Net Carbs and Sugar Alcohols

[jande2211]

I Atkin-ized myself 4 years ago and was in top form. Then messed up and gained it all (and more back). Now when I go grocery shopping I see all these products that I don't remember seeing then. Now, I've been counting only "net carbs" and do not see the results as I did 4 years ago. Also, "sugar alcohols" is not making sense to me, as sugar is sugar and alcohol is grain (ergo sugar). I gave a few of these bars and stuff a try but I don't think they're helping at all (plus my dogs wouldn't eat them)! Anyone out there who can square me away on all this? Is it my imagination or are these things not as "Atkins" as before? Should I just stick with counting all carbs, not net? Appreciate any feed back on this, folks.

[haileydawg]

The only things I subtract out is fiber. I do count the sugar alcohols. I also try to rarely eat these things as the majority of them stall me and give me horrid stomach pains....just not worth it!
Check out this website for info on counting sugar alcohols
http://www.countcarbs.com/advice/making_the_case.htm

[Ptrcmcc6]

Although I am not doing Atkins, from what I've been reading around here, a lot of people are saying that Atkins has become very commercialized. They seem to think that if you follow Dr. Atkins original books and read all labels before buying some of these low carb products, you should do fine. Low carbing is a big money-making industry right now with so many people realizing the health benefits that come along with it. Like everything else in life, of course you are going to have some shady people out there just looking to make a quick buck. I think if you keep yourself to whole healthy foods and vegetables as opposed to processed foods, you should start seeing results. If you feel more comfortable counting all carbs as opposed to net carbs, by all means do so. Personally, I subtract the fiber from the total carbs. I try not to buy any foods with sugar alcohols in them and if by chance I do, I DO NOT subtract the sugar alcohols like most of these so called "low carb" products do.
These are just my thoughts. I'm sure someone who is actually doing Atkins can probably enlighten you more.

Happy Losing!!

Patty

[RCFletcher]

Quote:
Also, "sugar alcohols" is not making sense to me, as sugar is sugar and alcohol is grain (ergo sugar).

Sugar alcohols are white crystaline substances which look like sugar and are sweet, although less sweet than sugar. They are found in nature but are also sythesised by food manufacturors to give bulk and sweetness to diabetic and low carb foods.

Chemically they are somewhere between a sugar and an alcohol.

Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol,is found is fair amounts in prunes. This is what gives prunes their laxative effect.

Low carb foods made with sugar alcohols can also have the same laxative effect so beware of eating a lot of them.

Some people eat them with no problems others say they stop their weight loss. Probably the best approach is to count them as an occasional treat.

[jande2211]

The only things I subtract out is fiber. I do count the sugar alcohols. I also try to rarely eat these things as the majority of them stall me and give me horrid stomach pains....just not worth it!
Check out this website for info on counting sugar alcohols
http://www.countcarbs.com/advice/making_the_case.htm


Hey! This article was just the ticket. It's the first time I've understood this mess. I'll be counting any sugar alcohols from here on out . . . . better yet, I'll just avoid them altogether whenever possible! :p
Thank you for sharing this!

[jande2211]

Although I am not doing Atkins, from what I've been reading around here, a lot of people are saying that Atkins has become very commercialized. They seem to think that if you follow Dr. Atkins original books and read all labels before buying some of these low carb products, you should do fine. Low carbing is a big money-making industry right now with so many people realizing the health benefits that come along with it. Like everything else in life, of course you are going to have some shady people out there just looking to make a quick buck. I think if you keep yourself to whole healthy foods and vegetables as opposed to processed foods, you should start seeing results. If you feel more comfortable counting all carbs as opposed to net carbs, by all means do so. Personally, I subtract the fiber from the total carbs. I try not to buy any foods with sugar alcohols in them and if by chance I do, I DO NOT subtract the sugar alcohols like most of these so called "low carb" products do.
These are just my thoughts. I'm sure someone who is actually doing Atkins can probably enlighten you more.

Happy Losing!!

Patty

You're not kidding, Patty. We should buy stock in those companies who are peddling these products! And after reading the suggested article by Hailey, I'm more confident discounting only the fiber. All else is to be taken into consideration. Sadly, I was not doing this and I think it's be very detrimental to my losing. So, while not starting from scratch, I'm tightening the reins. Peace.

[jande2211]

RCFletcher, thanks for talking. Yeah, I've noticed some response from my body to SAs. Let's just say, I don't indulge in this stuff too often! But often enough to decide that they're stalling me out. I'm cutting them out, and when I can't I'm going to be counting the total SAs. Probably best just to avoid at all costs tho!