A common reference in the world of dieting has been the distinction between carbohydrates and net carbohydrates. Simply put, net carbs are computed by subtracting the total grams of fiber from the total grams of carbohydrates. Many low carbohydrate diets utilize the net carbohydrate calculator for their nutritional specifications instead of simply counting the total number of carbohydrates.
Reasons for Counting Net Carbs Instead of Total Carbs
According to the Atkins website, net carbs measure the amount of carbohydrates that significantly impact your blood sugar levels. Foods that are lower in net carbs such as fruits and vegetables do not have an impact on a person's blood sugar levels and do not interfere with weight loss. Additionally, refined carbohydrates that are high in net carbs can lead to diabetes and heart disease, along with weight gain and obesity.
Importance of Carbohydrates in the Diet
Even though the low-carb diet fad has impacted the way people think about carbohydrates, they are still extremely important for the body. Carbohydrates provide the body with the energy needed to get through the day and perform physical activities. They are also important for organ function, brain function and nervous system activity. In addition, many foods with carbohydrates contain numerous vitamins and nutrients that are important for the body's function.
Good Carbs and Bad Carbs
There are differences between so-called "good" carbohydrates and "bad" carbohydrates. According to the Harvard School of Public Health's nutrition source, you should consume carbs that deliver vitamins, minerals and fiber to the body such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans. Avoid easily digested refined carbs such as white bread, soda and pastries. In addition, replace potatoes with brown rice, wheat berries or whole-wheat pasta for dinner.
Measuring Your Carb Intake
According to "The New York Times" health guide, the average person should get around 40 to 60 percent of their caloric intake from carbohydrates. Consuming too many carbohydrates can lead to an increase in calories, leading to obesity. Conversely, consuming too little carbohydrates can lead to malnutrition and excess fat storage in the body. Calculating the number of net carbs in your diet can be done easily by looking at the nutrition labels of the foods you are eating. In addition, websites such as the official Atkins Diet website have free carb calculators for foods that do not have available nutrition facts.
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