someone told me you have to check for ingredients in bacon, like nitrates, but I can't find any that doesn't have that on the ingredient list.

4. Where can I find the list of acceptable foods? The links from the stickies above lead to a changed page over at the official Atkins site -- and things seem...different there... than I remember them in Dr. Atkins' book from 2002. Why is that?

5. And finally, while I did get to read someone else's copy of the book, I don't have one of my own and won't for a while, because I have to find one someplace and they are out of print-- so I am sorry for asking so many questions, but IS THERE A LIST of ingredients I should look for on any and all labels that I should instantly avoid? I don't want hidden carbs if possible.

Thank you a bunch for this help. I really need some ideas.

Hi! Here is Veronica Atkins' site for true-to-the-book reference info.

As far as your other questions, I would say:

• The pepperoni is ok in moderation (try to stay away from nitrite preservatives as they are not good for your body).
• The plain turkey should be fine as long as it contains no added sugars (strangely, some deli meats do contain sugar!).
• Nitrite-free bacon can be found in natural food stores, but also mainstream stores like Price Chopper and Stop & Shop will carry a brand like "Coleman Natural Uncured Hickory Smoked Bacon." It does need to be kept at 40 degrees or lower at all times in your fridge though.
• The official Atkins site has changed because after Dr. Atkins death, the Board focused more on pushing their own products and not the natural whole foods that were the original focus of the diet. Money is the name of the game and all that
• Hidden carbs: See here for other names used for Sugar.

Good luck! I'm sure others will add to this

Wow, thanks! This is exactly what I was hoping to find out. Good info.

Hi firefly,

I would buy Dr. Atkins book (2002 version or earlier). You can find the book on Ebay really cheap. I have "Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution", it's a white book with Blue and Red Lettering.

My mistake in the beginning was not reading the book, not measuring myself as we can lose inches as well as weight, learning all about Induction, and why this diet works.

Hope that helps,
Toby