Net Carbs Explained: A Simple Guide for Low-Carb Diets

The concept of net carbohydrates is a recent one, popularized by low-carb diets such as Atkins. Different systems count net carbs in different ways, some of which are of dubious validity when it comes to truly eating low-carb. Fiber, one form of carbohydrate, is by definition indigestible and used to aid in the disposal of waste. Because of this, fiber can be readily dismissed when tallying up overall carbohydrate intake.

Instructions

Counting Net Carbs

• 1

  Add up the overall number of carbohydrates you have consumed over the course of the day. Most foods have nutrition information readily available, either on the package or online.

• 2

  Take note of how many grams of fiber you have consumed over the course of the day.

• 3

  Subtract the grams of fiber from the overall number of carbohydrates to determine net carbohydrate consumption. The remaining grams of carbohydrates are your net carbs.