NET CARBS

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Most all food manufacturers are focusing on advertising the "Net Carbs" of foods. But what is Net Carbs and why is it important? Not all foods are converted to blood sugar and therefore to do not contribute to blood glucose levels. These are considered non impact carbs. The non impact carbs are fiber and sugar alcohols. Therefore, you subtract the fiber and sugar alcohol carbs from the total carbohydrate to get the total Net Carbs. For example, suppose you had eaten a candy bar and some fiber rich crackers. Both have 15 grams of carbohydrates. The crackers also have 5 grams of fiber while the candy bar has no fiber. The net carbs for the candy bar would be 15 while the net carbs for the crackers would be 10.

There is a catch 22 here. You have to be careful when you analyze net carbs. There have been several tests of products whose claims have not lived up to actual testing. NBC recently tested several products and many came in over the amount listed on the package or advertisement. This included the Subway chain. The Atkins food products all tested at or lower than the advertised carb count.

Try to always select diet foods high in protein and fiber. Most low carb foods now list the net carbs on the package. Remember that the net carb impact is what is important. Finally, remember that the impact is for each serving, not the entire package.

1. Low carb diets are based on the premise that certain carbohydrates contribute to blood glucose levels, while other carbohydrates do not.

2. Low carb diets consider certain carbs such as fiber and sugar alcohol non impact carbs. Non impact carbs are carbs that you cannot metabolize or use so they do not count as net carbs.

3.

Net carbs

are calculated by taking total carbohydrate grams and subtracting fiber and sugar alcohol grams. The remaining carb grams are considered a given products net impact carbs.

4. Purchase a carbohydrate gram counter such as the Dr. Atkins Carbohydrate Counter to accurately keep track of your carb usage.