I was lately reading a lot of labels, and for sure "all my readings" right now are Atkins LC/ sugar free/ low carb items/books. I have noticed that "low carb" items in the grocery store are NOT low carb enough for me: for example, the Atkins low carb bars are somewhere around 20-25 carb per bar. Also, most of the Flax cereals are very high in carbs - about 25-30 carbs per 1 cup serving - that is a lot.
Also, does anyone using #3 Atkins supplemental formula - by looking on some websites, it offers Chromium, Magnesium, Calcium and many other important supplements for our body. I realize that " by eating right, you can supplement yourself better than any formulas," yet, I would like to know if this item is beneficial as advertized.
Peace.

Hi, Rafaella

Since a lot of low carbers don't eat grains, or limit them extensively, and avoid other foods, it could cause problems. It doesn't hurt to supplement with various nutrients. Chromium helps to stabilize blood sugar, as well as other things. Calcium should be taken in a 2 to 1 ratio with magnesium. Calcium helps prevent bone loss, and prevents muscle cramping, and it thought to help with weight loss. It works best with the magnesium.

Before you take supplements, you need to do research. You might not need as many as someone else might. I personally take a lot of supplements, vitamins, minerals, and herbs, but I have needs that you might not have.

As far as items with flax, flaxseed is all fiber. It is extremely good for you, not only because of the fiber but because of the essential fatty acids it contains. You can buy flaxseed meal and make your own low carb cereal. Look in the cooking section of this forum and you will find recipes for this.

Keep in mind that most low carb bars have sugar alcohols, and they deduct those from the total carb count; however, many of us do not lose if we consume sugar alcohols, and they can cause severe gastric distress. It is better to deduct only the fiber in figuring your carbs.

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Nita