I have read the book, and now I am just collecting as much information off of these message boards before I begin my Induction. Just wondering what kind of bacon & sasuage tastes good, any recommendations,you're supposed to buy nitrate free bacon, so if there are any brands out there that are espcecially good, please let me know, I am in canada so it has to be something that is availiable here. Thanks

Piller and Boarshead brands are good. I know that Piller is a Canadian company, so you should be able to find it. I think I remember some Canadians saying they were able to get Boarshead as well. Both companies offer nutritional info in the stores and online if you buy them at a deli and can't read the packaging.

Unless you have a pre-existing reason to avoid nitrates (like migraine triggers) regular bacon cured without sugar is fine. If you really want nitrate free, I think Applegate Farms is available in health food stores.



Always eat your veggies first!

Don't sweat nitrate-free bacon, etc. They're almost impossible to find, and look yucky as well.

It is helpful to remember that Dr. Atkin's, bless his LC soul, was a little of a health "nut" and also railed against Nutrasweet and other things that are consumed by billions daily to little or rare effect. (He also swore by organic veggies, which are as expensive as hell.)

You'll find it tough enough to buy normal foods to sweat finding special meats and veggies as well. While a REALLY rare few have reactions to nitrate meats and Nutrasweet, it shouldn't stop you from buying them if you've never had issues with them before. Buy what you like, read the labels, just avoid "flavored" meats like "Honey Smoked" and what not. A gram of carbs or two (or three) and a little sugar in some sausage is common. If a serving is 2 or 3 carbs per serving, you're good.

Mikeyrat

Started Atkins 5/30/2003
337/283.5/237 - 6'2" 43 YO
Wife: 224/194/165 - 5'11"

Thanks so much for the great info, I can't wait to go shopping and begin Induction.

I have found that the store brands (unbranded) of bacon offer sugar-free varieties (e.g. Kroger and Meijer). Also, you can find very good bacons at your local butcher shops. They usually cure their bacon without sugar -- and it's cheaper, too!

Kellie, F38
Started Atkins 8/1/03 (off and on for the last few years but sticking to it this time!)
206/196/160 -- 8.5 inches GONE! (as of 9/8) Up 2 pounds this week.

Oh yeah, for sausage, Bob Evans brand is sugar free -- and very good!

Kellie, F38
Started Atkins 8/1/03 (off and on for the last few years but sticking to it this time!)
206/196/160 -- 8.5 inches GONE! (as of 9/8) Up 2 pounds this week.

Correct me someone if I'm wrong.
Pancetta is Italian bacon that isn't smoked so it shouldn't contain nitrates. But if you're eating lunch meats you're getting nitrates so why single bacon out for nitrate free. It may be better for you but nitrate free is twice the price.
Rob

Actually, I found that Whole Foods has bulk bacon which is nitrite/nitrate free and it is GOOOOOOD! I've tried some prepackaged kinds and didn't care for them. This stuff is $5.99 a pound, but then, the brand bacon I was buying in a 2 lb. package at Safeway was $9.99 so not THAT much difference.

Hey, I like it, it tastes good, it makes me feel good to eat it, and besides - I'm WORTH it! And so is DH, who eats 2-3 pieces of bacon every morning. Since I'd like to keep him around as long as possible, I decided he wasn't going to eat nitrites/nitrates if *I* could help it! LOL!

Char

Don't squat with yer spurs on!

What about breakfast sausage at Safeway, save-on etc.. does that have sugar in it, there is nothing written on it, so I'm not sure if its ok.

143/125

The FDA requires all ingredients to be listed on packaging. If sugar (or a form of it) isn't listed, it's not in it.

Kellie, F38
Started Atkins 8/1/03 (off and on for the last few years but sticking to it this time!)
206/193/160 -- 10.75 inches GONE! (as of 9/15) Down 3 pounds this week!

Because I have been eating so much backon, I have switched to Turkey Bacon. I have found a few brands that have no carbs and it is much lower in fat.

Maria
177/162/125
LC since 8/8/03

great thanks !

143/125

If you ask the store butcher for nutritional info, he should be able to give you some or direct you to a website.

***********************
"Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then on the way out, slam the door."

The bacon is always so much better from a butcher! And generally cheaper.

Kellie, F38
Started Atkins 8/1/03 (off and on for the last few years but sticking to it this time!)
206/193/160 -- 10.75 inches GONE! (as of 9/15) Down 3 pounds this week!