Atkins/Keto

shubers1496

Hi All

My name is Sue and I am brand new to this (first time ever posting on anything (I know I'm like a dinosaur in this age) and first time trying low carbs. I still don't really have a handle on what the net carbs means. Can anyone explain this to me? My goal is to lose 80lbs over 18 months, although sooner would be nice too.

I have looked over various Atkins articles but I'm still confused. Any recommended books to help me?

NYPhotographer2021

Welcome Sue! Net carbs are basically the total amount of carb grams, minus the amount of fiber grams and/or sugar alcohols.

Like I take a supplement that has 5 grams of carbs. It also has 4 grams of sugar alcohol. So it would have a net carb count of 1. Sugar alcohols and fiber don't get absorbed by the body, and passes right through. Which is why a lot of people don't count them. Which basically means they can eat more carbs as long as they contain fiber and/or sugar alcohols. Research fiber and sugar alcohols to get a better explanation.

I don't count net carbs btw. I count the total carbs and try to keep under 30 grams/day. I've lost 35 pounds in 4 months. I probably would've lost 40 in 4 months if it weren't Thanksgiving and Christmas! LOL! Good luck!

canadjineh

Hi Sue, and welcome! The discussion threads that are pinned to the top of our forum are very helpful on what to expect and ideas on how to implement LC or Keto. Best start is here: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10103966/start-here-the-lcd-launch-pad#latest
Also the 'What are you eating' thread on our LC Forum has some great pictures and ideas for meals: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10274397/what-does-your-low-carb-meals-look-like#latest

camtosh

Hi and welcome Sue. I know the early days are confusing for low carbers.
For net carbs, one thing to know is that if you live in Europe/UK, the label on a product may already be listing just net carbs. In the US, subtract the fiber number from the total carb listed to get the net carb.
Also, fiber may or may not affect your blood sugar levels, so your mileage may vary... you have to decide how you feel after eating a food.

Here is a list of books I found helpful:
Keto Clarity: Your Definitive Guide to the Benefits of a Low-Carb Diet by Jimmy Moore and Dr. Eric Westman
(also any stuff by Dr. Westman, who learned from Dr. Atkins)
The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung (and other books by him, also his site https://www.thefastingmethod.com/blog has many free articles.
Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars
Book by Dr. Richard K. Bernstein -- this one is especially good if you have been diagnosed with higher Hba1c.