It's me with another question - preference based, I think

Deena_Bean

Do you track net carbs or all carbs? At first I was trying to stay under 100 carbs, now I'm shooting more for under 50 (but I'm pretty ok with up to 75). I know that's a little higher of a range than a lot of you, but I am hoping to ease in. I'd say I have about 20 pounds I'd like to lose...so not a super drastic need for keto. That said, today (right now) I'm at 52 total carbs. So I'm higher than usual for a couple of reasons (I had 1/2 an apple and was surprised to find that my panera soup had more carbs than I expected - weirdly their chicken noodle soup had less carbs than the veggie/pesto!). Anyway - I've also had 21g of fiber - so that would be 31g net carbs, right? I think I like the 'total' carb method better...it seems a little fishy to me to subtract fiber. Also - with working out, do you allow for more carbs based on what you've burned? Just curious what everyone is doing - and how well it works for you...

JodehFoster

I watch total, just for added insurance to keep me on the wagon. Fiber typically passes directly through the system w/ no impact on glucose.

Sunny_Bunny_

I count total carbs, but I didn't start out that way. I realized it was just easier and the real reason I was subtracting was because I wanted a lower number... As if it really matters or is some kind of measure of my effort or something.
I try to stay around 20g but if I want a food like a quest bar or a low carb tortilla or some broccoli or whatever, I will just allow myself some extra carbs that day. I don't want to allow it every day because I can tell that my hunger is affected with consistently having more carbs from any source. The fiber does seem to make a difference for some people. I don't know if it's because of soluble vs. insoluble or if it's just different from one person to another, but it does seem to make a difference in some cases.
Whatever carb total you set your goal at is fine. Just base it off of what amount gives you the benefits you are wanting from low carb. If you're wanting better appetite control and you can achieve that at 75 or 100, then that's a perfect range for you. If you do that and don't seem to achieve that, maybe lower carbs could get you there ??? Just have to play around with it and find your happy place.
I've never added more carbs for exercise. I don't want to have to burn through glucose before getting back to fat burning.

Deena_Bean

Perfect, thanks!
I'll stay at the 50 range for now and as long as I actually stay under 100 I'm pretty content for now with that. I definitely prefer the total carb method for the ease of it - why do more math. One of my biggest goals is to keep this as simple as I can. My appetite has been amazingly better since starting this. I would be starving by 3pm in the carb days and ready to eat every single thing I could touch by the time I got home. Now I'm totally fine waiting and I'm not even all that starving by dinner time. I love it. I'm a little high today (75ish), but I'm cool with that

Bob314159

I mainly use net - but keep my eye on the total - no math to do - I have a hack that adds a net column to MFP's display.

I aim for net 25 carbs a day - if I was doing 50 I'd use total carbs.

Christine_72

I stay under 100 carbs too, except for today and yesterday lol I had to use up the last of the bananas in my fridge Now they're gone, never to return

The total and net carb thing has always confused me.. Counting net carbs only just seems a little like cheating to me. Surely not ALL fibre is 100% indigestible , unless I'm understanding it wrong? ?

CMYKRGB

I watch total carb and most days keep it to 15-20. If I eat too many carbs, I notice it affects my appetite. If I start to feel sluggish, I'll increase carb intake.

neohdiver

50 net - but more important for me than net v. total is the net quantity I am eating at one sitting. (I am limiting carbs to keep my blood glucose below 140. When I get about net 21 at one time (lower if I start with a slightly elevated BG), the rise pushes it above 140. (It is also related to food combinations, and glycemic index - way too many things to balance!)

SuesNewImage

@Sunny_Bunny_ I could re+write your post exactly for my WOE.

4 months into this and I'm becoming what I read.

Couchpotato39

Net 50 and under. Generally stay in the 30-40 range.

Deena_Bean

I've been sticking to total carbs so far. I would like to be at or around 50, but I give myself up to 100 so I don't feel too 'stuck' for now. I might evolve into lower if I don't see changes. My two biggest complaints have been mostly resolved. I don't have any (or very, very few) stomach troubles. It used to feel like my stomach/intestines were churning every time I ate. Not so much the case anymore. The other is the hunger - I felt hungry around the clock. My husband even called me his little hungry girl! Now I don't get hungry nearly as often (only when I should be for the most part). The only other thing I'd like now is to see some weight loss. So I guess if that doesn't happen soon I'll re-evaluate and lower them more. The long holiday weekend wasn't my best, but I feel ok about it. I tried more than I ever have to stay somewhat in control. My highest carb day was yesterday - 175. Today's a new day, though, so onward

KarlaYP

If I eat something that has fiber I will use net, but I'm mainly meativore, so total is really just about it for me.

KenSmith108

I eat so few carbs it doesn't matter.
I usually only have a cup to a cup & 1/2
veggies a day at dinner.

or