Net Carbs

jhancock4208

So frustrating that My Fitness Pal tracks total carbs and not net carbs. Any workarounds?

lemurcat2

Track fiber and do the math in your head or note it in comments.

AJ_G

jhancock4208 wrote: »

So frustrating that My Fitness Pal tracks total carbs and not net carbs. Any workarounds?

They don't track it because it wouldn't be accurate. Not all fiber is 0 calories, only insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber is 4 calories per gram. The problem is, nutrition labels do not always differentiate between soluble and insoluble fiber. If you were to count all fiber as 0 calories, you would be underestimating calorie intake and overconsuming on calories. I feel like MFP would rather let it lie and if it is going to be inaccurate in one direction, it's better to be accurate on the safe side.

earlnabby

AJ_G wrote: »

jhancock4208 wrote: »

So frustrating that My Fitness Pal tracks total carbs and not net carbs. Any workarounds?

They don't track it because it wouldn't be accurate. Not all fiber is 0 calories, only insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber is 4 calories per gram. The problem is, nutrition labels do not always differentiate between soluble and insoluble fiber. If you were to count all fiber as 0 calories, you would be underestimating calorie intake and overconsuming on calories. I feel like MFP would rather let it lie and if it is going to be inaccurate in one direction, it's better to be accurate on the safe side.

Not to mention that they are not going to completely overhaul the database to please a minority of users. Also, different countries have different labeling requirements and some put total carbs on the label and some put net carbs.

OP: Change your diary so you track fiber instead of sugars or sodium. You have the numbers right in front of you and all you need to do then is a simple subtraction in your head.

nocgirl72

I wish it would do it too. I’m at about 63 carbs for the day but 30g of fiber.

L1zardQueen

nocgirl72 wrote: »

I wish it would do it too. I’m at about 63 carbs for the day but 30g of fiber.

The math is simple.

whmscll

What is the math?

MoiAussi93

whmscll wrote: »

What is the math?

Carbs - Fiber = Net Carbs

lemurcat2

whmscll wrote: »

What is the math?

In the example, 63-30=33.

Not only is it always doable in your head without even thinking about it (IME), but I think it is good that it means that people track and look at fiber.

I believe you can also subtract sugar alcohols, but I never did as I didn't eat much and wouldn't want to eat enough that it really made a difference.

tmpecus78

I'll take "things I learned in 1st grade for $500 Alex!"