I've been eating the Atkins bars and have a question:
THe carbs are listed at one number, maybe 18, and then the fiber will be 2 or 3, but the net carbs are only 2 or 3. What accounts for the other carbs? How many carbs do I count for a bar?

Thanks,

Lynn

Carbs that are from alcohol sugars are not absorbed the same as regular sugar carbs. So I guess they don't count? I was told something to that effect.

GREAT article, Kim, thanks for sharing!

I'm very wary of all the processed foods that claim some magical low number of 'net' carbs. Although I accept that some foods are processed differently in our body, I don't think there is a free pass in life, and carbs are no exception. I think the bars, shakes etc have a place for some people, and if they can help you make a not-as-bad choice at a moment when otherwise you'd choose worse, I think they are okay, but I wouldn't consider them a regular part of a healthy diet.

It's a lot of chemicals and processing to make those foods 'low net carbs' and a lot we don't know about the long term effects.

I also believe that for a lot of us, the body tastes "sweet" and releases insulin - whether that "sweet" is coming from sugar or fake sugar. Probably less insulin released for fake stuff - as the body will realize it's not getting the sugar it expected, but there is still an impact from Splenda & other sweeteners. I know some people couldn't possibly make it though low carb without the sweeteners, but I also know it's an acquired taste - you can wean yourself off all sweeteners without too much difficulty.

Like most things in life, I suspect moderation is the key...

Thanks Kim for the article. I don't think I'll be buying more bars. I seem to do OK with a little splenda in my coffee and an occational Diet DP, but otherwise I stay away from sugar substitutes.
Thanks everyone for the replys. Lynn