Bodybuilding Forums

I just started to enjoy these but am confused about the carb count. http://www.buyatkins.com/product_detail ... =ATK+DB+AC

On the package, it says 3 grams net carbs but on the nutrition label its 18g of carb with 9 grams of fiber. How does this come out to 3grams net carbs?

They're fudging the numbers and not counting sugar alcohols and glycerin. But many people do metabolize these and find they cause an insulin response, so the net carb count for them is much higher.

See here for more info: http://www.phlaunt.com/lowcarb/19059967.php

Do sugar alcohols give you bad gas and diarrhea? If so, congratulations! You can freely eat foods with sugar alcohols knowing that your body doesn't metabolize them, because the bacteria in your gut are clearly feasting on them. Just be sure to bring a spare pair of pants along with you (speaking of "fudging the numbers"). Sugar alcohols are like Olestra or Alli. Not worth the risk, in my opinion.

Of course, YMMV, as always.

so is it a good idea not to eat the atkins bars? I really like these. Actually taste good for a health bar. Yeah, these bars give me gas. Was gassed up the whole day. Did not get diarriah though

I eat them, but I count their full carb count - fiber, not the faux count on the front of the package.

They are a low-glycemic treat.

do you also subtract the sugar alcohol from the total carbs?

mykim0 wrote:do you also subtract the sugar alcohol from the total carbs?

No, let me repeat what I said with important part highlighted: "I eat them, but I count their full carb count (minus) fiber, not the faux count on the front of the package." Sugar alcohols in general have less caloric value than sucrose (table sugar) per gram, but they are close enough to 4 cal/gm that it doesn't matter. And most give me no intestinal distress, ergo although the effect on my insulin is minimal, more than one every day or two will almost certainly stall your progress.

--Matt B.