Is it best to go by the net carbs or the actual carbs it says on the label?

net carbs. total carbs minus fiber.

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Thanks!!

cupcake,

I hate to sound like a broken record, but don't you think you would do a LOT better with this way of eating if you UNDERSTOOD IT???
The only excuse for not reading the book is laziness.
Every library has a copy (MORE than A copy!) and there is tons of information online.

I only say this because you really are not doing yourself any favors by winging it. And it's not fair to the members of this board to hold your hand for every single step.
Don't get me wrong, we don't mind helping newbies or answering questions one bit, but posting several *obvious* questions in a matter of minutes -- and questions which are quickly and clearly answered in the book -- can get a little old.
If you don't like Atkins (some find him too dry or confusing), then I suggest you read Protein Power by Drs. Michael & Mary Dan Eades (also available at libraries). Their book is my favorite for helping one understand the how's and why's of eating this way.

As for your net carb question, you CANNOT always believe the box label!
:( Unfortunately, the only *net carbs* that you can TRULY believe is the carb total minus the fiber content (as Achilles pointed out). Many companies subtract other things (like sugar alcohols) but a LOT of people will tell you that they will stall you in a heartbeat.
Hope that made sense.

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Summer

DON'T buy any product with sugar alcohols in them for now. They could stall you.

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Whats sugar alcohols? Yeah I'm sure I would know if I read the book but since I haven't yet what are they? And it's not like I'm forcing people to answer my questions.

Sugar alcohols are chemicals food manufacturers put into desserty type products to make them sweet. They will either spike your insulin levels as if you were eating real sugar or they will cause intestinal distress. Either way..........they have a negative impact on the body. And the FDA allows them to subtract SA's from net carb counts. It's very misleading. Many people come to this board and ask why they aren't losing weight. One of the first things we ask..........are you eating products with sugar alcohols in them. They usually are. And when they stop, they start losing weight.

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