Doing breakfast Atkins style!

For example, the great journeys of early American pioneers across the country inspired the biscuit and coffee, which could be prepared easily on wagons. As personal wealth increased in the 19th century, more costly ingredients, like meat and jams, were introduced into the breakfast menu.

Quick and easy items like toaster pastries and frozen bagels became staples as the electric toaster hit the scene in the 1960s. With more and more options for breakfast, manufacturers added sugar to their breakfast cereals to gain a competitive edge. Presently, many Americans are seeking healthier options to start their day. Atkins Nutritionals Inc., is providing a variety of low-carbohydrate options for this next stage in the evolution of the American breakfast.

The Atkins Morning Start line of food products is dedicated to providing tasty and convenient breakfast items that can help people follow a controlled-carb lifestyle, even on the busiest of days. These highlighted products are great-tasting options for anytime you need a satisfying breakfast, whether you're looking for something to keep you going while you walk to work in the summer heat or you're enjoying a lazy morning with the Sunday paper.

New flavors of Atkins Morning Start Breakfast Bars
In June 2004, four new flavors -- Double Chocolate Muffin (17g carbs, 8g fiber), Chocolate Chip Crisp (14g carbs, 5g fiber), Creamy Strawberry Crisp (13g carbs, 6g fiber) and Blueberry Muffin (16g carbs, 7g fiber) -- were introduced, each with only 2g of net carbs* per bar. (*Atkins also subtracts all sugar alcohols). This line will continue to grow in early September, when Trail Mix and Triple Berry Bars arrive in stores. These two new flavors are a blend of granola, nuts, almonds and berries.

Atkins Morning Start Cereals
A bowl of cereal can still be enjoyed by those following a controlled-carbohydrate lifestyle. Morning Start cereals are a rich source of fiber and protein, and a great source of folic acid. Available in Blueberry Bounty (10g carbs, 6g fiber), Crunchy Almond Crisp (8g carb, 5g fiber), Banana Nut Harvest (11g carbs, 6g fiber) and new Triple Berry (10g carbs, 6g fiber) varieties, the cereals also have no added sugars or trans fats.

Atkins Morning Start Homestyle Waffles and Muffins
Waffles are classic breakfast favorites that those doing Atkins� need not miss, with 9g carbs and 2g fiber. For a quicker, lighter meal, try Banana Nut (19g carbs, 8g fiber, 7g sugar alcohols) or Blueberry muffins (21g carbs, 8g fiber, 8g sugar alcohols).

Atkins Morning Start Drink Mixes Many fruit juices are loaded with added sugar. Atkins' fruit-flavored drink mixes are great alternatives in the morning. Simply made by adding water, the mixes have 0 grams of net carbs* per serving and are appropriate for all four phases of the Atkins Nutritional Approach. The flavors include Orange, Apple, Peach Iced Tea and Fruit Punch. (*No total carb or other nutrition information is available on Atkins.com.)

* People following a controlled-carb approach should simply count grams of net carbs, which are the only carbs that have a significant impact on blood sugar. In contrast, fiber, sugar alcohols and glycerine have a minimal impact and are therefore not included in the net carb count.

Editor's note: The Food and Drug Administration has not implemented a mandate that states how net carbs should be calculated.