Okay all you savvy low carbers...here's a question,

If the body processes all carbs as equal...all as "glucose"...then why should it really matter (other than of course for nutritional reasons) which foods we obtain our carbs from during Induction.

For example...if I really really really.....wanted a small square or two of Montignac chocolate (no sugar...maltitol)which would yield approx 2 carbs....could I not just add that in to my daily carb allowance?

I know people talk about stalls, and getting out of ketosis by eating maltitol, but would that small amount make a big difference if all carbs are treated by the body the same?

As for me, I'm not a carb addict. I like them, I don't crave them. For me a small piece or two of this chocolate is great for just a change of palate...and very satisfying as if I'd had dessert.

What thoughts do you guys have? I've had none since induction and just wondered if truely all carbs are created equal...with respect to the body's processing them...not nutrition.

Thanks a heap!
Muse

But all carbs are not created equal, Muse. Eating a banana vs eating 1 cup of lettuce will not produce the same reaction in your body, specifically as it relates to insulin. This is because a banana and lettuce have a different glycemic index. The glycemic index is a well researched ranking of carbohydrates based on how quickly they are broken down during digestion and their effect on blood sugar levels. A banana is much higher on the GI than lettuce resulting in more insulin being released into the blood stream. Potatoes have a GI which is similar to that of sugar.

As for the sugar alcohols, everyone reacts to them differently; Whether your body decides the bar has 2g or carbs of 15g will be something you'll have to test.

You do need those 20g of carbs and you do need them from certain sources. Your body does need some carbs, otherwise this would be a Zero Carb plan, and not a LC one.

It does matter where the carbs come from, and it very much matters on induction.

Nat

aw.....................all right, then.........geeesh!


(but I did think dark chocolate had a low GI)...Montignac claims that...I'll have to find my info (my friend borrowed the book)

Think of it this way, if all carbs were created equal we could get our 20 grams a day from 5 teaspoons of sugar

Nat

The only way to know for sure is to try it and see what happens. If you don't get cravings for more - it may take up to two - days , then you're probably fine.

Karen

Thanks y'all

I'll at least abstain until Induction is over...I sort of view that as paying my dues...lol

Thanks again, makes a lot of sense Nat.

Karen, will do (actually I did thruoughout my somersizing with no adverse effects...or perhaps there were, as I only lost 11 lbs/6weeks...hmmmm)

Muse

I try to get most of my carbs from veggies because of the vitamins, fibre, etc. that veggies contain. Having said that, I also drink about 3 cups of coffee per day, for three 'junk' carbs. So far, that hasn't been a problem, but I'm monitoring it.

I agree with both Nat and Karen. Try to get most of your carbs from 'healthy' sources: veggies, maybe some nuts and seeds, perhaps the odd serving of berries. But an occasional 'treat' probably won't hurt either, as long as it doesn't trigger cravings or stalls. As long as you're aware of what you're eating, and why, and monitor your progress (or lack of it), you'll be fine.

Rachel