Confused about net carbs

[amandatrice]

Hi all. I've read other threads on this forum that explain hidden carbs and added sugars to look out for, but I' having the opposite problem when reading labels- Thinking something is high carb after subtracting the fiber and turns out it's actually low carb. For instance I've come across several products that will say for example that they have 18 carbs total and 4 grams of fiber- So I'll think it has 14 net carbs per serving, but then I'll see a note on the corner or on the back stating "7 net carbs per serving". I've noticed many atkins products like this as well. So- how can there be only 7 net carbs if there are only 4 grams of fiber? Is protein subtracted as well?

[IrishIrish]

If a product has sugar alchohols in it, the food company often will subtract them to reflect a lower carb count. Stick with subtracting out the fiber only.

[pagliaccia]

Keep in mind that you also need to read the list of ingredients. You should only eat/drink things that have ingredients that are on the Acceptable Food List for Induction. Many of those bars/shakes have ingredients that are only allowed later in OWL. Best of luck to you!

[amandatrice]

Wait- Sorry I forgot to mention this, but I already knew that- Yes I subtract the sugar alcohols already. They still don't add up.

Here's another example: Arnold's 7 grain light bread- 1 serving (2 slices) 17 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fiber and 2 sugars and on the back it says 7 net carbs. Doesn't add up.

Atkins Marshmellow Mudslide Bar : 19 g of carbs- 5 grams of fiber- 3 sugar alcohols = 11 net carbs But on the label it says "3 net carbs" Again doesn't add up.

[fanfreluche]

Originally Posted by amandatrice

Wait- Sorry I forgot to mention this, but I already knew that- Yes I subtract the sugar alcohols already. They still don't add up.

Here's another example: Arnold's 7 grain light bread- 1 serving (2 slices) 17 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fiber and 2 sugars and on the back it says 7 net carbs. Doesn't add up.

Atkins Marshmellow Mudslide Bar : 19 g of carbs- 5 grams of fiber- 3 sugar alcohols = 11 net carbs But on the label it says "3 net carbs" Again doesn't add up.

None of these are good for induction phase. And the Atkins products are not good either.

[Georgiana]

Originally Posted by amandatrice

Here's another example: Arnold's 7 grain light bread- 1 serving (2 slices) 17 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fiber and 2 sugars and on the back it says 7 net carbs. Doesn't add up.

Are 7 net carbs per slice or per serving? I think it's slice.

Atkins Marshmellow Mudslide Bar : 19 g of carbs- 5 grams of fiber- 3 sugar alcohols = 11 net carbs But on the label it says "3 net carbs" Again doesn't add up.

Sheesh...... they weren't able to find a nicer name for this stuff, were they? Who would like to eat a marshmallow mudslide???

Anyway, the missing carbs come from glycerin. It does not appear on the label, but it should be among the ingredients.

[Slapshot]

Who would like to eat a marshmallow mudslide???

Probably an American thing, but a "Mudslide" (alcoholic drink) is quite yummy....

[Georgiana]

Originally Posted by Slapshot

Probably an American thing, but a "Mudslide" (alcoholic drink) is quite yummy....

Never had one... or even knew that it existed. But it looks interesting.

Google-ing I see there is Ben & Jerry's Dublin Mudslide ice cream.... and many other mudslides, none of which I tried before Atkins.

[Slapshot]

I kind of figured it was a lost-in-translation issue....though tumbling down a mountain on mud and marshmallows does sound kind of fun!

[imagood1]

At the top of the induction page you’ll find a condensed version of the book - (Atkins Diet Induction FAQs)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/77558-atkins-diet-induction-faqs.html.

Make a copy of this list (What foods can be eaten on Induction?)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-low-carb-dieting-faqs/6781-what-foods-can-eaten-induction.html and take it with you when you go to the store. If a food isn’t listed on the acceptable food list don’t eat it.

Learn to read the label on all foods you buy - don’t just look at the “carb” number look at the ingredients list of everything and check the ingredients against your list. Just because it says "low carb" doesn't mean you can eat it. Also check for hidden sugars (learn the names used in place of the word “sugar”).