Net or total carb

#1

Sorry for such a basic question, couldn’t find it in FAQs, have read so many different things about total v net carbs. Currently attempting to stick to 20g total carbs, occasionally going slightly over. Views on total v net?

(Ashley Haddock) #2

I count net carbs because the research I’ve read states that fiber is absorbed differently so it is my understanding that it doesn’t raise glucose. (I could be wrong in this and if anyone can explain it differently I would love to hear it.) This is fiber in natural things like vegetables. I believe things like low carb tortillas and Atkins products are questionable and affect everyone differently.

(Stickin' with mammoth) #3

Yep, I subtract the fiber from the carbs, especially with veggies.

(Meeping up the Science!) #4

It depends.

I do 50g total at absolute most. Technically I can do up to 65-75g and be in ketosis, however I like a margin of error.

There can be a trap the higher carbs go if someone has a history of inappropriate indulgence or food addiction. Even if they fall under the total threshold, these foods can prompt overeating. Fruit can be a huge culprit here. Some sweeter veggies can trigger people, too. Most likely have zero issues, though!

Again, this is highly variable and one needs to assess their own needs/habits carefully. It requires some introspection and insight.

(Jo Lo) #5

In Peter Attia’s eating academy blog, he says total carbs, not net.

(Barbara Greenwood) #6

I don’t actually count… but if I did, I would count net carbs.

This is partly because fibre doesn’t get absorbed… in fact it slows down the rate at which glucose is absorbed, so fibre is your friend. It just doesn’t make sense to me to count it, it’s not going to raise your blood glucose or cause an insulin response, if anything it will help you.

And partly because, in the UK, all labels give net carbs anyway, and who can be bothered to do the maths to add the fibre back in?

I can see Ashley’s point about Atkins products etc… but since my policy is essentially to eat real food, that’s not an issue for me. And Donna’s point about certain foods triggering people even if they are below the threshhold - well, yes, but that’s about knowing yourself and your vulnerabilities, and making a sensible decision for yourself. When I find myself starting to get a bit compulsive with a particular food, I will back off from having it for a few days. To make sure I’m in charge, not the food.