What is the reason to track 'net carbs' vs. all carbs?

jpfrimmer
jpfrimmer Posts: 134
in Food and Nutrition
Why do people track net carbs instead of your entire carb intake? Also, what is the correct way to calculate it. I've heard you subtract fiber, but on one of my protein bars they also subtract all of the sugar alcohol. I'm not a low-carber, but I do try to watch my intake. Most of my carbs come from fruit, whole grains, greek yogurt, protein bars, and my fiber cereal in the morning :)

Replies

  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    I can't think of any reason to do it unless you are diabetic or have some similar condition. I track all carbs, but I also track fiber to make sure I get enough. Carbs are half my calories because I like energy! :bigsmile:
  • bokodasu
    bokodasu Posts: 629 Member
    I was just reading up on this. The idea is that you "can't" digest fiber, so it shouldn't count. The thing is, there are different types and you can digest them to different degrees. Also - this was the total surprise part - in the US, manufacturers can list the calories from fiber as 0 - but they can also list it as the regular 4. I did a survey of some stuff around my house and it seems like if it's a "health food" - protein powder, anything that makes health claims - it doesn't count it, but just regular food like canned beans does. So you have to do the math to see if they've already counted it out before you go counting it out, or you're double-subtracting.

    And then I realize that even with the amount of fiber I eat (a lot), it'd be a difference of <100 calories a day, and I'm not diabetic, so it's a silly thing to worry about.
  • jpfrimmer
    jpfrimmer Posts: 134
    I was just reading up on this. The idea is that you "can't" digest fiber, so it shouldn't count. The thing is, there are different types and you can digest them to different degrees. Also - this was the total surprise part - in the US, manufacturers can list the calories from fiber as 0 - but they can also list it as the regular 4. I did a survey of some stuff around my house and it seems like if it's a "health food" - protein powder, anything that makes health claims - it doesn't count it, but just regular food like canned beans does. So you have to do the math to see if they've already counted it out before you go counting it out, or you're double-subtracting.

    And then I realize that even with the amount of fiber I eat (a lot), it'd be a difference of <100 calories a day, and I'm not diabetic, so it's a silly thing to worry about.

    Very interesting. Do you know about sugar alcohol? Some of the foods I buy have claims that it only has * amount of net carbs, but when you look at the nutition info, some of them have gotten their number from just subtracting fiber, and some subtract fiber and sugar alcohol.

    Since I am so close to my goal and only have a few problem areas I'm really trying to fine tune my diet and understand as much as possible about nutrition.

    Thanks!
  • bokodasu
    bokodasu Posts: 629 Member
    Found a really good chart on them - http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/whattoeat/a/sugaralcohols.htm . Personally I stay away because of the, uh, side effects, so I've never really looked into it before.
  • sjusick
    sjusick Posts: 1
    I'm on a low carb diet. I count carbs and only carbs, and fiber and sugar alcohols are always subtracted from my carb total. This is according to the Atkins diet. I eat almost no grains, starches nor sugars including fruit and I try to keep my carb count under 50 grams a day. I eat lots of fats and protein and vegetables. Seems to be working for me so far, and I never get hungry.

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