What makes up Carbs?

[believe]

I am trying to help a friend with Atkins. I do a nutrionist eating style, so I can only help so much. We went to Walgreens and started looking at the bars, etc. We became confused on items that didn't count alcohol sugar/sugar alcohol (can't remember exactly what it was called) towards carbs...can you do this with Atkins? I know that fiber is usually subtracted from the total carb intake. Also, what are all items that make up carbs? I seen sugar, fiber, sugar alcohol and one item that started with an m. What is actually counted as carbs on Atkins?

 

[TigH]

bump!

 

[DixieDreamer]

Atkins allows you to deduct Fiber carbs from your total carb count - as it is not "digested" by the body and has virtually no impact on blood sugar levels. I have always netted out fiber from my carb totals.

Atkins also allows you to deduct glycerine and sugar alcohols from the carb count - as they are believed to be negligible in their impact on blood sugar levels (this is what you are really trying to do - stabilize the blood sugar impacts). Unfortunately, these two items are a YMMV (your mileage may vary) thing. I know from personal experience that glycerine is like SUGAR to my body and I count FULL carbs on it and actually just try to avoid products with glycerine in it (such as the low carb bars). Sugar alcohols also do impact me - but not to the same degree. I will OCCASSIONALLY have items with sugar alcohols - such as a sugar free chocolate bar - but it is very very infrequent and again - I count the full carbs.

Your friend will have to experiment with what works (or does not) for her. If she stalls or has problems... I would ditch the products with glycerine or sugar alcohols... they are KNOWN problems for many people. Probably good for occassional treats on maintenance for those of us that doe react to them... but not good if you are trying to lose.

 

[believe]

Thanks for the response....I have e:mailed it to my friend since I am off work today