http://www.carbfreecafe.com/carbs/ Net carbs should not be considered when you are counting carbs. en-us Wed, 29 Mar 2006 17:02:04 EST Wed, 29 Mar 2006 17:02:04 EST Weblog Editor 2.0 If you're on a low carb diet, you've probably been checking out protein shakes and protein bars. If so, you've probably seen the term "Net Carbs" on the label. Confused about what that means? Let us help clarify it for you. What Are Net Carbs? Manufacturers of high-protein bars would like to have you believe that net carbs are the amount of acceptable carbs you are allowed to have. You see, low carb diets are based on the belief that some carbs contribute to blood glucose levels and others don't. They classify fiber and sugar alcohols as "non-impact" carbs, which they hope you believe your body can't metabolize, so they supposedly don't count. To get the net carb count, these manufacturers subtract the fiber and sugar alcohol grams from the total amount of carbs in the product. The remaining number is the net carb count in that particular food item. Oddly enough, when a product's amount of carbs is reduced to net carbs, the calorie count stays the same. (Just something to think about....) The Net Carb Farce The problem with net carbs is that there's no legal definition of what a net carb truly is. It's not even a category that is regulated (or even recognized) by the FDA. The only carbohydrate information the FDA regulates is the amount of total carbs broken down into dietary fiber and sugars. Fortunately, many manufacturers are now dropping the term "net carbs" from their labels. Bottom line: If you decide to be on a low carb diet, avoid all processed foods--even low carb ones like protein bars. Instead, stick with lean meats, eggs, nuts, fruits and vegetables, whole grain or whole wheat breads, cereals and pastas, long grain or brown rice, oats, and healthy oils like olive oil. Wed, 29 Mar 2006 17:02:04 EST http://www.carbfreecafe.com/carbs/low-carbs-diet.html Low carbs diet... it's just a wonderful thing. Go with it. en-us Thu, 30 Mar 2006 07:04:06 EST Thu, 30 Mar 2006 07:04:06 EST Weblog Editor 2.0 http://www.carbfreecafe.com/carbs/bad-carbs.html Bad Carbs have become the new "bad boy" of the dieting industry. And, while there are definitely some bad carbs to avoid, sometimes the difference between denying yourself completely and making smart choices is only a matter of knowledge. en-us Fri, 09 Dec 2005 00:27:38 EST Fri, 09 Dec 2005 00:27:38 EST Weblog Editor 2.0 http://www.carbfreecafe.com/carbs/counting-carbs.html Counting Carbs can be a very confusing undertaking if you aren't familiar with nutritional requirements. We are all bombarded with information that is supposed to make it easier, however, if you stick to a few basic rules, counting carbs can be fun. en-us Thu, 17 Nov 2005 13:46:04 EST Thu, 17 Nov 2005 13:46:04 EST Weblog Editor 2.0 http://www.carbfreecafe.com/carbs/good-carbs.html Good Carbs are defined as those carbohydrates that provide gradual, leveled energy during the digestion process. For many, identifying the good carbs is nothing more than common sense. en-us Fri, 09 Dec 2005 00:27:38 EST Fri, 09 Dec 2005 00:27:38 EST Weblog Editor 2.0 http://www.carbfreecafe.com/carbs/low-carbs.html Low carbs and diets. Great stuff, potentially. Learn the basics about low carbs and what foods taste great on the go. en-us Thu, 01 Jun 2006 09:04:50 EDT Thu, 01 Jun 2006 09:04:50 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0